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Dear Mom, when was the last time you took a break?
We often put the needs of our little ones before our own. However, it is essential to learn to take care of yourself, to take time to rest, and to do so guilt-free.
There is no better way to lead a full life and ensure a better future for our children than when we take care of ourselves. So get together with your family, call those friends you haven’t seen in a while and enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Step One: Understand that you need a break before you break
Did you know that mothers work an average of 98 hours a week?
One study revealed that women say they start caring for their children around 6 a.m. and stop working after 8 p.m. on the best of days.
That’s almost three full-time jobs!
Specialists have determined the importance of mothers taking breaks, changing environments, and separating from the home for a couple of days.
This may sound counterproductive, especially in Latino families where guilt is the bread and butter. However, researchers at Penn State University say babies still feel safe even when mothers don’t respond immediately to their needs.
Remember that wanting to distance yourself from your kids means you’re human!
Make a space on your calendar for that weekend with your friends
On that calendar in the middle of the kitchen, where all the family schedules are, Mommy’s weekend for Mommy should be in red.
Claire Lerner, child development specialist and author, explains that adding “quiet time” to a mom’s schedule is critical.
“Many families I am working with are finding this life-changing, and it’s something I wish I had been better at, but mom guilt almost always won out,” Lerner explains. “In hindsight, though, it is so clear to me now that establishing this break period would have been much more loving to my kids.”
By taking a break, we bring our best selves to the time we spend with our children. We can teach our family that having a close and loving connection doesn’t mean spending every minute together, which is a key component of any healthy relationship.
Are you ready for that weekend with your chosen family?