 A
Note From Mary
Dear
Fellow Mom,
I was talking with a group of
moms recently and the topic of summer came up. Some moms
were
looking forward to the break of the regular school year
routine; some were dreading the intensity
of having kids underfoot all day; and some were worried
about the challenge of protecting their
kids' daily routine as the weather warms up and
opportunities to go and do increase.
As I listened, I was struck by two things. First, our
mothering experiences are as unique as we are. Because our
individual circumstances vary, so do our experiences as
moms. The number of children we have, how helpful our
partner is (if we have one), special needs in the family,
etc. all influence The Mother Load. Consequently, what's
right for your family may not be right for the family next
door. And vice versa. I was reminded again that we have to
stick to our guns when it comes to doing what we know is
best for our family.
Second, I was struck by the number of women in this small
group who feel guilty when they arrange for some time away
from their children, whether it be for an hour, a day, or
a week. Where did we get the notion that in order to be a
good mother we have to be with our kids 24/7?
The truth is, time away from our kids actually gives us an
opportunity to rest and refuel. As Richard Foster writes
in A Celebration of Discipline, "The fruit of
solitude is increased sensitivity and compassion for
others. There comes new freedom to be with people. There
is a new attentiveness to their needs, a new
responsiveness to their hurts."
I don't know about you, but that's what I want in my life:
a new attentiveness to others' needs and a new responsive-
ness to their hurts.
When viewed in this light, finding time to be alone
becomes an essential part of mothering. But it's even
harder to do during the summer with the kids around. I
encourage you to make it a priority though. Remember,
self-care isn't selfish; it's an investment in the future
of your family.
Strengthening families by encouraging moms,
Mary Byers
Help
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|
June 13,
2005
Lightening
the Load
eZine
published by Mary Byers, Author of The Mother Load
Table
of Contents
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A
Note From Mary |
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Calling
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Sanity
Saver |
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