Sleep When the Baby Sleeps

Sleep when the baby sleeps. 

Once upon a time when I had three kids under the age of five, two of those kids still in diapers, I would hear that statement and instantly the hairs on my neck would go up, and I had to zip my lips and swallow a biting reply.

If I slept when the baby slept, who would do the dishes? Mop the floor? Prep dinner? Fold the laundry? Take care of the preschooler?

So I mocked and threw away that gentle piece of over-given advice, and worked myself ragged, and exhausted.

My house was clean.

But the rest of me? Was a complete mess.

I know better now. There is a reason why older and more experienced moms cling to that piece of advice. Because it is good, solid and life giving.

Six years later, I am surrounded by those same three beautiful children. They are taller now, more independent (and feisty), and more mature. The physically hard part of parenting them is pretty much over. But the emotional part? More present then ever. I am learning that parenting doesn’t ever get easier as the years go on, it simply transforms into something different, but just as tiring.

But I am no longer the walking mess I was with those littles hanging off my legs and screaming into my ear.

Because I have learned not only to embrace rest, but to also fight for it. Which is timely being that we are in the process of adopting. Hopefully, when I am back in the throws of sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and baby spit up, I will remember what I am typing here.

Contrary to what some people think, taking care of yourself as a mom is not selfish, it is necessary. We can only give to our children what we have…

And if all we have is ragged, exhausted, and tired pieces of ourselves? Then we need to learn how to refuel ourselves so we have more to give.

Not just for our children, but for us.

Because if we don’t, then the the joy of motherhood will most certainly dim in the weight of exhaustion.

It’s ok to let the laundry build up every once in a while. A late night soak in the tub after the kids finally go to bed will do wonders to a mother’s achy body. A quick rendezvous on the porch with a great book and an ice coffee, while you children are occupied or napping is an amazing sanity saver. So is a quick run on the treadmill or a quiet stroll around the neighborhood. Sleep in on a Saturday morning. Go to bed earlier. Book a massage. Plan a night out with your hubby or favorite girlfriends. Tackle that project you have been dreaming about on Pinterest.

Take a nap.

Us moms are too hard on ourselves. We are so busy giving our all to everyone else that we forget to take care of ourselves too.

So by all means sweet mamas…

Sleep while the baby sleeps. Or at the very least, learn to embrace quiet, task-free moments and breathe.

It’s good for you. And it is good for your children.