In the evening, when I find myself finally able to relax, my mind wanders through a review of the day. As long as I have managed to squeeze in some real quality time with my kids, my day feels worthwhile. But what is quality time?
Although I am a stay-at-home mom and I spend all day everyday with my kids, a lot of the day feels rushed, stressful, sometimes frustrating, and even exhausting at times. We've managed to develop a fairly efficient routine, mind you there are always exceptions popping up. Between breakfast and nap time, and lunch and nap time, and cooking dinner and cleanup, and bathing and bed, how much room is left in the day?
Believe it or not there are plenty of free moments. Well, maybe not plenty, but there are moments. Even if I have to squeeze in some quality time with one kid while the other kid is sleeping, which is usually the case (my youngest gets up one to two hours before my other daughter so that's her mommy and me time, and then she naps three hours later and my oldest daughter has her mommy and me time), it works.
For me, quality time is sitting down and doing some puzzles or crafts, reading some books, playing with toys, colouring, you name it. As long as my daughter (or daughters) are together and enjoying each other's company, and communicating, that's real quality.
Now, finding quality time for myself... that's a whole other situation and one that I have yet to conquer. Mind you I still manage to squeeze in some hours of me time, late in the evening. And even though I sacrifice sleep to do so, it's still quality me time.
This rings true. It’s often the small things that bring true quality of life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Definitely. And when we learn to appreciate the small things, we're able to find more happiness. :)
DeleteQuality time with yourself is so important, especially when you have so many other people who need your time.
ReplyDeleteHope you're finding some quality time this weekend. :-)
As a mom it's so hard to put yourself first for anything so I definitely make sure to give myself some well deserved me time. :)
DeleteIts great that you can still find that bit of quality time for yourself too. Especially to be creative. Children are wonderful like that,they seem hard wired to imagine and make something new every day.
ReplyDeleteChildren are wonderful like that, their little imaginations just run wild and it's absolutely beautiful to see. :)
DeleteNever worry about what's in it for you. Do the job at hand and you'll be rewarded. In the end, you'll have all the quality time you want and more. Then you'll wish you could renew these days when you don't have a moment to yourself.
ReplyDeleteOne who knows. ;-)
Francene.
A - Z Challenge
http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/
Well said. When these days are gone I'm sure I'll be missing them. :)
DeleteI was a working Mom, but have great, great respect for mothers that stay at home. I remember the six weeks after my son was born and the fact that my days no longer revolved around me, but around him. Quality time was when he was sleeping! I'm glad you've managed to find this special part of each day, and of course, to write this blog!
ReplyDeleteI have much respect for working moms too. On top of working all day you come home and put your mom hours in. Although being a stay-at-home mom can be exhausting, I feel like I have the best job on earth. :)
DeleteYes, good luck finding the quality time for yourself. It took me years and now that I have some of it I'm worried about spending every moment wisely.
ReplyDeleteVery good point, spending your time wisely is just as important as having time to spend.
DeleteFind quality time where you can and seize every moment! :)
ReplyDeleteLove what you are doing with the A to Z here!
Thanks. :) Good advice.
DeleteI know what you mean...sometimes it feels like even though there is plenty of time in the day, I have to make a conscious effort to make some of it "quality time". My kids aren't usually sleeping at the same time, so I try to take those times to just give one or the other of them my full attention.
ReplyDeleteI think quality time with mom and dad is so important to our kids, and I think one-on-one time can be even more meaningful to them. :)
DeleteQuality time with my parents is the greatest gift that they ever gave me... I try very hard to achieve the same with my kids :)
ReplyDeleteAww, that's so sweet. It is extremely important to kids and parents alike I think. :)
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