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For years I struggled with finding "me" time without my children and husband. Has anyone else had that challenge?

Tags: free time, mothers

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My husband is really great when it comes to knowing when I need time or space to myself. Its not just moms, but we as himans sometimes just need a break! So when I need some time, he will take the kids outside for an hour or so, or I will get out and about. Also, he coaches youth baseball, so during practice even though I'm watching my son, I'm also catching up on girl time with the other moms. Also, I do photography, sometimes all I need is 30 min to go out and shoot some shots and it calms and relaxes me, so my husbamd will say grab your camera and get some stress relief! I think everyone should have some sort of hobby or outlet like that, that instantly revives them.

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It is still difficult for me to do at times, but I have to force myself to wake up early to get to the gym. I hate waking up (especially after sleepless night with the little one) but once I've had "my time" the day goes so much better.

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Hi Patrice,

I must say that this caught my attention. I am 31 but yet old fashion. I love the women of the 1800's because they were so opposite of who we are today. The women back them lived and love to serve their families without any hesitation or complaints.

For me, I live my life not wondering or worrying about "me time". I feel that my life is not to serve myself but to be a mother to my children and a wife to my husband. I do however get up at 5:00am in the morning to go the the gym and run everyday before my family gets up so that I do not disturb anytime during the day that I need to be there for them.

As a mother of 11, 8, and 6 year old, I love every moment and embrace them everyday as if today was my last day with them. I never consider my life to be to busy or hectic because I know that my life was ordained by the Most High and this is where He wants me to be and I MUST be content with that.

I am extremely blessed and grateful and feel like a queen to be in the position that I am in. I feel selfish when I try to make effort to have the "me time". I will always serve my family first and make sure that their needs are met before mine. I do appreciate the early mornings and the late nights because that is the time that I get to read, study, workout and I feel that it take no time away from them.

Love being a mom and a wife!

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It sounds to me like you get your "me" time but without the title by getting up early in the morning and having your time at night. I think it is great that you enjoy your life in the moment. I have to remind myself to do that. I like that you have a different perspective. It just goes to show how we all have different view points on the same topic.

Tamara Garcia said:
Hi Patrice,

I must say that this caught my attention. I am 31 but yet old fashion. I love the women of the 1800's because they were so opposite of who we are today. The women back them lived and love to serve their families without any hesitation or complaints.

For me, I live my life not wondering or worrying about "me time". I feel that my life is not to serve myself but to be a mother to my children and a wife to my husband. I do however get up at 5:00am in the morning to go the the gym and run everyday before my family gets up so that I do not disturb anytime during the day that I need to be there for them.

As a mother of 11, 8, and 6 year old, I love every moment and embrace them everyday as if today was my last day with them. I never consider my life to be to busy or hectic because I know that my life was ordained by the Most High and this is where He wants me to be and I MUST be content with that.

I am extremely blessed and grateful and feel like a queen to be in the position that I am in. I feel selfish when I try to make effort to have the "me time". I will always serve my family first and make sure that their needs are met before mine. I do appreciate the early mornings and the late nights because that is the time that I get to read, study, workout and I feel that it take no time away from them.

Love being a mom and a wife!

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I echo what you said Patrice. I have to be creative in finding me time. Like you, I find me time when I travel for business. I remember my last trip in a completely foreign land but with a reliable local guide. It was Pure Bliss - I didn't have to worry about a thing, a just point me to the right direction and let me know when it's time to eat kind of week. But you know... by the end of the week I was missing the family big time!

Cheers to all Moms. May we find the "me time" we all deserve and remember that sometimes we just have to force ourselves to take it!
Patrice Blakemore said:
I think you ladies have really gotten to the heart of finding "me" time and that is, you have to carve it out of your schedule. But most importantly, we as moms, not only deserve but need time to ourselves to be better parents, spouses/partners and friends. Having a supportive spouse/partner doesn't hurt either.

Cindy had a great suggestion about watching friends' kids and having them watch your own. I did that consistently for a year and it was wonderful, but now circumstances have changed so we can't do it as often. But I will definitely be getting "me" time this weekend. I am conducting a workshop at a conference I am also attending in Chicago. Yea for me. :-)

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Only EVERY week. Wish I could tell you it gets easier (and perhaps it will) but it has definitely been a struggle. But then it dawned on me. I wasn't getting any because I wasn't putting enough emphasis on how much I needed it.

So, I've made a deal with my husband. I get one night out a week. Just me. He can have a night out too if he wants it. But he's in school several months a week, so most of the time he just wants to chill at home. But I've stayed firm in it. I get one night out a week. I generally go to a coffee shop and meet up with some friends of mine. Or I just wander the mall or a shopping area or I just find a comfy place to read a book. If I get a Saturday afternoon to myself, I head to some antique stores.

I've also started taking the kids to the sitter's house once a week so I can fully focus. Generally, I just end up working, but it's nice to have some peace and quiet. Long story short, I've had to do some negotiating and basically put my foot down, but it's working so far!

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One thing I do is trade babysitting with neighbors & other Mom's -- we trade off, so while one of us watches a few kids, the other Mom gets some time on her own.

This was easier to organize when I was a stay at home Mom (as I saw other Moms much more often), but now that I work out of the house, I still have that network of Moms to call on.

Good luck --

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I struggle with that about 4 days a week. It's a tough spot because the reason I stay home with them (and homeschool) is because I love them and want to enjoy them before they are gone. Time goes so fast. However, I think I am the only one around here who thinks I need a little time to myself. I never want much. It is really amazing what a difference 2 hours can make in helping you feel refreshed. So, to answer the question, yes. I definitely have that challenge.

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I AM !! ME!!! I am really struggling with that right now since I have a 1 year old (turning 1 next week!).... I have yet to find a totally complete answer, except for the fact that having a wonderful, supportive husband that understands that we, as mommy's have an all day/night, full time, 24/7---365 days a year job and is willing to step up and do his part..... getting the "alone" time with the spouse along with the "me" time is another struggle....but we do need that balance and I have found that having great friends and family can mean the difference between getting some time versus no time ......
L~

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I'm on a quest to help my sisters out with this same question. I baby sit often so both mom and dad can have "alone time" and go out on a date. But the other thing I encourage my 'incredible mum' sisters to do is exercise, really productive "me" time. The kids respect this and daddy certainly does too; its a win, win for him!

My sisters now swear by the following...Click on the link: http://8f70b7uih03-og59xk0pu8dmbj.hop.clickbank.net/

Mily

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It was challenging at first for me when my son was younger, but I have my husband and 2 grandmas that are near, who fortunately LOVE to pick up my son and take him over night. I also take advantage of the time that my son falls asleep to the time I fall asleep (about 2 hrs). It's really worth it!

http://www.mommygaga.net

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What is most wonderful about all of the responses is how loving and supportive your spouse, partner, friends and family are. The fact that we have people who care about us and want us to succeed is most important. I love it.

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