It was easy – before I became a mom. I was all about taking care of myself. I had hair appointments on the calendar every two weeks without fail. I had eyebrow appointments once a month. If I felt like a pedicure, I’d stop and get one. I was up every morning at 6 to hit the gym. I indulged in reading non stop and slept in without a care. Of course my world and my care changed when my little ones made their debut.
As their mom, I instinctively focused everything on them. I made sure their needs were met and that they were getting the care they needed from me. The consequence of that became me looking a bit different. Pregnancy had changed my body but I had a hard time finding time or energy to get to the gym. My hair appointments went from infrequent to non existent. I took to plucking my eyebrows when I thought about it and couldn’t seem to find the time for a pedicure. The books changed from biographies and romances to anything that rhymes and was authored by Dr Seuss. lol
I realized that I hadn’t given much thought to self care before kids because before I became a mom it was just stuff I did. It didn’t have a name, it didn’t need one. I didn’t need to put thought to it. Now that self care is something I have to make time and intention for I appreciate it more. And I realize the necessity of it.
In order to have time for me, I have to carve it out. I have to make my family aware of what’s happening. I’ve realized that if I don’t make myself and my needs a priority no one knows what I need and no one else will make them a priority.
I also discovered that it’s harder to put myself on the to do list. The thing is, it couldn’t be more important now. My kids need to see me take care of myself. They need to see me nurture, love myself and be a priority in my own life. How else can I tell them to do it? They follow what we DO, right?
What they see me do is workout in the morning. They see me read books and magazines that feed me in some way. Some substantial, some guilty pleasures. They see me take time for just me and their dad as well as girl time with my friends.
Tell me, what do your kids see you do to take care of yourself?
I am part of the Empowered Self-Care Blog Tour, showing how important it is to take care of yourself! Be sure to check out the other amazing women participating in this 2 week tour! Empowered Self-Care Blog Tour. #selfcaretour15 #livenotorious
43 Comments on Putting Self Care On The List
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Yes! The phrase “do what I say, not what I do” doesn’t really work for kids. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that taking care of herself is a priority, not something to do if she has spare time.
Ashley recently posted…How to Make a Sensory Bottle
My kids know that I work out A LOT and eat right (for the most part), so I hope they are learning how important those things are to be healthy!
I remember reading a post and all of the working out you do. I was inspired!
My kids rarely see me take care of myself. I really should make a point to slow it down a little.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Go RVing on the California Coast & Hit the Beaches this Summer
They see me exercise, eat right, take time out for my faith by praying and spending time with God, and taking me time to recharge and center myself because time alone is definitely a needed thing for everyone. 🙂
The Mid-Atlantic Foodie recently posted…Grilled Potatoes with Mustard Sauce (Aioli, for you fancy folks)
Yes, it’s so important to take care of ourselves–especially when we have kids. In so many ways, I have seen my daughter model what I do. But she’s also is the voice that reminds me when I’m working too hard and it’s time for play. The key is not to feel GUILTY about doing what makes us feel good. Often easier said than done. Kudos to you for making yourself a priority!
My son sees me exercise at home or go run in our neighborhood of the park. He was there when I ran my very first race. He sees me garden and plant beautiful flowers and food. He sees his dad and I go out just the two of us. He also sees me go out for an evening or weekends with my girlfriends.
Jenni recently posted…Thoughts & Things
I truly struggle with this. I am not sure there is anything my kids see me do regularly. I often put myself off until the very end and am then too exhausted to do anything.
Stefany recently posted…How to make a Kentucky Derby hat for less than $10
I take my littlest guy with me to get my facial. The office loves seeing him. Every morning my older kids wake up to see me working out. I’m not a morning person and they know that, but I have made an effort to get up before them to fit it into my busy schedule. Me time is important.
Megan @mnmspecial recently posted…Living in my JORD Wood Watch
As my children get older, it’s getting easier to take care of myself. It was harder when they were toddlers. Now I have one in school and one in preschool, it’s easier to take time for me now. I can say that before this last year I never had any “me” time.
Heather @ The Nerdy Fox recently posted…8 Things Star Wars Taught Me
It’s a NEED and it should definitely be on the “To Do list” everyday. We need to take care of ourselves so that we can be the best we can for our kids . Great post!
Velaundra{at}Velsworld.com recently posted…Inspirational Monday
Sometimes life just is crazy and if we don’t just step off the merry-go-round for the important things we get worn down and are not doing anyone any good.
🙂
Cheyenne recently posted…Cinco De Mayo Recipes
It’s important to take time to take care of yourself. If you don’t care of yourself, who will take care of your kids 🙂
Cassie recently posted…Rough Around the Edges Meets Refined by Rachel Anderson
Well I have my showers and bubble baths and pluck my eye brows. Not much else I really have time for right now, but maybe as they get old I will take interest in make up or something!
I let the eyebrows go sometimes. I just let my bangs grow long enough to cover them. Terrible, right???
This is something that you really can’t ignore. It can be quite an adjustment though.
