I’m convinced all moms have difficult days. I refer to those days when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, irritable, depressed and just plain miserable. Everything overwhelms us and we are unable to take care of the house, the children (who seem to be more uncontrollable then ever), work, etc., etc. This is exactly how I felt last week. I can say it has been, not only a day, but “a difficult week.” Why? Spring Break was officially over and everybody had to get back into the swing of things after a nice break! In this case, the situations took me by surprise and I managed not as I would have liked. But there are some strategies that have helped me cope with other difficult days:
Chat with other moms.
Discussions with friends, even telephone, or chat help disconnect from my day and help remind me that all mothers have difficult days … and are temporary. I love talking to my friends and sharing stories of “My Day was..” ,OMG my kids did.., I wanted to hurt her type of stories. Sometimes that even makes me thankful that at least my day wasn’t like yours!
Do not be too demanding on yourself.
Reduce your daily tasks and essential basics. Is it extremely necessary that you really Iron that whole pile of clothes? I highly doubt it. Focus on an important task in the day. This will ensure the satisfaction of accomplishment fulfilled and avoid the frustration of the remaining tasks. And it simplifies all activities as possible. If you do not feel like cooking, buying food purchased (and do not worry, it will only be these days).
More TV and computer time for children.
OK, some will say that’s what’s wrong with kids today. I get that. But if you routinely try to restrict the time children spend watching television or playing computer games, it would be these days you are more permissive. Let them spend more time with these games and video. Do not feel guilty. Be better for everyone, they will be entertained and you’ll have more time to relax or rest. When the dust probably outweigh those minutes to other activities.
Rest more.
If you have not slept well, have less energy for the day. The best thing you can do is go to bed earlier. If you cannot sleep all night because you have younger children or a newborn, take advantage of the time sleeping during the day and relax you too. My Grandmother used to call me every day when my kids were small and if they were sleep she would start fussing! She was a firm believer of “sleeping when the baby sleeps”. However, that was when I felt that I needed to get everything else DONE! After Princess Jada came I took her advice and I see now why it helps in the long run! Lol
NOW Tell me how you handle those ‘bad days”….
I am guilty of putting a lot on my plate and over working myself and I don’t sleep well at night. Because of this, I have learned to take a nap during the day. My kids think all I do is nap, I remind them that while they’re at school and sleeping, that’s when the cleaning, washing, folding, ironing, dusting, grocery shopping get done and that I am their activities taxi. LOL. In spite of my naps, I still find myself in a sleep deficit and every so often have to go to bed early with the help of a natural sleep aid. What’s a mom to do?