Busy Mom Top Ten List

When I became a mom 9 years ago, I had no idea what I was in store for. At first it seemed like I had all the time in the world and didn't even know what to do with myself. That quickly changed as the kids multiplied and as they get older we just keep getting busier! There are days we struggle and fail but there are also days we succeed and breeze through. Every day whether it is a struggle or a breeze is a victory when you remember why you are doing it! As a busy mom, there are things you cna do to make things go easier. Here are my top 10 that I live by.
1. Plan- meals, activities, days, weeks. The more planning there is the easier it is! The better you plan, the more prepared you are.
2. Learn to let things go. It is ok if you forget something or drop the ball here or there. You are not perfect and do not have super powers and if you learn to accept this, everyone will feel better.
3. Find time for yourself- We give everything for our kids. We put them before ourselves every day. Even if it is a just a few minutes and that means waking up early or staying up late, find some time solely for yourself by yourself. This is my workout time!
4. Work as a team- work together and compromise. Everyone can do chores and have responsibilities.
5. Communicate- Talk as a family. Share the good and the bad and have a relationship where you have trust and respect for each other. It will cause less stress and anxiety!
6. Ask for help. Again, we aren't super human. It is ok to rely on others and ask for help.
7. Prioritize- Establish your top priorities and make sure you are always addressing them and learn that it is ok to let some of the other things go or to say no or later.
8. Establish Routines- Kids love routines and like to know what to expect and what is expected of them. A routine helps with this and makes days and weeks run more smoothly.
9. Have an outlet. This may be a friend, a hobby, exercise, or even therapy. Have some way to relieve the stress and relax.
10. Enjoy every bit of it! The joys and sorrows! It is hard and difficult and sometimes impossible. But always remember to enjoy it all because it is so worthwhile!

Nina Pears