Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. ~Jane Howard
The above quote was posted by Moby Wrap on Facebook today (fan them! They post really great stuff). A friend posted something similar on her Facebook last night -- that she liked to hear when friends had help with their kiddos. I really needed to read both of those.
And thanks for all the support, comments & cyber hugs (either here or on Facebook). I needed them today and they were much appreciated.
I think a lot of times moms get wrapped up in trying to do it all (or is it just me???). We strive to be super mom and feel like a failure if our attempts are futile. I really have tried in the past to get over my mommy guilt about certain things and I'm striving to let it go again. I am imperfect. Everyone is. We have good days and bad days. Sometimes there are more dishes in the sink than I could ever imagine. Sometimes the laundry doesn't get folded. Sometimes I would be embarrassed if someone knocked on the door unannounced.
Today was one of those days.
But, you know what? My kids know I love them. They'd rather have a few extra cuddles and a happy mom than a perfect looking kitchen. And today, mama getting some rest was far more important than mama doing the dishes. We all napped together this afternoon. We all needed it.
It is true that Glenn & I don't have the support system we need right now, but we're working on it. I seriously don't know how single moms, military moms, or moms with hubbies who leave town for work a lot do it. It makes me feel bad for complaining about Glenn being gone for 13hours a day. Everyone needs a support system. Everyone needs help. For moms sometimes the hardest part is asking for it.
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ReplyDeleteI'm here if you need to vent or need a break...we could do a playdate and you go lock yourself in the bathroom while the kiddos play. I definitely understand the needing a break and feeling the need to do everything. I'm giving myself a break today after a dramatic and overwhelming phone call with mom yesterday. Scotty seemed to pick up on it and has been AWESOME all day. It's a bummer when you don't have much of a support system, I'm working on building one. It doesn't HAVE to be family, even though I wish it could be!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the ramble :)
You are doing great - fabulous, even - you give up so much for your children...
ReplyDeleteMaybe you just need to have some sort of family calender that you can "mark yourself out" for a few hours every week - or two - or even just once a month. It will give you something to look forward to. A break - a coffee at the coffee shop - a book - laying in the backyard under a tree - whatever it is, it is YOUR time.
I was thinking that I really needed help today and that I didn't really have anyone to call on. Then another Mom reached out to me for help and helping her was enough of a break to help me get my head back together.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this and yesterday's posts. It was the kind of thing I needed to hear right now.
Veeery very true. And I don't know how single moms do it, either. At least when Erik leaves I know that eventually I'll get some relief. And don't kid yourself--Glenn being gone 13 hours a day IS hard. REALLY hard. Reaching out is hard, too. Keep up the good work.
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