8 Ways Moms Can Relax

1)Take a strike weekend at least every other month.

I mean Dad helped create these kids, allow him that wonderful opportunity to be in full Dad mode by taking a hiatus to a hotel for the weekend. Leave him only with the hotel number in case of a blood occurring emergency. Other than that, turn off your phone and enjoy taking yourself to a movie, to dinner, take a long walk, see a play, or utilize the hotel spa.

Ideas: The best bang for your dollar is to find a hotel close to a shopping mall or strip mall so you can do all of these things within walking distance.

If this is not in your budget, then send your family to the Grandparents for the weekend and create yourself a little spa scenario at home.

2)Have a lazy weekend once a month or every other month

This is where you make sure all cleaning and errands that need to be done are completed during the week and all baths and meal eaten by 8pm Friday night. There is to be no cooking or cleaning from that Friday evening until Sunday evening at 6pm. Pajamas are a must for the entire weekend. Only homework and major projects are to be worked on (but better if completed Friday evening), but the idea is for no one to work and Mom to do absolutely nothing.

The hardest work to be done is for dad to pick up the food from the restaurant.

Ideas: It’s ok to precook meals so that everyone is just really heating up their food and eating.

Utilize the dishwasher if it is not in the budget to order out for the weekend.

Make sure there are healthy ready to eat snacks for your kids to grab and go right out the fridge.

The whole idea is to stay in bed as long as possible each weekend day. Even entice your kids with a treat for who can stay in bed the longest.

This plan is tested and true. Not only does Mom get a chance to relax but you also put in place time for the family to calm down and relax. This practice taught my Daughter and former spouse to relax.

3)Timeout for Mommy

Give yourself an hour each day when husband nor child are allowed to bother you.

Ideas: Be creative, with this one. Have your kids help you to create either a door knocker or sign that shows that Mommy is in timeout. This will be helpful because they helped make the sign, they will become your public announcer that no one can enter this space because MOMMY IS IN TIME OUT.

4)Dinner date for Moms

You are not in the struggle alone. Whether married or single, Moms need to lean on each other. So, whether it’s a leave the kids home with Dad or a rotation of Moms. Create a dinner date night for Moms only. Dress up and go hang out with your fellow Moms and friends.

Ideas: With the rising cost of everything. Maybe 2 Moms alternate watching the kids while the other Moms go out on date night. I think even doing this once a week or once a month would be awesome. Discuss it with your Mom group.

5)Movie night

What’s more fun then getting back to being a teenager if only for a few moments? A movie night with friends who enjoy the same genre of movies as you do. Whether it’s rom-coms, horror, sci-fi, or documentaries, etc. Just pop up some popcorn, give the family an assignment to be away from home and invite some friends over and enjoy being at your own personal theater.

Ideas: Go all out. Provide the movie theater atmosphere with Candies and popcorn containers. Which can be purchased at most dollar stores.

6)Wardrobe Exchange

This is an excellent chance for a change in wardrobe without having to spend cash and is also a great way to clean out your closet. Organize with your friends to bring any gently worn clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. that they are fine with giving away. This helps all Moms spruce up their wardrobe without having to attack their bank account.

Ideas: You can make this into an impromptu fashion show as well to show off the new exchanges. A number drawing could be set up or a name drawing for people to come up and select the article of clothing they would like to pick.

7)Paint and sips

Create a monthly paint and sip. Again, utilizing your mom/friend network so that you moms can get your breaks in. This would be a great night to express the inner artist in the moms and give moms a little time to let loose and enjoy some good wine.

Ideas: It doesn’t have to be wine. Use anything you like to sip on.

You can use any Easels your kids may have or take a trip to your local goodwill to find some used Easels and paint brushes. You might even find some unused tubes of paints. The next Picasso might be among your friends.

8)Run Away Mom

This would hopefully be your last resort, but hey sometimes a Mom has got to do what a Mom has got to do. With this one, make a detailed emergency plan so if there is ever a day you need to run away at moment’s notice you will still have order for your kids. Discuss with your kids that there may come a time when Mommy has to run away but not to worry because you will be back. Also, Make sure to choose the most dependable people, who can commit to actually stepping in to perform your role for you at moment’s notice. Also, make sure that if you ever have a day that is completely suffocating you, that you have a safe word and all you have to do is utter that safe word over the phone or in person and they know that you are running away. The safe word should be “runaway day” or any other clever phrase you come up with.

Now these are just some ideas to get the mom relaxation going. Based on your likes, dislikes, and cultures your selections will change. But the whole idea is to remember that moms need and deserve to take breaks and not just naps. Breaks full of fun.

If you feel like you don’t know any moms that want to do this. You will be surprised what asking someone to participate in something that is strictly for them. They will be as ecstatic as you to lean upon another mom to have some fun time. Create a group in your neighborhood or online. Just get started in giving your fellow mom some comfort in knowing she can run away with you.

Please feel free to comment on any other ideas you would like to see discussed.