MOMMY TIME: Don't just do something -- sit there!

Being a stay-at-home mom is tough enough -- having to juggle housework, homework, driving responsibilities, etc. Believe me, I've shouted: "Calgon take me away!" more than once. If you're the mother of special needs children, finding "mommy time" is even more of a challenge -- especially when you're talking twin 5-year-olds. Yet there are things you can do, starting right now, to catch your breath.

I have four kids. The youngest are the twins. My days are very busy with school, taking them to their appointments, and having play time with other children.

Stacey Kline

Then there's trying to get dinner completely ready so when my husband walks in the door, we can all sit down to eat. After that, there's cleanup, then giving the kids a bath and reading to them before they're off to bed.

Once that's done, I finally get to climb into bed and have special time with my hubby. I can say it does get easier as they get older. But I still need just a little break with a little peace and quiet. Sigh....

You mothers out there are just like me. You need that alone time to just breathe and not do a thing! Just sit and have some peace to yourself!

If you are feeling overwhelmed and wanting just a few moments alone, I suggest you deliberately carve out "mommy time" as part of your responsibilities at least once a week.

Much of this is going to sound like common sense. But when you're through, ask yourself: Do I actually do this for myself? You might surprised.

1. Take a soothing bubble bath while the kids are asleep at night (remember to light those candles);

2. Have the kids take afternoon quiet time in their room while you're in another room, reading, watching TV or doing nothing in particular;

3. Go to the hair salon. Several times a year, I get a wash and a massage, then a little conditioner and a mini-nap under the dryer. I feel so relaxed when I get home;

4. Get your nails done. Enough said;

5. Take a walk outside. If the weather's disagreeable, hit the mall. You don't have to buy anything.

6. If the weather's nice, find a quiet place to sit and soak up the sun;

7. Get up an hour earlier in the morning;

8. Stay up an hour later at night;

9. Trade online time for "mommy time." You'd be surprised how many quiet moments result.

10. Prepare your schedule for the week, including meals, ahead of time. Reduces chaos.

It's not easy to make "mommy time" part of your routine when you have what seem so many more important things to take care of. But take it from one who knows: It will make handling those important things a lot easier and give you room to breathe.

Stacey Kline is a happily married mother of four plus a stepson. Gardening, fishing, playing board games and spending time with her family and friends are just some of the things that help her find relief from the daily grind. She wants to share some of the many tips she's learned to help make YOUR "Mommy Time" special.

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Johnny DeCarlo said:

	Welcome aboard Stacey! Love the column! I'll be sure to pass on these helpful hints to the lady in my life...she's one of the most dedicated and hard-working moms around, and she doesn't get enough time just for her. And just like her, all the moms out there definitely deserve a little pampering.
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October 29, 2009 | url
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Gwen said:

	Great job! Great job, Stacey! You hit the nail on the head with the necessity of mommy time with special needs kids. Thanks for the column!
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October 29, 2009
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Melissa Laufer said:

Fantastic Advice Stacey!!!!
I could not imagine having a set of twins with special needs. Sometimes I think how hard I have it with a child without special needs. I have an almost 2 year old and I can hardly keep up. I can't wait to try some of your ideas on "MOMMY TIME". I definitely need it. Sometimes I find myself saying the same thing you have. "Calgon take me away". My husband being in the military doesn't give my a lot of help around the house. I DO need to start taking time for myself. Thank you for your article it was great. Keep up with your great work.

October 29, 2009
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Niarb Derdnaem said:

	Great Stuff Stacey!!!! Good advice! Keep it coming :)
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October 30, 2009
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Vikki said:

	... Stacey I Love it Great. Your writing is wonderful. Do not know where you find the time.
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October 30, 2009
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Cathy said:

	... How true Stacy. The most demanding thing a woman can do is brave staying at home and being a mommy. I know some women take this as a casual job, but if you are doing it well it takes lots of time and energy. Take care of those children and help them become great adults.
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October 30, 2009
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Heather said:

	... I'm the mother of one and I always feel like I don't get enough time to myself! I can't imagine having 4 kids. I love your suggestions. You are right - a lot of us moms probably think that these suggestions are common sense, but most of us don't really ever take the time to actually do them. I know I always feel guilty if I am sitting still! Keep the great advice coming!
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October 30, 2009
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martha said:

	Great advices!!!! Thanks Stacey! for this great article!!! These advices are good for moms... and not only!!! ;D Keep doing Great!!!!
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October 30, 2009 | url
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maryann Maisano said:

	Its Mommie tme Stacey Brava!!!!!! great job!!!! You done good!!!! xo
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October 30, 2009
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Suzi said:

	amen! Hi Stacey, I had to laugh out loud at the title...'don't just 'do something', SIT THERE!" haha. We all need a reminder to do just that. Thanks for sharing your ideas!
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