Time Away

As a mom we are caregivers to our children. In this role, it can be difficult to see that we might have needs of our own. The constant demands that our family has on us can wear us down without even realizing it. Whether you are a mom of a young baby who needs you 24 hours a day with no rest or the parent of a rebellious teenager, you can easily become emotionally and physically drained. You might even to begin to feel crazy or depressed. It will certainly affect your relationship with your children and the rest of your family. A simple solution rarely surfaces because you become so wrapped up in the situation at hand, it can be hard to step away from it. Many times the best way to become a better mom is to completely remove yourself from your family. Whether it be a walk around the block, a day at the spa or a weekend getaway, the important thing is to separate yourself completely. Believe me, when you return, nothing will be different except your attitude. In turn your change in perspective can be enough to help you regain control over the situation and become a better mom in the process.

A Piece of Advice for Myself

In this hectic world of motherhood, we rarely take the time to reflect on what helps us to keep our sanity. The other day, I realized an important need for my children and myself to break free from our schedule. Getting away.... it may sound simple, but I don't often do it. Not just getting away for a relaxing bath, but truly escaping your everyday world. This realization occurred to me last weekend when I took the kids to visit my husband who was on a retreat in the forest. We spent the afternoon at a location we have only been to a couple times before. While being a religious retreat, it was also a magnificent place of natural beauty. We all enjoyed the crunch of ice under our feet while we walked through the grass. The crashing sound of the rushing river and the tranquility of the ice cycles dripping under the leaves. While lounging in the cabin the kids colored and enjoyed the quiet. I took in the smell of the old wood floor and smiled at the laughter from the kids’ enjoyment. We left there refreshed after only a couple of hours. What a wonderful start to our hectic holiday season! Take the time to find your own escape.

Let's Get Started

It is my intention to recruit other moms to comment on my posts, leading to an advice column like format. Of course this is all new to me and I am also learning as we go along. I have spent the past seven years of my life learning and researching all the information out there on children and parenting. My pediatrician said it well when he commented on how much sympathy he had for parents these days with the wide realm of conflicting information there is out there on raising children. I also share his view, but there is both a benefit and a negative to the unlimited resources on parenting; it gives us as parents the opportunity to cater to our children's individual needs. Babies come into this world with their own unique personalities and situations. Therefore, the way we behave as parents will be different based on our children's needs. One has to evaluate the information presented and find the right fit. I know that for myself this is an exciting adventure. With each dilemma I have faced, I can sort through the increasing load of advice and research to find something that fits with my family. I would greatly enjoy being a part of this information chain. To help other Moms gather information to support them through their struggles is my ultimate goal.

Intro

The Mom Connection - the place for support and guidance

In our hearts we all are like children, there is always room to learn. Therefore it is my intention to present a blog that can be a forum for advice and support. I call it mom2mom, where moms can write looking for guidance. Think of me as the Ann Landers of motherhood. I strive to be like a girlfriends guide column, but with a whole different set of opinions. I am a mom who knows the value in having a large support system in place as a parent. Give it a chance, ask a question... what will I say... remember it is only words, it is what you do with them that is up to you.