After you become a mom, your needs change. Well, everything changes. Those first few months are about survival & just making it through the day as best you can. But, things eventually get to a point where they even out. Kiddos get older, and a little bit more independent. They start enjoying playing trucks and trains on their own, occasionally only needing you to repair a Lego tunnel or train bridge. It’s not an everyday occurrence but when it does, it’s a great thing.

Defining yourself after you have a child can be tough for some (myself included). Once the cloud of postpartum depression started to clear I was able to start focusing back on me, and my own needs while still taking care of my family. My needs aren’t great, and honestly they feel pretty simple compared to most.

 

My needs:

It’s my husbands responsibility to make sure I get 15 minutes of alone time to shower in the mornings. The only exception with that is when he has class and goes to work really early. I need those few minutes to get myself together and ready for the day. Or well, at least attempt to be clean. Being awake is another story.

Coffee. So much coffee. This helps with that whole ‘being awake’ thing. I think it’s a myth.

Once in a while I need time to myself. Shocking, right? I will take the keys, go get myself a coffee, and walk around the hobby store. All by myself. It doesn’t happen all that often, but when it does I remember how much I enjoy it.

Twice a week for an hour – I take my son to a daycare next door, even though I am a stay at home mom. I arranged it with the daycare to do this on the days Nick has class. Those days are *very* long. It gives me a chance to go jogging, clean, shower, blog, read.. whatever my heart desires. An hour isn’t much, but every little bit helps. My son enjoys his time with his friends next door, and I get some breathing room.

Date nights are a must. There is always a pang of guilt for me when we pull out of my mother in laws driveway, but it doesn’t last long. He has fun with his nana, papa, and his cousins. He is perfectly fine over there, and the break for all of us is much needed. The smiles and tackle hugs we get when we pick him up the next morning are always worth it.

Adult time! I can only handle so much Sesame street, and Thomas the train before I start to analyze the cartoons I’m stuck watching. Honestly, Bob the Builder is a hoarder in the making.

So maybe my needs aren’t that great, or outrageous, but they are mine. They help me navigate this motherhood adventure I am thankful to be in the middle of.

 

Can you define what you need that help you be a better mom? Are they day-to-day needs or just general things that help? What do you to do ensure you get these needs met?