Did your parents use TimeOuts to discipline you when you were growing up? My parents did not but it was definitely a preferred method used by many teachers while I was in school. I was one of the “good” students and only experienced having to sit in the corner once to be “punished” with a TimeOut. It was in kindergarten during nap time. The teacher left and I sat up to say something to my friend. Unfortunately, the teacher happened to walk back in while I was still talking. I was mortified and made sure to never have to experience that again. So why do I encourage TimeOuts so much now? Because, at the core, they are very beneficial. The idea is to allow kids the time and space to self-regulate. If we take the shame of sitting in a corner away, TimeOuts are an important self-care ritual that even adults can benefit from, especially moms.
New moms with very young children make many sacrifices. They usually lack sleep, personal space and even lose some of their identity in the process of mothering their children. This time doesn’t last very long, but to the mom who is in the midst of feeding, changing diapers and the endless pursuit of sleep and getting a bite to eat, it feels endless. The perfect TimeOut for her might just be uninterrupted sleep, a long bath or shower or even eating a full meal that is still warm.
Once the kids are a little older, moms may have caught up on some of their sleep but now the babies are on the move and are starting to develop their personalities. These moms are constantly chasing after their kids and having to set boundaries and correct behavior. The perfect TimeOut for these moms may be a romantic dinner with their significant other or even better a lady’s night out. Anything that makes them feel a little like the pre-mom version of themselves and encourages them to use adult vocabulary.
The next phase in mom life is usually school and all the activities that come with it. This means moms are doubling as chauffeurs, baking queens and volunteers for oh so many school and after school events. This is when she is the organization queen managing multiple calendars and family bulletin boards. This mom may just long for a TimeOut where she can lay in a hammock and read all day or have someone plan a day for her, so she doesn’t have to make one more decision.
Let’s not forget moms of teenagers. This a very emotional phase for most moms since their kids constantly struggle between wanting mom and their independence. This is the time when moms need to be mentally and emotionally strong to support their kids through all the changes that come with being a teenager. Moms in this stage most often crave a TimeOut that includes a thank you and a hug from their teen. Anything that shows them they are doing a great job.
Once the kids are out of the house, most moms must relearn to take care of themselves. Their kids are off on their own adventures and the “empty nest” may feel a little too empty at times. Moms in this stage may enjoy a TimeOut that includes more time with their kids. Maybe a weekly phone call or family dinner (if possible).
So, this Mother’s Day, why not gift mom a TimeOut? Check what stage the mom, stepmom, bonus mom, mom-in-law, work mom etc. in your life is and gift her the TimeOut she craves the most. Feel free to check out our store for gift ideas. All our products come with a free digital card you can download and print instantly to gift mom on Mother’s Day while her present is being made to order just for her.
Thank you for coming along on this precious journey. Wishing you health, wealth & most of all... happiness!
Love,
