This is exactly what I needed, Melessa! I know you well enough to trust and respect this advice. And I am going to take it! Love, Jana

Thank you Jess! Yes! You read my mind! I think this could be a really fun direction to explore for next week’s post. Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂

Thanks for your comment Amy! I think getting out, and making time for us does really help us stay balanced. I’m getting the feeling folks want to maybe do a clean challenge??

Jana, thank you so much for commenting! I appreciate your great feedback and question. First I believe guilt is man-made. We moms are so awesome at being hard on ourselves. When I’m feeling low or not giving myself what I need I end up feeling guilty about impacting others adversely, when I actually haven’t. We tend to over-interpret people’s disapproval when it’s not even there. Long story short, don’t feel bad about giving them a little screen time so you can have time to de-stress the way you need to. Or ask our hubbies to step in for a bit while you step away to de-stress.

Some people might think, get up a little earlier for time for yourself, but maybe you value that sleep. And if you’re like me, I’m pooped by the time the kids go to bed, so I’m not in the mood to clean then. So maybe those wouldn’t work as well.

Bottom line: By taking time out on your own on a regular basis to de-stress you are are teaching your children that time out on your own is healthy, both mentally and physically, and you are giving them permission to do the same.

I hope that helps. 🙂

XO