We have to start normalizing mothers needing a break without making them feel guilty.
You are not a bad mom for needing a break.
You are not letting someone else raise your kids when you take a break.
You are not being selfish for needing a break.
What you are . . . is at your limit.
You’re emotionally, physically, and mentally drained because you have given everything you have to everything that needs you and then some.
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I know you wish you could do it all, but you’re trying to raise your children on empty when you don’t take a break.
Not only do we need to normalize moms taking breaks, but we also need to recognize when moms need a break.
She’s yelling.
She’s stressed.
She’s tired.
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She’s grouchy.
She’s always moving.
This is not her mothering style.
This is her signal.
Take a break. Give her a break.
Not time alone to catch up on laundry.
Not grocery shopping by herself.
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A break, something that recharges and relaxes and reassures her she’s going to make it.
And here’s the other side. It needs to go both ways for both parents. Dad needs a break, too.
It’s time, mama.
Originally published on the author’s Facebook page