Hey mamas,
So today amidst interviewing for my son’s future preschool, adding a load of laundry to the washer, feeding a baby, and getting my toddler a snack, I thought about the idea of napping. It sounded nice in my head, but I knew it just wasn’t going to happen today. The baby slept during the interview so I knew it was a sure thing that she’d be up the rest of the afternoon, anyway. I tried anyway in a bout of wishful thinking. Took this Snapchat.
(Click here if you care to follow and see ten-second videos of cooing babies, btw). Then gave up. So while the rest of my family went down for a siesta, I found myself thinking of what I could do while my family slept. Work on the blog! Sure. I carefully balanced the computer on my legs while yet again feeding the baby. That worked for about 23 seconds until she fussed and needed to burp. So now I’m walking around with a fussy baby thinking, “What can I do, what can I do?”
And then it hit me.
Why do I really need to be doing anything right now? The rest of my family is sleeping (minus one hiccuping baby) and here I am feeling like I’m being lazy if I’m not doing something. Why do I feel guilty if my feet aren’t moving or if my hands aren’t working?
I realize I never really felt this way when I was working outside the home, because the number on the paycheck always vouched for me that I was pulling my weight. But what do I have to show now that I’m at home with the kids? Sure, I make an income on this blog, but that’s something I really enjoy doing, so it doesn’t really feel like “pulling my weight.” Especially when my husband doesn’t nearly enjoy going to work as much as I do.
So in the midst of finding myself needing to be busy, I stopped and created this video with the epiphany I had. Check it out, leave a thumbs-up, comment and say “HEY, AWESOME VIDEO!!!” and then subscribe to my budding YouTube channel!
Thanks, guys! Let me know what you think and share with a busy-body mama who needs a time-out!
Toughcookiemommy
I wish I could take a nap. I totally feel your pain since I juggle a career and two active boys. Some days, I feel like I’m going to pass out but us moms don’t have that luxury.
Amber Pilcher
When my daughter was a baby, I lived by this! Whenever she slept, I slept. There were no chores that took precedent over my slumber LOL. I’d rather have dishes in the sink or a messy bathroom floor than miss those short, precious hours of sleep.
Cassie
Lovely post! An important message for all stay at home mums that it is ok to get some rest during the day. Forwarding to my mum friends 🙂
Claire
Love your hair! and the video along with the post! I definitely think a good 20 min of power nap is a right choice because power naps can really revive you throughout the day!
Sona Sethi
I dont have kids yet but I have heard about nap anywhere anytime from all my friends who have become new moms! haha
Robin Rue
When my babies were little, I napped when they did. It definitely helped. Now that they are older and don’t nap anymore- if I do, I can’t sleep that night 🙁
Janel
I never really took this of vice because I always had something to get done if my kids even napped. Now that they’re older and either in school or college I still feel like I’m so busy and don’t get a chance to nap. However yesterday I found myself waking up from a nap after a Long week.
Melissa
Now that I have my own business to run I find there is always something to do so I would feel so guilty to just chill for a half hour. On the other and a nap can recharge your batteries to get more work done.
Elizabeth O.
I feel like we’re all too hard on ourselves and it’s just not fair. We have to learn how to slow down and enjoy the time that we have doing nothing. It’s important that we get a break too.
daniella
Everyone needs rest at one point or another! So yea, take a nap and rest up! It is important to be rested!
Rhian Westbury
Sleep is needed even more so by moms so you should not feel guilty about taking it easy sometimes and having a nap. Naps are the best x
Karen
It’s crazy important that you are rested as a mom. If you’re not – how can you fully support your baby and be alert to their needs?
Cindy Ingalls
There is nothing wrong with taking a nap. We all need replenishment, especially stay at home moms.
Heather
Amen to the nap! I can’t seem to juggle it anymore with my two older kids. But, if they are out in the afternoon with their dad and I am home with the baby – absolutely!
Jackie
I used to love naps. I’m not a stay at home mom or even a mom at all but I do work from home. I do feel guilty that I should be working instead of sleeping. Maybe I should take your advice.
Heather
So much yes! I work from home and most days I’m counting down the minutes to my youngest daughter’s nap time so I can get work done. But I’d really love to be napping instead!
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place
You have a great attitude as a mom. I was like you 10 years ago, lol.. my children are now tweens, and yet.. we all still have those ‘guilty feelings’ of feeling like we should be doing more as stay at home moms. You’re not alone. 🙂
Rachel
I never took/take naps as a mom. It always seems like there is something else to do and some better way I could be spending my time.