Jet Lag or Mom Brain?
Jet Lag or Mom Brain?
As a mom of little kids with a spouse who travels for work or military duty, you may have experienced that feeling of being more forgetful during these times. Juggling the responsibilities of managing a household and taking care of your children on your own can be overwhelming. It's common to find yourself asking some seemingly silly questions when your spouse is away. In this blog post, we'll explore five of these questions and provide practical tips to help you navigate through these moments with ease.
Did I feed the dog?
Feeding the dog might seem like a simple task, but when your mind is occupied with various responsibilities, it's easy to forget. To stay on top of daily tasks, create a must-do list for every day to ensure your household operates smoothly. You can download our template for free here and customize according to your family's needs. This list will serve as a helpful reminder and help you manage your time effectively. It will also ensure your dog does not starve.
Did I shower today?
Self-care often takes a backseat when you're busy taking care of your little ones alone. However, it's essential to prioritize your well-being during these times. Each day, carve out some time for yourself, even if it's just a few minutes. It could be enjoying a hot cup of tea, reading a chapter of your favorite book, or doing a quick workout. Taking care of yourself will not only make you feel more refreshed but also positively impact how you handle daily challenges. Our Motherhood Prompted Journal can help you take a few minutes each day to reflect on yourself.
What day is it?
Keeping track of the days can be challenging when your spouse is away, especially when your regular routines are disrupted. To avoid missing important appointments or events, review the next day's schedule the night before. Set alarms or reminders on your phone for critical tasks and activities. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't miss any essential commitments.
Is it bedtime yet?
The concept of bedtime can sometimes feel like a distant dream when you're parenting solo. Remember that bedtime can be flexible, especially when you have little ones who don’t understand the concept of time. Allow yourself some flexibility in determining bedtime based on what works best for your day. Whether it's 6 pm or 8 pm, you're doing great.
Will this ever end?
It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and wonder if the challenges of solo parenting will ever end. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups of other moms in similar situations. Sharing your feelings and experiences can be incredibly therapeutic and reassuring. Also, remind yourself that this phase will pass, and your spouse will return. In the meantime, focus on cherishing the precious moments with your kids and finding joy in the journey. These times are not the time for practicing perfectionism.
Feeling forgetful when your spouse travels is a common experience for moms of little kids. By asking these seemingly silly questions, you're highlighting the challenges that come with handling the household and childcare alone. The key to managing this time effectively lies in creating a daily must-do list, making time for self-care, setting reminders, embracing flexibility, and seeking support from others. Remember, you're doing an incredible job, and even during tough times, you're never alone. Embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and know that this phase will pass. You've got this!