Day: September 12, 2019

Missing my First Mother’s Day

| theperfectwildbalance

I’ll never forget it. Mother’s Day 2016. My first Mother’s Day ever. I was in hot dusty Fort Hunter Liggett, California. Out in the middle of nowhere. I was on my annual two week training for the military, and to be honest I was upset that day. You would think “why be upset on Mother’s Day?” I was a new mother, and I had to leave my 6 almost 7 month old son behind on the east coast. I know it’s expected to happen throughout my military career, but when the time comes to leave, its hard. The reception was terrible, and I couldn’t Face Time him just to see his face, which mad me even more mad. I was ready for the two weeks to be completed just so I could hold and see my baby again. As the day went on, any and everyone made me upset, and I took my anger out on them, which I shouldn’t have, but I honestly couldn’t help it. Even the “happy first Mother’s Day” texts wouldn’t suffice and make me happy.

As we were taking a break from training that day, we were called out of your tent to have an informal meeting. My First Sergeant called me to the center and presented me with a Mother’s Day card signed from my entire unit, a box of Ferraro Rocher chocolate, and a bouquet of flowers stuck in a Starbucks cup filled with water. I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe that everyone made such a horrible day turn into something so memorable, and how they put in the thought and effort to make my first Mother’s Day special. I was surprised that they had gotten the gifts because the nearest store was 45 minutes away.

I love how I have the support of my family while in the military, and having the support of my unit. It’s hard being a parent and having to leave your children behind to serve our country, but I make the best of it. The most amazing part is I have my children to look forward to when I come home!
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

You’re a grand old glad, you’re a high flying flag!
9 Years Army Strong

Children Need Self Care Too

| theperfectwildbalance

Everyone has bad days, even children. I’ve never took into consideration that my child can have a “bad” day. It’s not like they have real stress in life, but anything can happen. A bad day at school, day care or even at home. As parents we’re typically exhausted and want to pamper or treat ourselves, but let’s think about our children. Yes, they have fun, but do they get that pamper treatment? Eh…maybe, maybe not, but most of the time “no”. I do my best everyday to ask my children, especially my three year old since he can hold a conversation “How was his day?” “How’s he doing?” “What did he do today?” I want to be engaged with my children and know what causes their emotions as to why they are happy, sad etc.

I’m guilty of sometimes not having enough quality time set aside to spend with my children, typically days after work. I made it a priority and a vow to myself and my children that no matter how tired mommy is we’re going to spend time together doing something that makes them feel good. You may think to yourself “what self care ideas come into play with children?” Here’s some ideas I thought I would do with my children that are simple

  1. Just Play
  2. Cuddle up and watch a movie
  3. Take Silly Pictures
  4. Draw/Color together
  5. Go for a bike ride or walk
  6. Blow Bubbles (What child doesn’t love bubbles)
  7. Go out for Ice cream

One activity I did with my son (while my daughter was napping) was practice writing his name and words in shaving cream. Yes it got a little messy, but it was AWESOME and we enjoyed it. I’m not sure who had more fun, him or I. Not only was he learning, but we were having fun.

Writing the word “CAT”
And the mess begins

What are some other suggestions of self care ideas that come to mind with children or some that you may have done yourself as a family?