Hey Guys!
It's been awhile since my boyfriend has been working nights, and also a day job. As tough as its been, I feel as though I am able to pass my wisdom on, about surviving with a spouse working long hours. I found these tips helped me stay sane, and also kept my days busy.
1. Do things for yourself
I am such a big believer in taking time for yourself. My "me time" is when Kayden is sleeping. Whether he is taking a nap or is down for the night, it is all about me. If you read my post from long time ago, I talked about how every mom needs something that will keep them sane. For me it is taking a peaceful shower and working out. During his morning nap I shower and when he goes down for the night I work out. Those moments where I focus on me, and do something for myself I feel Refreshed.
2. Go out!!
I am lucky enough to have a dog. Which forces me to get out of the house.For those that don't have a dog find something you can do which allows you to get out of the house . For me I sometimes will run errands with just Kayden. we have also gone to the park for some mommy and sometimes we were just going down to the local dollar store. it is so great for Kayden to get out of the house and it breaks up the day as well because we do have a schedule which does help me and Kayden as well but it is also fun just to break out of that day to day schedule and do something different. Now that Kayden can walk so much better, he doesn't last in the stroller for to long. A few times on our walks, I let him out, and he discovers nature! There is so much you can do in your backyard or just around the corner. Our regular 20 minute walk turned in 40, but it was well worth it.
3. Spend time with family/friends
Because Curtis works such long and crazy hours it has been a lot easier for me to spend time with my family and thankfully they are free on weekdays and mostly busy on the weekends which works great for my schedule because usually on the weekend or on the weekend Curtis will work on Sunday, so on Saturday will run errands and then spend Sunday just lazing around having really good family time. it is great when we can all go over by all I mean Kayden and Buddy (which is our dog) and I can go over to my parents house for the day, which means a lot of spoiling and time outside playing. I can put my feet up for a little bit and just relax. Another great thing is going and spending time with friends even when Curtis wasn't working his two jobs or I would have friends come over or I would go out with friends and he would take care of Kayden and it was such a great bonding time for those two and it gave me a break allowing me to have girl time.
4. Let your partner take over
I had to have a Little talk with Curtis in order for this to happen because of course he's a man and he doesn't always realize that if he takes Kayden for 20 to 30 minutes when he's running a quick errand, it gives me a break. It is always the smallest things that make the biggest difference. There have been times when we have split up when doing groceries, so I don't have to tend to a toddler and I can just do it in piece, or Curtis will just take care of Kayden while I shop. I always emphasized to Curtis that he is the biggest male influence in Kayden's life., disciplining him, or even correcting his behaviour plays a major role. Often times Kayden wants attention and will do extreme things to try to achieve it. Often times I find myself repeating a lot, and when curtis takes over, it helps keep me calm. It's nic when curtis steps up after working long hours, and the great thing, I know he enjoys it. He spends so much time apart from Kayden, just playing with him, being around during meal time or just a movie is amazing.
I am not going to denie it, it is exhausting, being a parent in general is exhausting. Throw in a partner not always being around puts you on double duty. The older your kid(s) are the more on your toes one needs to be. I hope these tips add some sanity to your life!
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