| Raising young children can be very trying at times. | | | | relaxation, and promote peaceful balance within you. |
| Add to that traveling, homeschooling, and running a | | | | I have a lock on my bedroom door and a sign that |
| business, and you will find that you have more on | | | | says, "Back in 5 minutes" when I am in need of my |
| your plate than most people can comprehend. Yet | | | | mandatory break time. |
| there are a lot of Mom's out their that have a | | | | Inside, I have a tranquil desk top water fall, sound |
| seemingly endless drive for work and ability to | | | | machine that plays wave music, rainfall, chirping birds, |
| accomplish the incomprehensible on a daily basis. | | | | babbling brook sounds, etc. I also have aroma |
| How do they do it? It's all about loving what you do, | | | | therapy scents that promote calming and a neck |
| and loving yourself. By loving yourself, that means | | | | massage machine. Having a good inspirational book, |
| you know the importance of taking care of | | | | pamphlets, or prayer readily available is very beneficial |
| yourself. Finding a place of peace during those | | | | too. Decorate your space with pictures of your |
| trying times is one way I 'recharge my batteries', so | | | | favorite calming scenes. 5 minutes in your "Fortress |
| to speak. | | | | of Solitude" is all it takes to relax, unwind and fill that |
| As the Mom of 3 and soon to be 4 young children, I | | | | cup again so that you can give to others and get |
| realize the importance of taking breaks regularly, and | | | | you through the rest of your difficult day. |
| especially during those stressful times when there is a | | | | It is also extremely important to set aside 'Date |
| lot of chaos going on. I have created my own | | | | Night' time with your spouse. We try to have a |
| rejuvenation space, my Fortress of Solitude where I | | | | date night setup once a month so that my husband |
| can take a 5 minute break, recharge my batteries, | | | | and I can regroup, get to know each other, talk |
| and get back into the game with a winning attitude. | | | | about what's on our minds, and most of all listen to |
| Everyone needs to take a few minutes to relax | | | | each other uninterrupted. Some of our friends |
| during the day. Folks in the work place are required | | | | make date night a weekly event. However you plan |
| by law to receive two 15 minute breaks, and one | | | | it, it will make a huge difference on your family |
| lunch break for an eight hour shift. So why is it that | | | | harmony. |
| stay at home Mom's should receive anything less. | | | | Now that you have your own special space to |
| We work just as hard, if not harder than most | | | | unwind, you will find that by setting up a special little |
| career jobs, and we definitely wear more hats than | | | | area for each of your children will not only be |
| most: Mom, Wife, Home Management Specialist, | | | | beneficial to their overall disposition, but will enhance |
| Teacher, Principal, Nurse, chauffeur, counselor, | | | | the calming environment to new levels. Each of my |
| tour guide, laundry service, cook, gardener, maid, | | | | children have a special place they can go where they |
| home based business owner, etc. | | | | can have some quiet time to themselves, away from |
| Everyone needs to take breaks, take time to | | | | the distractions of daily family life. We have even |
| recharge their batteries, especially Moms. If our cup is | | | | included our car space as each child's designated area |
| empty - we have nothing to give and that can result | | | | with use of various car organizers to hold their |
| in creating some very unhappy memories. Start by | | | | personal items while we are on the road. |
| finding a place to make your own. This is the first | | | | Life is short, so make the most out of every minute |
| step in creating a successfully balanced environment | | | | while you spend this precious time raising young |
| where Mom and kids live in harmony. Find a place in | | | | children. Find ways to enjoy the good times, and |
| your house, such as your bed room, bathroom, or | | | | survive the chaotic moments will be beneficial to both |
| office where you can slip away for 5 minutes to | | | | you, and your family in the long run. Life's a |
| recharge. Make that space your space by | | | | journey, be a happy traveler! |
| decorating it with items that stimulate comfort, | | | | |