This week I made a choice, I made the choice to just relax. That means no photos of Bentos, just talking. Talking about how sometimes moms just need to take a break. Don’t be the overachieving mom that burns herself out.
Know When You Need a Break
I knew this week was going to be stressful. We had a crazy weekend, I didn’t get a break from our busy lives during the weekend. Because we were so busy I didn’t get to plan the weeks lunches either.
I knew if I tried to make fun, fancy Bentos and try to photo them before the sun went down I would stress all week about it.
I made the choice not to stress and take a Bento Post break. I did do bentos, but quick ones, no stress ones. I even did the cute one above.
Sometimes you just gotta breathe. I used to do it all–all the time. Food art, parties to die for, volunteer always, room mom. I had to back off of it. Know what, they still eat sandwiches even if they aren’t in the shape of a dinosaur. And you know what else? They love you just as much regardless. Take a break. And don’t feel guilty! – Denise
Your Kids Want You, Not Crazy Stressed Out Mom
We love doing special things, like Bentos, for our kids, but we need to be aware of ourselves and when we start doing too much.
Sometimes as Mom’s we forget that making things fun and special for our kids is great, but if it stresses us out our kids would rather have us. Not crazy, stressed Mom.
Kids like it when über mom takes a break too. I shocked the hell out of my kids the other night when I said at 9:30pm, “Who thinks we need pumpkin pie?” Two grocery stores and a warm pumpkin pie later (along with a can of whipped cream primarily consumed directly from the can!) they said, “Who are you and where is our mom?” All the years of homemade organic baby food, non-GMO label searches, and early morning lunch scrambles are always worth it, but it’s fun to keep them guessing too! – Melody
Sometimes Our Kids Need a Break Too
I think Zane could feel my stress about making his lunches special. He came home one day and cried because he didn’t like the lunch I packed. I sat with him and told him it was fine, “just let me know what you didn’t like so I don’t pack it again”.
Our kids are more aware of things than we think, if you are making a big deal of things and stressed your kids will know and react. They may not even react the way you would think they would either.
NO Mommy Guilt
The only way to make taking a break work you need to say “NO” to Mommy Guilt. Mommy Guilt is not healthy and it does not fit in the Healthy Mom = Healthy Family motto! Mommy guilt not only effects you and your health, but it effects your kids too!
Remember Healthy Mom = Healthy Family so that means you need to take care of yourself to take care of your family.
I saw this Saturday morning on FB and it SCREAMED at me to take notice…
“People who make mistakes and let us see their human side are fun and safe to be around. And when they get happy and rich after coming out the other side, they INSPIRE us.”
We try so hard to be “perfect”, but seriously… the times when I’ve let people see my “not so perfect” side are the times when things have moved to the next level. I love sending my kiddo lunch… I love watching what other moms are doing for lunch as well… and some of my favorite posts come on the days when moms are tired, and just do the best they can to get lunch out the door. Share those pics too… I bet we’d love them. 🙂
I think that it’s especially important for moms to share when they are not perfect, when they make mistakes, or when they get overwhelmed. When we don’t see that in others we start comparing and thinking, if they can do it I should be able to. But really underneath they are broken and tired too.
When we hear of other moms that cry, yell, are exhausted, are struggling we learn we are not alone. We don’t have to struggle alone, there are other moms out there just like us!
I totally agree, sometimes moms just need to TAKE A BREAK. It will make you a much calmer, nicer mom in the long run because you won’t be stressed.
I actually take a break every single day when I workout and I have zero guilt about it. I couldn’t be at my best without my little breaks.
Whether you are a Mom or not you should always take time for yourself when you need it. There is almost nothing that can not wait or be done another day or time!
Good reminder. Sometimes mom really do need to take a step back and not stress so much. Good you were able to do that.
Taking a break is key. Knowing when to do that is probably tough for most moms because they want everything to be so perfect. Life isn’t perfect. You just have to go with the flow and enjoy it!
It is so, so easy to set ourselves behind everyone else, but you are RIGHT! It’s not good for us at all. To be at our best, we need to put ourselves right up there on the priority list.
Great post I think everyone needs a break sometimes – we can all over do things x
I can totally relate! We do need breaks and when things come to the point they are no longer fun but stressful, we need a break. Kudos to you for doing something about it.
so important to remember. Sometimes we really do just need a break. That’s why I always try to take weekends off completely from blogging and projects and just do fun things with the kids. Sometimes that’s baking and sometimes that just getting out of the house. It helps me to be a better mom.
Thanks for sharing this important reminder. I tried bento’s and actually dropped it because I knew I couldn’t keep it up with 5 kids and 5 lunches everyday. So I got the tins and the cups and made it a special occasion thing on days that were REALLY important to them. It is always a good reminder to recognize when (as the father owl said) “Enough is too much”.
That is so true! I so need to take a break myself. Seems like I’m always on the go. Between my job, home and the blog I can never seem to relax. So need a break. 🙂
I can totally relate to this post. I’m always feeling some kind of mommy guilt due to being a working mom and always trying to juggle everything. It makes me feel like I am a jack of all trades but a master of none sometimes. You are right, sometimes mom just needs a break too.
You’re right – sometimes moms do need a break. We need to step back, breathe and re-coup so we can do better for our kids and ourselves.
**Standing ovation** Agreed – and unfortunately, blogging and Pinterest can make you think you HAVE to keep up, when you have no idea the circumstances or anything behind anyone else’s “online life”. Hope you enjoy your break!
I totally agree. Sometimes moms just really need a break!
Every mom needs a break and dads do too. I think breaks help clear our mind and help us focus more.
YES… I totally agree.. Mom’s need a break and a time out… a deep breath in and out and you will be a better Mom and calmer as well.. TRUST me… I have two teenagers I know :-)lol