Moms, before you rush headlong into the day as mother, teacher, principal, judge, negotiator and referee (exhausted yet?!), you must take time for yourself first. Why? because if you don’t take care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually first, you will become needy…and then your kids will have to manage YOUR emotions.
The greatest gift you can give your children is putting yourself first in the morning…so that you are whole in every respect. You can handle anything that comes your way because you’ve taken care of yourself. So how do you want to begin the day? What helps you? Exercise. Read your Bible. Listen to worship music. Sit quietly. Rock on your porch and listen to birds sing. Walk your dogs and talk to God. Develop a tradition for your own peace of mind in the morning and make it a priority. What is your new morning routine going to be? Share below and give other Homeschooling Moms ideas.
7 comments
Whew, I know I NEED to get back into doing for me, I used to do that! We have the perfect place (when I get it cleaned up again) for ME time – our glassed in front porch! Early morning-just before sunrise – you just feel God there – in the first sunbeams of the day. Even on cloudy or better yet – foggy days. The bible just opens itself with a flip of your hand – and lo and behold, the most wonderful scripture jumps off of the pages into your heart. I will start this by next week – last child starts school this week and our household will be school routine mode again! Even if the kids are up and come out – they seem to sense something and VCALM reigns! Thank you for this site – love it!!
Paula, can we all come over?? Sounds like a sanctuary in your home. Make that YOUR place, the place you go when you need to calm down, get clarity or talk to the kids. Check back in next week–let me know how the new routine is going. It WILL change your day!
Ha! Sure tell that to my screaming baby who already gets me up way too early! Maybe if I could hire a nanny I would have some of that coveted morning time. Until the kids are much older mummy’s emotional “bank” is going to verge on completely empty.
Hi Jen, I understand that this is extremely challenging, especially when you have babies and little ones. But that’s the whole point. Find some time–whether it’s three minutes in your bathroom listening to music or six minutes reading something peaceful–for yourself. The ONLY person who can make sure your emotional bank account has at least a couple small deposits is you. Don’t give up–find that time.
LOVE your website and so grateful for the compassionate wisdom you are bringing to the world. Thank you. <3 I heard about you on Gentle Christian Mothers where I have been blessed to spend the past decade of my mothering with amazing friends and mentors.
As a mom who has been homeschooling since my first child was born nearly twelve years ago, I couldn't agree more with the need for moms to fuel themselves first. A wonderful little book I find so much encouragement from is, "Daily Focus" by Janet Tatman. It's specifically for homeschoolers and really helps me start my day with a healthy and patient perspective. Time with my Heavenly Father and His Word, a quick Daily Focus and mug of dangerously steamy tea all to myself with the morning sun and birdsong…..ahhhh!
I also find it very important to shower, dress and prepare myself as if I were going out to a salaried job. I might just be wearing jeans or yoga pants and a brightly colored shirt freshly laundered from the thrift store, but I add a pair of pretty earrings, brush out my hair and add a touch of makeup and perfume….instant cheerful mom! I feel more organized and put together and it reflects in how I teach and interact with my children.
I balance that with Fun Fridays when we take a break from school work, stay in pj's, play board and video games, make popcorn for an afternoon movie, and a mom & kid prepared mouthwatering homemade dessert to finish off our evening meal together! My husband loves Fun Friday, too!
Something else I have learned over the years is how important it is for me to have my own hobbies and interests and to actually MAKE time for them. I've always loved creating art and this year became a professional face painter with my own small business! My children are part of the business operation and there are valuable learning opportunities yet I am still able to independently pursue my creative passion on a regular basis. It has filled my joy-cup and allowed me to not only be a better mother and teacher but a wonderful example to my children of following the unique gifts and passions the Lord blesses each of us with!
(((((Jen))))) I hear you, mama. That is a HARD season to be in. Please be encouraged that is really is a temporary season and things WILL be easier and you WILL be able to connect with yourself again.
May I share a secret? When mine were younger, I kept a pretty basket in my bathroom sink under child-proof lock. Inside was a frivilous magazine, a big fat bar of dark chocolate, a small bottle of lavender essential oil, and two small but hugely inspiring books:
Mediations for New Mothers by Beth Wilson Saavedra
25 Things Every New Mother Should Know by Martha Sears
Even when I was an experienced mother, those little books were just as helpful and wonderful because they reminded me of things that are easy to forget when you are sleep deprived, touched out and out of touch with the woman inside of you.
Whenever I saw an opportunity, I would slip into the bathroom and induldge in ten minutes of bliss and it really helped save my sanity. I encourage you to make your own Pampering Basket. And when your husband has had time to eat and rest after getting home from work, let him know you need to have half an hour to regenerate and his baby needs some time with him. Daddies are just as good at holding screaming babies and can surprise us with their own calming methods!
Also, babywearing is a WONDERFUL way to get baby to sleep on your back while doing things like folding laundry and watching your own show. Babies who sleep snuggled safely on Mama’s back often snooze for HOURS and while you may have a little person strapped to you, lol, you will also be able to take a quiet walk, make and actually eat a whole sandwich, sway to some favorite praise music, etc. My favorite and easiest to use (not to mention most comfortable) carrier for back carries is the Ergo.
Hugs and prayers, you’re not alone! xoxo
Love these great ideas. Here’s why this is so important. If you do not take care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually, you will put your children and spouse in the position of “taking care of” (i.e. managing) you. You will become needy. Jesus had all the demands of needy people on him, but he continually retreated so that he could take care of himself…and give from a place of wholeness.
Taking care of yourself is demonstrating self-respect. You are demonstrating that your time is important. Self-respect breeds respect from others.
By submitting a comment you grant Calm Christian Parenting a perpetual license to reproduce your words and name/web site in attribution. Inappropriate and irrelevant comments will be removed at an admin’s discretion. Your email is used for verification purposes only, it will never be shared.