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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Six Perfectly Good Reasons to Spend Time Away From Your Kids



It was just one of those days—a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day—just like Alexander. Aiden must have woken up on the wrong side of his toddler bed because he was extremely cranky and threw tantrum after tantrum. And I must have also woken up on the wrong side of my bed because I wanted to throw tantrum after tantrum, but that's not a very "adult" thing to do.

The day before, he was Dr. Jekyll. But that particular day, he was bordering on Mr. Hyde. He threw toys and cried for seemingly no reason. It's almost as if he forgot how to use his words, save for the times he whined. As for his nap; of course he didn't want to take it.

I needed to get away from him—fast. Which got me to thinking: There are times when moms need to get away from their kids no matter how absolutely adorable, incredibly loveable, and totally awesome they are. Here’s why:

1. They have the potential to be annoying. 
Let me preface this by saying: I love my son. I carried him for nine months and I think he’s the best gift ever. But sometimes, sometimes he annoys the crap out of me with the whining. And don’t even get me started on the "terrible threes" that seemed to have led to the "ferocious fours." (I suppose I annoy him at times too with my nagging, but that's another post for another time.)

2. Sometimes there are just too many gosh darn hours before bedtime. 
This goes along with my previous point. When my kid is being a pain and it's only one p.m., I either need to hide in a closet or get away. I can't really hide in a closet because my son may just annoy me even more by following me in there. So, I chose the latter.



3. It’s rejuvenating. 
As cute and fun as they are, kids can definitely be draining at times. It's hard work taking care of someone else 24/7. We’ve got to feed 'em, bathe 'em, clothe 'em, play with 'em, soothe their boo-boos...the works! Sometimes we need to rejuvenate and remember that we have identities outside of motherhood, which brings me to my next point.


Read more of my rants on REDBOOK: 6 Reasons Moms May Need Time Away From Their Kids  

13 comments:

  1. Sometimes I just need to get out to clear my head! Your son is just too cute!

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  2. Hi Alicia, thanks for stopping by my blog. Yes, we do need time away from the kiddies. My son is 22, so now I have LOTS of time, but remember when I didn't and would treasure my "me time".
    Yes! Give thrifting a try. You'll be hooked!

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  3. Great points! I like number 6. It went right along with number 3. Whenever I pick up my kiddos from my mom after the weekend everything just seems better. The kids miss us and we miss the kids. Like you said, it is the best of both worlds.

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  4. I don´t know yet how it is, but I believe you, sometimes one needs a little time for herself.

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  5. i love that #1 is they have the potential to be annoying, truth!

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  6. This is definitely good to know without feeling guilty!!

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  7. Amen!!! I can think of a million more!! LOL

    #1 - Mommies just need alone time to stay happy and healthy mommies!!

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  8. I totally agree -- even though I don't have kids. Ha!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  9. SO true!!!! I definitely need a little bit of time away - or I would be a horrible, impatient, fussing mother all the time!

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  10. Thanks for posting this! We moms do need a break too.

    I do cherish the time I have away from my kid whenever she's at her dad's on weekends. But I still miss her heaps!

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  11. you both look great and ur son looks exceptionally sharp :)

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