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Originally posted by mommax3
I think it is very hard to set ADDITIONAL goals when you are a parent, especially when you stay home. The work expands to take up every available minute, it seems. The flexibility that I wanted to have when my kids were little is both a blessing and a curse, because I am not a self-starter and I function lots better when there is a structure imposed on me. That is why I was so impressed with the guys' schedule on a typical day. I just kind of fumble through, doing what needs to be done on a daily basis, until my life gets busy enough that I HAVE to have a schedule, and then things really hum along. 
Until I get too busy, that is, and then it all crashes and burns.....finding that elusive balance is tricky!
Whatever you decide.......it is NOT wrong to take time for yourself, even if it means you leave your child(ren) in the care of someone else (not your spouse). Just because you are a stay at home parent, it doesn't mean that you have to function as though you are surgically attached to your child. When we went away for our anniversary a few weeks ago, I was talking to the host at our bed and breakfast. He had been a single dad for a few years, (his kids are grown now and he is remarried) and he was telling DH and I that what we were doing was good for our kids and good for our marriage.....he said, "sometimes you have to get away from them for awhile, so you can love them better when you come back." He was right! Everyone needs to recharge in order to do their best at their chosen profession.
Sally
Until I get too busy, that is, and then it all crashes and burns.....finding that elusive balance is tricky!Whatever you decide.......it is NOT wrong to take time for yourself, even if it means you leave your child(ren) in the care of someone else (not your spouse). Just because you are a stay at home parent, it doesn't mean that you have to function as though you are surgically attached to your child. When we went away for our anniversary a few weeks ago, I was talking to the host at our bed and breakfast. He had been a single dad for a few years, (his kids are grown now and he is remarried) and he was telling DH and I that what we were doing was good for our kids and good for our marriage.....he said, "sometimes you have to get away from them for awhile, so you can love them better when you come back." He was right! Everyone needs to recharge in order to do their best at their chosen profession.
Sally
As far as improving myself- Brigham takes a nap, and Emma gets "quiet" time where she has to sit and color or read books. During this time, I have been trying to do something for ME- it could be reading a book (haven't tried it yet, but plan on it), doing a hobby/craft, forming relationships by writing a note (not a 10 page letter) to a friend, whatever it may be so that I am not feeling like I am "slave" to two cute munchkins. I know I felt a huge sense of accomplishment writing an article for the charter issue of MD Family-- you should check it out!
I agree with the naptime. I was really strict with Emma's naps when she was little, she hasn't napped since she was 2 years old, and if allowed would have dropped them all together at 18 months. Now Brigham, I am a bit more flexible, and he is the one that goes and puts himself down at 1 pm if we are home. For example the other day, we had a ton of errands to run, he missed his nap, I just ensured he went to bed earlier that night. Something we haven't done yet since moving to Boise, is getting involved in a playgroup. I have a tendency to be a homebody, and when living in Seattle I found that when committed to a playgroup once or twice a week that I got out of the house and socialized with other parents.
Jlynnb- I don't think you are boring. I say go for taking a class!
Crystal
I think one of the problems with SAH life is that our work comes unravelled behind us with each step. It seems pointless, but it isn't. It just never ends. Doing small pieces of a different kind of work can bring some satisfaction. Painting a room seems so much more dramatic than thoroughly cleaning it - but probably takes the same amount of effort. Maybe that is one of the reasons people have trouble talking about the work -- it is hard to see the product!
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