My motherhood is a beautiful balancing act. When all the pieces of the puzzle are in their place, I am an overflowing cup. I feel good, and I am able to give along with the take. My motherhood consists of maintaining my marriage, a toddler, a full time job, my home, and my social life. The first four come more naturally, well more mandatorily. The social life part has taken me all of my two years of motherhood to find its role in my sanity and my ability to give. In those two years I have found the following to help me carve out much needed “Friend Time,” and I am feeling more balanced than ever, even though I am seemingly busier than ever!
Call Grandma/Uncle/Insert Family Member Here
Not only will this allow for your child to bond with their extended family, it can give you a much-needed break. If they are available, ask for the occasional overnight visit. You and your spouse can enjoy this time together or make separate plans without having to leave the other to “babysit.”
“Babysit” for Your Spouse
I am not a fan of using the term “babysit” when talking about balanced parenting, but allow each other to have time away without the kids. Every person needs to have their own hobbies and interests. This arrangement is frequent at our house, as both my husband and I have many out-of-the-home commitments that are important to us. It is also beneficial for the kids to get one-on -one time with their parents.
Host
Ask your friends to come over, the more the merrier, and the perfect excuse to get the toilets scrubbed. This allows you to keep your bedtime routine, avoid waiting for a table at a restaurant, and your friends with kids will thank you that they’re not the ones to turn down another weekend outing. In your own home, you will be able to accommodate for kids’ activities to keep them safe and entertained while the adults socialize.
Socialize as a family/with your kids
Another frequent in our home, I often tote my toddler to mommy-play dates. My mom pals and I have got our list of regular, kid friendly places, and we try to get together once a month. Places like the local library, parks, indoor play places (basically anywhere that yoga pants and coffee are acceptable) we have scoped out and can congregate a group of us via text message within hours or a half day. My husband too, will bring Riley along to football games, open gym, car shows with friends.
It is important to maintain your social life as a parent, especially as a mom. Life is demanding, with many of us figuring out how to balance the home, the husband, the brood, and the career – it needs to become mandatory to allow yourself a social life. A fulfilling one at that, because if all your needs are met, you are able to overflow.
