Carving out ME TIME
LAUREN OPENS UP ABOUT TAKING A BREAK FROM MUM LIFE
Having children changes your life in so many wonderful ways, but sometimes looking after yourself can get lost along the way. My friends and I often talk about the lack of time we get for ourselves and the things we miss doing from life before children.
I was very lucky to have Mum show me from the very beginning how important it was to make it a priority. The day after I came home from hospital after having my first baby, she suggested I leave Sam with my husband Matt for some bonding time and took me out for a coffee and to do a little shopping. We were only gone for an hour, but it was wonderful to just have a moment to breathe and feel like myself – and then I couldn’t wait to get back to my beautiful baby.
Those little breaks are essential for my sanity and they are something I schedule in if need be. I actually hate leaving the kids (most of the time!) but I know how much better and calmer I feel after. It is also nice to be able to finish a conversation without being interrupted or enjoy a coffee while it’s hot!
I have a very understanding husband who also sees the signs when I have had enough, and he will send me away and tell the kids I need 20 minutes. It may just be to take a shower in peace, but it’s helpful for me to put some music on and breathe for a bit or go for a walk and clear my head.
As much as I love my mum life, it is a hard job and I feel stretched in so many areas sometimes. I am fortunate to have some lovely girlfriends and we go out for dinner whenever we can. It’s a great way for me to recharge and really, all we do is talk about the kids, but I always come home with a smile on my face and new things to think about!
Another time that is important for me is the hour or two when everyone else is in bed. I love to have some peace and quiet in the house.
Matt is up early for work, so he needs to get to bed. When I’m not too tired
I will stay up and make another cup of tea and enjoy the freedom of watching whatever I want on TV and having total control of how much I binge-watch and how late I stay up. I feel like a naughty child and quite often I suffer from the late night, but it is worth it!
It is all about grabbing moments that are just for you and making sure parenting life is as enjoyable as it can be, because we all know it’s over far too quickly.