Parents Need Time Outs Too!

Although my kids would have you believe that I need a minute or two on the naughty step that is not the kind of time out I have in mind. We are talking “time out from the situation” for just a short time.

Read this part in a breezy fashion: (Out loud or in your head. Your choice.)

Remember when you dreamed of getting married to the man of your dreams and spending every moment together? You’d wear a flowing white gown for him every day, watch for him to get home and greet him with open arms, a smooch, and his slippers. Then remember when you dreamed of you and Prince Charming having beautiful children together and cuddling up with the baby and you all frolicking in the grass as child becomes toddler. Remember how perfect you thought it would be?

Breezy tone ends here, replaced by a hint of hostility, as reality kicks back in:

What the heck happened? Where’s the frolicking and the cuddling? And why are those kids so noisy? What Sweetie? You drew a picture of me as a mermaid on your bedroom wall? You broke Dad’s watch case? Oh my gosh is that Frank’s Red Hot on my bone carpet? I’m sorry Hun I forgot to set the coffee timer for you last night. Oh. You drank the last Slim Fast this morning?! You think that makes us square?

Yeah, that’s more like it. Beautiful and loving in its own way, but not at all restful. Parents, we need time outs to recharge us and prepare us for the next batch of challenges. There is nothing to feel guilty about and it is the best thing for your whole family because you cannot instill love and happiness in your children if you are not abundant in it yourself. So get out and go do something.

The biggest challenge is finding a sitter, right? Here’s what we do… sometimes for time out time Hubby and I have to hop in the truck, throw the headphones on the kids to watch a movie while we get a Starbucks, drive around, and just talk about everything nothing. Hey! It works! I’d love to hear if you’ve got something better!