You Deserve a Perfect Mother’s Day

Most moms know the familiar feeling of juggling multiple balls in the air as well as the guilt that can sneak in when it comes to doing something for herself. At the end of the day, she has taken care of her family but has little time left to nourish her heart or quiet her mind.

You may enjoy this popular quote about self-care: “When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” It rings true for so many of us. Along those lines, consider this blog as your permission slip!

It’s really okay to…

Take a Nap

There is great value in rest and if you have the luxury of time, take advantage of the opportunity to close your eyes. Studies show a nap is an excellent way to enhance performance, restore alertness and reduce mistakes. Good enough reason to try it! Napping can have extraordinary benefits if used correctly. Learn how to leverage napping as a proper tool, on the National Sleep Foundation website.

Expect a Kind Tone of Voice

As much as we ADORE our kids, they sometimes get a pass when they speak to mom disrespectfully. It’s important to set age-appropriate boundaries and calmly discuss your expectations with your teen or adult child. Ask if they are having a problem requiring assistance, and acknowledge they may be going through a difficult time. Avoid reacting in the same disrespectful tone, and don’t sugar coat it as if it isn’t happening. “I’m uncomfortable (or embarrassed) when you speak to me in that tone, especially in front of other people. I love you, and if I have done something to upset you, I want the opportunity to make it right. Please work on speaking in a tone of voice I can hear without me feeling hurt or offended. I promise to do the same when speaking with you.”

Enjoy Uninterrupted Friend Time

A gentle reminder for children (and partners): When mom finally has the afternoon or evening off for quality time with her girlfriends, unless you are bleeding, or it is a true emergency, don’t call her! Handle mealtime on your own and make use of the microwave if needed. Even grown kids rely on mom to take care of the tiny details which could easily be tackled by a kid half their age. Let mom relax without having to worry about rushing home because you are out of bananas, toilet paper or your favorite cereal.

Shake Out the Jeans

While every mom wants their kids to look their best, teaching children to assist with some household responsibilities is “a good thing.” Not everything needs to be ironed to perfection. Let the kids take their own clothes out of the dryer and shake them out. The wrinkles will be less prominent, and you will teach them a lesson in responsibility at the same time. My favorite is Wrinkle Release by Downy – it’s saved me in a pinch and is great when traveling.

Skip the Salad

While good nutrition is imperative to healthy living, buying a takeout meal or skipping the greens one night isn’t going to turn the world upside down. Give yourself a pass for takeout or Uber Eats after an especially hectic day. Get the family involved in meal planning and prep (guilt-free!).

Reinvent Yourself (or Start a New Adventure)

Just because you have family responsibilities doesn’t mean you have to put your dreams on hold indefinitely. In fact, your children may benefit from watching you work hard towards a big goal. Gone are the days of wondering what might have been; create a plan and take small steps towards your future.

Say “No Thank You”

Time is your most precious asset. When you are asked to donate your time and energy, you have a right to be protective of your priorities. Even if it’s for a great cause, you are not obligated to participate. Choose carefully and resist the urge to rattle off a detailed explanation regarding why you can’t oversee the fundraiser (or field trip, or event). A gracious, “I am not taking on new commitments at this time. Thank you for your understanding.” will do the trick.

You may also like Finding Personal Time in a Busy Professional World. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.