posted June 22, 2007 08:22 AM         

some days are easy while others make me feel like running very far and fast. for me, when it gets hard i give myself a time out in our bathroom. or someplace that i can collect myself for ten minutes while i know where the kids are and that they are safe.

i try to keep things in as much perspective as possible by picking and choosing my battles. sometimes my kids fight, i have a 6 year old girl and a 3 year old boy. i intervene on some accounts but not all. they, too, have to figure out how to navigate and negotiate. obviously, my guidance is needed sometimes.

kids are trying to not only figure out their way in the world but they are also pushing limits and testing at every corner. my job is to nurture who they are and guide and direct them on their path, as well as, to send them out in the world as contributing members of society. that means teaching them do we lie, steal, harm others etc....

our children are more aware and in tune than most adults are. we "beat" that out of them so their mind's eye shuts and they no longer use their intuition to make sound judgments.

i want my kids to use what we are blesed with at birth. i want my kids to maintain an open mind. i want my kids to be who they are and not what they are "molded" to be.

breathe deep, understand they are findig their way and selves in this world. take some time with your friends or partner at night to unwind. talk to you friends who have kids. find an outlet for stress. take a bath, have a drink at the end of the day.

posted July 05, 2007 11:59 PM         

There are things that you can do that will ease the stress. The best thing you can do for yourself is to set a schedule and stick to it! That means that the kids go to bed and you have a few HOURS to yourself to do what you like to do. I often talk to friends on the phone, read, write, watch movies or have a friend over for a drink and conversation during 'my time'. Believe me that a few hours alone a day will cut your stress in half.
I also suggest that during 'your time' you take up a new hobbie. It could be anything! Find something that has always intersted you and do it. For me that has been things like learning constlations in the night sky and looking for them as the kids sleep. I also have taught myself to make soap and to knit. I took up watching movies on the AFI Top 100 list as well. And exercise at night can relieve a lot of stress.