10 Reasons why warm weather rocks

2008-05-09T17:44:00Z

Sarah Ludwig Rausch is a mom of four and a freelance writer. Sarah specializes in parenting, children’s health, agriculture and family issues and writes a blog, “Parenting By Trial and Error.” She’s written for The Christian Science Monitor, The Progressive Farmer, Farm Industry News, Singapore ’s parenting magazine Motherhood, and a variety of other publications.

1. No more spending twenty minutes bundling each of the boys up, only to have them come back inside two minutes later, complaining that “it’s too cold.”

2. The amount of sock sorting goes waaaay down. (Yesssss!!)

3. The kids actually want to spend long periods of time outside.

4. I actually want to go outside.

5. I can work in my garden.

6. Camping.

7. Boating.

8. Swimming.

9. The end of school.

10. The beginning of a long, relaxing, virtually schedule-free, fun summer.

What are your 10 reasons for loving warm weather?

Making time for you

2008-04-01T18:44:00Z

Making time for you...

The early years of motherhood are tough. Trying to find time to brush your teeth, let alone get a shower, can be daunting. Even going to the bathroom in peace may be too much to ask for some days.

I never understood the Calgon commercial that used to be on TV when I was kid. It pictured a harried, stressed-out mom with her ill-behaved, shrieking children, exclaiming, “Calgon, take me away!”

“What’s her problem?” I wondered whenever I saw it.

Now I know.

Taking a bath by myself with no interruptions is pure bliss. Heck, using the bathroom without people banging on the door or barging in is heaven.

Peaceful moments are paramount to mental health when you’re the parent of young children. You simply must have them. Whether it’s a long, quiet bath, a day to yourself, or a weekend away, time to unwind and regroup has to be a priority.

I just got home from a girls get-away weekend with my friends. It was perfect timing. I spend most of my days alone at home, usually with at least two of my four kids. It was time for a break, so when my friend mentioned that she was going to sell jewelry at a craft show, I and another friend invited ourselves along.

We stayed at a resort on the Missouri River where the theme for the weekend was Ladies’ Time Out. They had parties for us both nights, door prizes galore, snazzy drinks and free stuff. We stayed up late talking, stood in line for 2 hours to have our palms read at the Pajama Party (it was worth the wait), got help with our temporary tattoos from two cute guys at the Harley Party and ate donuts every day.

By the time I arrived home yesterday, I was relaxed and ready to face the kids and the house again. Even better, the kids and their dad were at the circus, so I had a few hours to get things organized and to regroup.

The kids were excited to see me and I was happy and comforted by their hugs and stories of their weekend. Recharged and missing their sweet voices and expressive faces, I was happy that I had gone on the trip. It was just the getaway I so badly needed.

I know you’ve heard this a zillion and one times, but taking time out for yourself is not just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It gives you more patience, appreciation and a chance to remember who you are. We get so caught up in raising our kids that we often lose our identities. We are not just parents, we’re spouses, sisters, daughters, nieces, friends. You know those moms who are bewildered, depressed and don’t know what to do with themselves when their last child leaves the house? It’s because they have wrapped their entire lives around the kids and when the kids leave, there’s nothing left.

Don’t become one of those moms. Do something for yourself every once in a while, and for heaven’s sake, don’t feel guilty. You are far more upset about it than your kids will ever be. (Case in point: Ever notice how when you call home to check on things, feeling sick with worry, the kids not only have been having a blast with the baby-sitter, but they’ve practically forgotten who you are? Trust me, my friend, you care far more than they do.)

Plan something today, whether it’s an afternoon out with your girlfriends, a long walk around the park, a weekend away or seeing a movie by yourself. You’re not a bad person for needing a break.

Go.

Take a break.

Enjoy!

10 reasons why warm weather rocks

10 Reasons why warm weather rocks

Making time for you