Take The Day Off
July 7, 2009 by Marci
My neighbor did something awesome yesterday. She took the day off. Not a sick day or a vacation day, really. It was more like a mental health day. Now, I can hear some of you “Big deal. People take days off all the time. What so special about her day off?” Well, her day was special because she’s a mom! She doesn’t punch a time clock somewhere or even get a paycheck. She is a stay-at-home mom with 4 kids.
When she told me she was going to take the day off, I thought “Brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?” But, then practicality set in and I said “How are you going to do that? Are you going somewhere? Who’s watching the kids?” This may be the most incredible part of all for some us…Her husband had a vacation day and stayed home with the kids! And, from all accounts, they all survived just fine, Dad included.
So, what does a mom do on her day off? My friend spent part of the day at home just enjoying her family, but without having to cook breakfast or change diapers or clean up anything. (Amazing!) Then, she spent the afternoon doing a little shopping. (Without kids screaming they wanted to go home or crying because you won’t let them buy them whatever!)
This whole thing got me to thinking. Why don’t mom’s get days off like everyone else? Mom’s are on the job 24/7 with no vacation or sick days. I think we need to negotiate a better contract!! Is there a more mentally and physically demanding job out there? Is there a more important job? No way! So, why don’t we take sometime for ourselves?
I think as mom’s we sometimes think we are in this alone and that no one else can do our jobs for us, not even for a day. Some of us enjoy being the martyr. Some of us are so stressed out we can’t think of a way to get relief. First, we need to get over ourselves. Second, we need to let our families know what we need. If we are feeling stressed, I’m sure it is no surprise to them and most times they will be all for making momma sane again!!
Is it time for your mental health day? Talk with your family and negotiate it. Get your husband to stay with the kids. Get a sitter. Swap with another mom so you both can have a day off. Mark it on the calendar and do it!
So, do you take a day off for being mom? What would you do on your day off?
Comments (9)
I just did this last Friday. My husband was given the 3rd off, which we weren’t expecting, so I took the day off. I took myself out for breakfast, and it was so quiet (plus I got to eat my food at my own pace instead of cutting everyone else’s food for them). I found a quiet place to read (I had wanted to go to the library alone but they were all closed). I shopped a bit, and even though it was household stuff it was still leisurely because I was ALONE. I spent some afternoon time in a coffee shop, mostly just sitting, relaxing and people-watching. It was fantastic.
I love this idea, and boy do I need one today! We’re all in grumpy moods today, so I’m just trying to take it easy. No commitments today, no expectations… just a lovely day at home, making it through the day, and maybe-possibly being kind to one another. ; )
Have you read the book yet? (I’m eager to see what you think…)
Marci I feel strongly that Mom’s need a day to themselves every once in awhile. I actually get that from my MIL. She will take the kids and really what I do is sit in my home and do what I normally do but in peace and quiet!! Although, I like the idea of getting out of the house a bit! That would be nice!! Thanks for the reminder!
I LOVE THIS! Okay, why have I never thought of doing this? And, you are so right, SAHM don’t get vacation, or sick leave. I have got to do some contract re-negotiation! And that guilty feeling I get when I leave the kids w/ my husband, I am just going to have to put that aside for a massage. Awesome idea, thanks so much for this post! I really needed this. Abbie
My 1 year old goes to daycare 1 day each week. It’s definitely worth the cost. I get to do things like go to the dentist, have my hair cut or go shopping (and maintain sanity). I also use the time to make phone calls without screaming child in the background, and prepare meals for the coming week. But the best thing is just having a break from each other. He loves spending the day with other children and when I pick him up at the end of the day we are both happy to be back together again. Some mothers fear that separation will weaken the bond with their child but I find that it makes the bond stronger.
This is definitely a MUST do for us to be the best moms we can be. We do have responsibilities at home and with the kids but we have an equal responsibility in not letting ourselves have a nervous breakdown. LOL I do take a break every now and then. I actually took one last week and went to my mom’s pool, just she and I . We swam, did water aerobics, played pool volleyball…it was heaven. The only problem I can see is finding the strength to go back home. LOL JUST kidding ! well…sorta
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Make sure you refer pals who will need support.
Mental health days are necessary to rejuvenate your mind and body. We clean office space in Atlanta. Although it not mentally taxing we feel its necessary one a quarter for a employees to have a day off. Employees are more productive when giving the chance to restart there engines