Today I’m going to shock a few of you by encouraging you to Fling housework aside from time to time this Spring and run away from your family for an evening. When you are done gasping bear with me here and read on!
There are times when I want to be able to stop everything and just enjoy my boys. Sounds like it would be simple right? So what’s my problem? Why can’t I seem to overcome the mountains of laundry and dishes the trails of clothes throughout my tiny home and the close quarters that seem to be getting ever closer and simply spend a few minutes ENJOYING my precious sons?
I have decided that regardless of the amount of work there is to be done it is imperative, mandatory even that we schedule in time to spend enjoying our children. It may be a little challenging with the vast age differences of my children and I don’t always feel like I’m spending time “with” them when they are playing outside since they’re off doing their own thing. For me this means putting events and ideas on the calendar that the children and I can look forward to.
More ideas will be coming your way soon, I have a few up my sleeve that I’m interested in giving a try and want your feedback on as well, but I’ll save that for another day. In the meantime, I’ll schedule trips to the Y with my kids. We have a GREAT new facility about 15 minutes from us and we just joined as the fees are reasonable, especially for a family our size! Then there’s always nature adventures and more to explore even right here at home. All that to say it doesn’t have to cost a lot to have a quality, memorable time with your kids, we just have to make sure it happens!
On to the “running away” part (I know *gasp* again) . . . Spring Fever has arrived and it really affects adults too – especially moms of young children! For me it isn’t limited to spring because so many of us are in this tiny home, but I know many many moms begin to feel a little claustrophobic and even overwhelmed especially in the Spring.
As you begin gearing up for better weather, spring cleaning, spring and summer kids’ activities and more to schedule this is also the perfect time of year for you to plan an evening out with other moms. An evening free of children, free of housework, free of cooking and cleaning or anything to do with all of that. I’m assuming, of course, that you are still scheduling your monthly dates with your hubby and I’m NOT suggesting that this take the place of those as they are extremely important!
Most of us eat, sleep and breathe an unbelievable amount of daily duties as a mom and I’m here to tell you that it is ok to take a night “off”. It isn’t because you need to pretend you aren’t a mom and it isn’t because you are tired of mothering. Nor is it because you are not content in your life as a homemaker, errand runner, cook, maid, chauffeur or parent! Nope, it is simply a refresher. Sometimes it is nice to spend a little quality time with a few friends who are dear to you, if you are anything like me it is extremely difficult to find time to do this, but when you do it is great conversation, with no stress and just plain relaxing.
Again, I suggest these be kept simple and fairly financially savvy. Meeting at a coffee shop costs very little even if you all decide to go “window” shopping afterward. Dinner is nice to, as long as everyone is conscientious about others’ financial needs! Keep it simple.
Here’s another fun one . . . something my friends and I have enjoyed a few times. Put together a pampering party. It’s a simple event where everyone can bring their own foot “spa” (can be a bowl or large container) and towel and you can all sit around, soaking your feet, doing your nails, eating snacks and enjoying some great music! This only really works if someone has a home that is easily separated from the rest of their family area.
I know this is a little unusual for a Mommy Reality or Life With Boys Monday, but I really wanted to give you something to think about as we get into the flurry of Spring.