Momtourage > Need Advice? > Search Page

Results tagged “me time” from Momtourage: Need Advice?

My 8-month-old is fussy all the time. When I pick him up, he's fine, but I can't hold him all day. Help!

THE QUESTION :

My 8-month-old is fussy all the time. He won't play with any of his toys, he hates his bouncy chair and won't let me put him in his playpen. As soon as I pick him up, he's fine, but I can't hold him all the time. I'm exhausted and confused and have no family or friends in the area. He fights everything, including baths and diaper changes. How can I help him--and myself?

THE ANSWER:

First, if he hasn't seen his pediatrician lately, consider going in for a visit just to make sure he is growing and developing well, and that nothing is causing him discomfort (like an ear infection). Next, you need and deserve a break ASAP, so that you don't end up even more frustrated and exhausted. Enlist your spouse, partner or get a babysitter or mommy-helper so you can have some quiet time to do whatever will help you feel better.

Tanya Remer Altmann

I work full time, my husband travels all week and my two kids are a handful. How can I find "me time"?

THE QUESTION :

I work full time, my husband is on the road Monday through Friday, and I have two children -- a 2-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with ADHD [attention deficit hyperactivity disorder] and ODD [oppositional defiance disorder]. By the end of the day, I'm exhausted. Since I have to get up at 5:45 a.m., I go to bed just minutes after the kids fall asleep. How can I get some "me time" without making my kids feel like I don't want to be around them?

THE ANSWER:

You describe your work day as starting at 5:45. Does that mean you have outside help in the morning when your husband is travelling? If so, is there any chance that person could help out after school -- for an hour or two once a week -- so that you could grab a cup of coffee with a friend?

Marilyn Augustyn

Between my kids and elderly dad, how can I find some "me" time?

THE QUESTION :

I am a married mom with a two-year-old, and I am also my elderly father's primary caregiver--what people call a "sandwich generation" caregiver. I am in desperate need of "me" time--and courage. How do I balance my family and care for my elderly father (both full-time jobs), and still have "me" time without feeling guilty? We are also awaiting news as to whether my father has leukemia, and if he does, I will really need to balance my family around my father.

THE ANSWER:

Sorry to hear about your situation and your dad's failing health. Being the primary caregiver for your father, in addition to your own family, has stressed you physically, emotionally and even socially. As a caregiver, you have the obligation to take care of yourself, not just for your own sake but also because you can't be a good caregiver unless you are healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Natalie Gahrmann

Taking care of my kids and elderly dad leave me drained. Help!

THE QUESTION :

I am a married mom with a two-year-old, and I am also my elderly father's primary caregiver. In other words, a "sandwich generation" caregiver. I am in desperate need of "me" time and courage. How do I balance my family and care for my elderly father (both full-time jobs) and still have "me" time without feeling guilty? We are also awaiting news as to whether or not my father has leukemia, and if he does, I will really need to balance my family around my father.

THE ANSWER:

Sorry to hear about your situation and your dad's failing health. Being the primary caregiver for your father, in addition to your own family, has stressed you physically, emotionally and even socially. As a caregiver, you have the obligation to take care of yourself, not just for your own sake, but also because you can't be a good caregiver unless you are healthy in body, mind and spirit.

Natalie Gahrmann

HOT TOPICS