A Time-Out For Mom

Today amongst Ker Plunk, building a Lincoln Log community and some crafts, my daughters decided to make me a part of their magic show. They weren’t having much luck making their latest Bratz dolls disappear and they needed an easier challenge-me!

So, they covered me with various blankets and pillows from head to toes and explained they were going to make me magically disappear. They asked me where I would like to go. I laughingly replied, “To a remote island with lots of sun, few people and a cabanna boy that can fetch me drinks, food and magazines.” My oldest, trying to take it in, said, “Mom, what’s a cabanna boy?” I smiled and said, “You’ll understand that one when you are a Mom.”

So, with their magic wands, also known as pencils, waving they said their magic words and presto. I was still there-much to their dismay and mine.

With a husband that is often gone, a three and five year old, two cats and a goldfish named John, I often long for the days when I could call in sick. Those were the days-just wearing my fat pants, warm socks while just laying on the couch watching Lifetime uninterrupted except for food and bathroom breaks-for an entire day.

While I treasure being a wife and Mother, I often find myself longing for some peace. Peace from the noise, chaos, demands, chores, errands, request and endless questions that accompany Motherhood. While it is a joy being called “Mom”, it is also exhausting both emotionally, mentally and physically. Every so often, when the stress meter is on high and the energy level is on low, I attempt a time out-for me.

My hair stylist, Mandy, thinks it is quiet funny that when my husband is out of town or working late, that I am actually excited about heading to Friday’s with a stack of magazines to eat and have a drink-alone. Other friends at the Y know that if they can’t find me in the fitness area at the Y – that I am most likely reading the paper in the “decompression chamber” also known as the pool! I also have an hour of daily quiet time at our home. Our daughters may individually read, draw, play quietly or nap –and I do the same.

And during my once a year-self imposed and husband encouraged retreat, my friends inquire if I will be lonely on my 24 hour retreat. I reply with a smile, “No, but I will be alone.”

I love going to this special local inn with a spa, sauntering back to my room with a large stack of magazines, a spa tub and room service---and the quiet room with the comfy bed. (If you haven’t done this, save up and do it! You deserve and need it!)


As they tell you on that airplane, place your own oxygen mask on before doing so for your children. And sometimes, just sometimes, I try to do the same in daily life. I need to take care of me once in awhile, so that I can do my best in taking care of them.