Liz Mays recently posted…Dreams, Handprints and Spooky Phenomena #HandontheMirror
This is all so very true! My children know I exercise at the gym quite often and schedule regular salon visits to take care of myself, but I still feel I need to make my basic needs, like dental visits and doctor checkups, more of a priority.
Marcie W. recently posted…Real Clothes For Real Girls With Evelyn Alex
It’s still tough to accept that sometimes I have to put myself first. Definitely great things to remember
Christie recently posted…FREE Star Wars Posters in General Mills Cereals + Giveaway
So true. Need to have some me time.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Why Every Guy needs a good Toolbox!
Self care is often something we forget. Thanks for the reminder
It is so easy to sacrifice ourselves for our kids and in the end it still can hurt them. A happier mom raises happier kids so I love the idea of taking some time for yourself too.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert recently posted…Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake, A perfect Mother’s Day Brunch Recipe!
This is a great question. The truth is, I don’t think my boys really do see me do anything for myself. I just really let that go to the wayside as I focus on them :-/
Penelope recently posted…My Favorite Hellman’s Sandwich #SqueezeMoreOut
As a newly divorced single mom I really saw it was no longer about me. I had to slowly take back my time for me. I think it’s healthy for him to see me taking that time whether it’s Crossfit, choosing to read independently or a good lay on the couch.
I think the older your kids get, the easier this becomes. They let go a wee bit, you learn to see it’s ok to do things for yourself. Time flies, just enjoy!
Taking care of my health and my weight is not only taking care of me, but it benefits my kids. I want them to have mom around for a long time!
Debra recently posted…Dial® Kids Foaming Hand Wash And Dial® Baby Body + Hair Wash Review & #Giveaway
I would love to have time to take care of myself. But if I took that time it would just mean that I slept less because that would the only time I would have to get it done.
Beth@FrugalFroggie recently posted…Prilosec OTC Free Sample
Great post! I try to get at least 15 minutes of time to myself – 30 or a full 60 would be much better but some days it’s just not possible if I want to actually get some sleep! I have been carving out time to get myself walking 2-3 times a week and I tell them its so I can keep up with them!
Christine recently posted…Surprisingly Easy Colorful Pictures
I think sometimes it is hard as a Mom to put ourselves at the top of our To Do List. I love to read and the kids were always great at giving me time to read.
Debbie L. recently posted…Make sure Your Basement Stays DRY!
Not enough is truly the answer. My kids do see me try to make sure I’m eating healthy. I try not to talk about weight around them, but focus on the health factor.
Crystal recently posted…Pack a Lunchbox Kids Will Love
Self care is such an important thing. We shouldn’t feel guilty about taking care of ourselves.
Demetra @SweetSavant recently posted…Students Compete “Chopped” Style in Vidalia, GA
It’s so hard to find the time for yourself but so necessary. I believe each mom needs to give herself the oxygen first and then she can help her family.
Great info. I think women especially are guilty of not taking care of themselves. Thank you!!
Sheryl recently posted…Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
My children saw me take time for things I loved to do. I always had a sewing project going; I volunteered in my community because it made me feel good to do it; and I gave myself a birthday party every year.
Karen recently posted…Love, Hallmark For Mothers Day Giveaway
Great question! Now that I think about it she could probably see me doing more to take care of myself.
As a kid I hardly ever saw my mom take care of herself. I don’t want to do that to my kids. They see me work out and blog – for ME 🙂
Having “me” time is part of who I am. I have always been independent, and being married has not stopped that piece. Now with two daughters I want them to enjoy being themselves as well. “Me” time is soooo important.
I love this post and am all about not only practicing self-care, but making sure my kids see me doing it and understanding why I do. Our kids see hubby and I going on dates. They see me going out with my friends, and going to get my hair done or just have my “mommy break”. I’ll definitely have to check out this empowerment tour.
Christine @MomsNCharge recently posted…Motivational Monday: You Are Enough
I don’t have wee ones anymore but my kid knew that I would always take time for myself, even if it was just getting quiet with a book or a long soak.
Jaye@Curvatude recently posted…Plus Size {Fashion} Pick Of The Day: White & Black Striped Asymmetrical Hem Dress #PlusSizePick
I get so wrapped up in my kid’s needs that I do neglect myself. I finally got around to getting a pedicure yesterday!
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Distressed Chalky Finish Entertainment Center Cabinet Makeover
Oh Carmesha, I feel you on this one. I have never been one to put myself first and finding it even hard now that we have six kids. Kind of ironic huh? We are so important to our family. I thinking “Carving” time is probably the best way to put it. Thank you for sharing with us with luck you get a little time for yourself and make you health appointments.
Anjanette @MommaYoung recently posted…Savings Alert: Coupons Just In Time For Mother’s Day
It is harder to find the time now. But so important to take care of ourselves!
Shell recently posted…Planning for Summer Spontaneity
Yes! Thank you for validating my experience. Until I became a mom, all of that self-care stuff seemed obvious – as a mom, it isn’t!
Right! You never knew that it was something you’d have to work for.