Friday, July 26, 2013

I Took A Break From My Kids

I have been kid free for almost a week now.

My mom took my children back with her so I could enjoy some peace.

I needed it.

Since Tom is deployed, my nerves have been frayed. Yes, I understand that mothers do this all the time. Sometimes with more children. But guys? I don’t have a lot of patience. It’s the only child in me. I don’t want to have to get down at kid level and explain why I’m telling them no. I feel if I tell them no, they should listen. However, I gave birth to children who need explanations.

I also gave birth to an incredibly stubborn daughter.

She’s also loud.

Sometimes when I would speak to her I would shake and talk through pursed lips like Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own when he’s trying desperately not to shout at the female ball players.

I felt guilty. She shouldn’t have an irritated mother. But I didn’t have my husband to help. I didn’t have my husband to tell me to go upstairs and take a breather while he dealt with Natalie. (Who naturally listens to him, no problem.)

I also have a son who has Aspergers. He can get over stimulated. When he gets over stimulated, he shouts. Generally when he shouts, Natalie is throwing some sort of fit.

We’ve had many loud days at this house.

I so needed my break. I feel relaxed. I feel like I’m able to be a patient mother again. I can sink to my knees and explain things at eye level. My nerves won’t get frayed as quickly. Yes it was nice to be able to watch my television shows with adult situations whenever I wanted and have a bowl of ice cream and not have to share—but being a mother is who I am. I began to miss my kids.

I get to see them tomorrow. I get to discuss Tommy’s latest obsession with him and play princess games with Natalie.

And I can’t wait.

27 comments:

  1. I am so glad you have good support from family. That you have gotten a break. I totally get the frayed nerves. My girls can be so noisy, and my son who is autistic has been doing well. But, after 3 weeks of vacation fun with family, he had a total melt down. Not fun. You are amazing and will survive this deployment. Take care.

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  2. I think it is fantastic that you have gotten a break...you totally deserve it! :)-Ashley

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  3. Believe me, all mothers need a break once in a while from their children. I'm glad you got to have one. I'm glad you were given that opportunity. Your kids will be glad also. I hope Tom is getting home very soon.

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  4. Good for you for taking a break when you needed it. And good for your mom to be able to help you out! My daughter has been with my parents for a week. She's staying another week and my older son is going to join her. I'll just have the littlest one home next week. It will be a nice break, because one kid is a breeze, right!?!?

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  5. Awesome for you for taking that break. I want one when the kids are older.

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  6. You deserve a break! Every parent needs a break.

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  7. Everyone needs a break now and then. A week without kids can be rejuvenating!

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  8. Don't feel bad that you needed to take a break- all of us like a vacation from our daily lives once in a while. And to become a single parent when you are used to having your husband there is really tough. How much longer is Tom gone?

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  9. I miss my kids when they're away with there grandparents, too. But gosh, I could do with a break just one day and one night... Just so I can eat ice cream and not have to share LOL.

    I'm glad you had a well deserved break! :)

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  10. Glad you got that break--it's just what you needed.

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  11. Every mom needs a break from their kids or kid...especially when husbands are deployed....I don't care how many times youve done it!

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  12. You needed this break and I know what you mean - glad that you got your fill of alone time and are ready to deal with your littles who love and miss you so much.

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  13. So glad you got a break!! And don't feel bad for a second about needing it. I only have one kid and if my husband travels for a week I am completely at my wit's end. I could never handle a deployment!

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  14. Sounds great! Glad you are enjoying it.

    That happens to me - I like it at first but then miss them after not to long.

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  15. I am a former Peace Corps Volunteer. Their slogan is it's "the toughest job you'll ever love." I beg to differ because parenthood definitely deserves that slogan. Nothing wrong with stopping to recharge your batteries from time to time!

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  16. any way your mom would take my 3 for a week, too? :P

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  17. We all need breaks! I think it is wonderful that your mom was able to help out. :)

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  18. Just came across your site through the SITs girls link up and I'm glad I did. I definitely had a little giggle at your A League of Their Own reference. Love that movie. Anyhow, I often find myself feeling like less of a supermom when I need a break. It's like admitting defeat- and my husband is actually around to help out, so I definitely don't think your super powers are in questions here. Everyone needs a mommy time out once in a while!

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  19. Sounds like a well deserved break. And it's so sweet that you started to miss your kids :) I guess that's what motherhood does to you, I have yet to find out.
    It's lovely posts like these that make me think motherhood will be great (though not all the time)...heheh.
    Visiting from SITS, have a great weekend!

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  20. Taking a break is perfect for just this reason. You get to refresh yourself and it makes you miss your kids. Sounds like it was just the right length. Thanks for sharing your story so other moms won't feel guilty for feeling like they need a break. We all do.

    Happy Sharefest. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

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  21. We all need a break sometimes - it makes us better moms when the kids come home. Glad you enjoyed your week!

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  23. Everyone needs a break sometimes! I'm glad you got one and enjoyed it. Isn't it funny how you start to miss the little turkeys?? lol

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  24. Nothing like a break to make you miss them! Lx

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  25. hey its not for nothing that they say absence makes the heart grow fonder - glad you enjoyed your me-time, you deserve it!

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  26. My kids go back to school on the 26th and my autistic son is already having a panic attack. I sure need a break though!

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