If anyone has an answer to this, please leave it in the comments. In the meantime I’ll give you my thoughts on what I’ve learned so far on the never-ending battle of balancing chaos.
Being a mom is the most difficult, time-consuming, selfless act you will ever do.
Time that used to be your own, is no longer yours. The romance you and your partner shared is now consumed with bedtimes, milestones and schedules. Once you become a mother simple things like sitting down, showering and sleeping become luxuries. So how do you manage being spread so thin and not crumble in the chaos?
“Balancing the Chaos” might sound a bit like an oxymoron.
Well, sometimes you just have to crumble… a little bit… when no one is looking… and that’s OK. Everything doesn’t have to be balanced 100% of the time, but you do have to make it work.
After you’ve let yourself go to that ugly place… you have to find a balance, or you won’t survive. You need to ask for help, cross items off your to-do list, re-prioritize and give yourself a break every now and then to just sit on the couch and eat marshmallows. (I know I’m not the only one that does this.)
Stop trying to be SuperMom
Have you met a SuperMom yet? They are the moms who have their kids dressed and ready for school every day on time, never forget about carpool, add notes to their kids homemade, gluten-free, antioxidant-filled lunches and are still able to wash their own hair and look presentable every day. If you are one of these moms, congratulations and please share with us your wisdom (or actually…don’t). But, if you are like most moms I know you are always chasing after this idea of being a SuperMom, cooking, cleaning and working while still managing to get the yearly christmas card sent out on time. (I sent my baby’s announcement cards out 4 months late…oops.)
The best way to balance the chaos is to give in.
Accept that dinner won’t always be on the table, your child will still survive if you don’t use cloth diapers and pacifiers aren’t the devil. Be open to different parenting styles and be willing to do what is best for you and your family.
Giving in doesn’t mean giving up
Giving in is accepting help and admitting that your children are happier and healthier when their mom isn’t overwhelmed with the chaos. Because that is all balancing is, making it work with your lifestyle and your priorities. Deciding what’s most important and saying no to everything else.
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