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And now some good advice about keeping your balance as a parent:
For the past 23 months, I have been the primary caregiver for my son. I would not trade that time for anything, but it is the toughest job I have ever had. At the end of the day, sometimes all I can do is lay in a heap on the couch and watch the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” 6:15 is the magic hour when “Da-da” gets home and I am relieved of my duties. In the meantime, here are a few of the things that help me get through non-stop Mom duty:
“Me” time. My number one tip (and the thing that helps me the most) is taking time for myself in the morning. This may not work for everyone, but my husband’s job allows him to arrive at work between 9am and 10am most days, giving me some precious morning hours to go to the gym and take a nice hot shower without my son wreaking havoc in the bathroom with the toilet plunger. I feel better when I have gotten a good workout in and am wearing a semi-cute outfit, making me a happier mom all day long!
Getting away. Whether it is on the weekend when your spouse is home, or in the evening when you book a sitter, taking some time away from your child to do something for you is essential for parental sanity. After your “away” time you will feel refreshed and more ready to handle baby shenanigans. There are many different ways to get more affordable childcare besides a sitter: you can join a babysitting co-op, try a nanny-share, or “hire” your family and friends to help put. Also, many YMCAs offer reasonably priced childcare (mine is $5 an hour).
Naptime/quiet time. My son’s naps are not always a sure thing these days. When he takes a long nap, I am in luck, but when it’s a short one I implement additional, mandatory quiet time–where he is in his crib in his room, and I am in another room checking e-mail or finishing my lunch. This afternoon siesta is essential for making the day go smooth for both of us.
Handing over the PM shift. At the end of the day, I am beat. I have nothing left to give, so when Dad walks in the door it is his time to parent! Dad bathes and puts my son to bed so I can pop open a can of diet soda and turn on Bravo. Again, everyone’s schedule may not allow for this. If your partner gets home late, consider booking some early evening childcare once in a while to give yourself a break at the end of a long day.
Zoning out together with the babe. Being a stay-at-home parent is like running a marathon. Sometimes you just have to zone out. During these times, I will put on Nick Jr. or go for a long walk with my son in the stroller so I can have a break from chasing after him. Sometimes just sitting on the couch and reading books will do the trick for both of us.
