Don"t Stop Networking Just Because You Became a Mommy
Has anyone else noticed that staying home to raise children can be kind of, ummm, boring? Now, I can't be the only one who's noticed this.
But maybe I'm the only one with a big enough mouth to say it out loud.
This isn't to say that raising kids isn't EXTREMELY important, or that I don't love it much of the time, and that I consider myself truly blessed to be able to do it.
But the reality is that taking care of children requires a tremendous amount of repetitive, un-stimulating activities.
It also can be very lonely, with long hours between adult conversations.
I remember after my daughter was born, and I had just left my teaching job.
Sophie would wake up sometimes as early as 6:00 and I would sit on the living room couch, nursing her and looking out the front window at the early morning twilight.
The day loomed ahead of me.
Sometimes the hours ahead seemed unmanageable.
So, I began to join "Mommy-and-me" activities, more to connect with other mothers than anything.
Through these activities I met some women who have remained my really good friends.
But what if you live in an area where you don't have access to this type of activity? Or if you don't have the money to join? Look into parenting activities that might be going on in your public library.
Use the internet to connect with other mothers in your area.
Go to the park and talk it up with a kind face.
When raising children, it's important to stay connected with others.
In traditional societies, villages have traditions that support the mother physically and emotionally.
Family and friends visit the mother and help her with meal preparation, cleaning the house, or allowing her needed time to rest.
After the initial period of post-partum, family was close by in order to help with childcare and discipline.
Our culture has lost this important source of support.
Make a promise to yourself to connect with at least two other mothers who are supportive.
Reach out even if it goes outside your comfort zone.
Remaining connected with others is an important part of remaining a highly functioning adult, so think of it as taking care of yourself.
The gift you'll receive is greater happiness, and as a result, you'll be a better parent.
But maybe I'm the only one with a big enough mouth to say it out loud.
This isn't to say that raising kids isn't EXTREMELY important, or that I don't love it much of the time, and that I consider myself truly blessed to be able to do it.
But the reality is that taking care of children requires a tremendous amount of repetitive, un-stimulating activities.
It also can be very lonely, with long hours between adult conversations.
I remember after my daughter was born, and I had just left my teaching job.
Sophie would wake up sometimes as early as 6:00 and I would sit on the living room couch, nursing her and looking out the front window at the early morning twilight.
The day loomed ahead of me.
Sometimes the hours ahead seemed unmanageable.
So, I began to join "Mommy-and-me" activities, more to connect with other mothers than anything.
Through these activities I met some women who have remained my really good friends.
But what if you live in an area where you don't have access to this type of activity? Or if you don't have the money to join? Look into parenting activities that might be going on in your public library.
Use the internet to connect with other mothers in your area.
Go to the park and talk it up with a kind face.
When raising children, it's important to stay connected with others.
In traditional societies, villages have traditions that support the mother physically and emotionally.
Family and friends visit the mother and help her with meal preparation, cleaning the house, or allowing her needed time to rest.
After the initial period of post-partum, family was close by in order to help with childcare and discipline.
Our culture has lost this important source of support.
Make a promise to yourself to connect with at least two other mothers who are supportive.
Reach out even if it goes outside your comfort zone.
Remaining connected with others is an important part of remaining a highly functioning adult, so think of it as taking care of yourself.
The gift you'll receive is greater happiness, and as a result, you'll be a better parent.
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