Parents, Permission Granted

Why as parents do we feel that we need permission from someone in order to take a day off?

As much as you may want to believe you can, you cannot continue nurturing, effective parenting without time off for yourself. Somewhere, sometime when least expected, you will crash…hard…and you will not be able to deal with the simplest of events. I have been in this parenting gig for twenty-seven years; please listen to the voice of experience.

I hear you muttering (maybe even using your outside voice) taking time off from parenting is way easier said than done. Yes it is, but that fact does not negate your need for repose and renewal. Just as intently and diligently as you work in parenting and advocating for your children, you must take the same attitude in caring for yourself. Sure you’ve heard this before, but this time, listen.

Today I grant you permission to take a day off. If that day cannot be today, hold this permission in reserve and never forget that you may declare a day off from…

* worrying
* caring what people think
* saying the right thing
* fighting battles
* doing research
* knowing it all
* making phone calls
* acting as case manager
* handling the details
* making appointments
* filling out forms
* solving problems
* multi-tasking
* holding it all in
* (add your own)

…and not feel one bit of guilt…ever.

Seriously, put on your monkey slippers and kick back.


Melody can be found writing here at 5MFSN every Tuesday in addition to hosting Special Exposure Wednesday. She can also be found at Slurping Life and what i think…and occasionally on the edge of a cliff.

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