Recharging yourself
 

More from the book I am reading. I hope you don't mind.

"Cell phones may be a great convenience when they are fully charged, but they are useless if they run out of juice!

The same is true for mothers (and fathers). Our batteries get drained too. We get tired physically and emotionally from the constant effort to discipline, entertain, and care for our kids. There are days when we feel overwhelmed." "We all need a break, a respite, a safe haven in which we can reenergize from the cares of motherhood (parenthood)".

(I added the words in parentheses. I hate to see the fathers neglected. :) )

My question from this is what do you do to recharge yourself? Do you have a safe haven?


I have started scrapbooking when I need a break, and now I have started reading again. And when no one is home, I pamper myself (and occassionally take photos). My husband and I watch movies after the kids are in bed, I like to lose myself in the movie. And, of course, I like coming to the TFP with a glass of wine. As for a safe haven, I have yet to find a place that the kids won't find me. :lol: I do like sitting at the kitchen table, with my laptop, scrapbook materials, and watch the world go by through my sliding glass door.

When the kids really get to me, I end up sitting on the edge of my bed, crying. Then they come in and hug me and it all goes away. I really do love my children.
:lol:

I recharge when I am away on business... There is nothing like staying in a hotel room (a good one mind you) where they change the sheets, bring you good food and you don't have a care in the world (well almost no cares).

Otherwise I don't get a break.

I wander the streets at night after everyone goes to sleep leaving a trail of smoke.

I was there... I took pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...r/fatcigar.png

I did a stint in a youth club; this was part of the idea. Getting your kids involved in an activity can often give you and the spouse alone time and as such works for what you seem to be looking for.

Mind you, I don't have kids yet. I'm working on the spouse part first.

Recharging is so important! We are moving into a bigger home in two weeks. Then baby Lebell will be out of our bedroom and one of my major ways of recharging will return -- SEX! We've managed during the last year; but I mean screaming sex, not that conservative "stuff."

I also scrapbook, hang out with friends, play Sudeko lately, watch movies, go out to dinner, IM, and walk.

Me i am simple i sit on the back porch and vegout looking into the woods outback. I love the few minutes i get when not working and not running around keeping a 4 year old and a 2 year old out of trouble.

Edit: excues me a 5 year old... The 2 year old will be 3 in another month.

I have my daughters every friday through Sunday. Three days doesnt seem like a lot, but they are not in school and I am not at work. I have to take care of them all by myself during those days, and by Sunday sometimes I am ready to give them back to their mother. It has been nice weather outside lately so they spend a lot of time playing with their friends or I take them to the park.

During the days that I dont have them I spend a lot of time running afterwork and even treat myself to a trip to the spa once a month. By the time friday rolls around I miss them to death and am recharged. I feel for the single person out there with kids that doesnt have someone to share the load with. Im not sure I could do that.