I work in an extremely stressful job. It’s so stressful that my team keeps a blood pressure cuff in the supply closet just to be on the safe side. I’m not complaining (much), because at least I still have my job. So many state employees have been laid off this past year, that I do feel a little guilty complaining.
When my work day ends, I am so anxious to leave and get home. When I do get home, I am met by my children acting just like a pack of excited puppies puddling at my feet. And I’m not complaining (much) about that either. But, I really would like just five minutes to unwind, change clothes and shred the pressures of the office.
Instead, I am asked what’s for dinner – I hear about what happened at school – I get reports from Amy, Ashley’s aide – and I listen to cats whining to get food.
I really do want to hear those things. I am so grateful that my children do share the happenings of their day with me. I’m thrilled that they are happy to see me each evening.
But I just want five minutes…five short minutes.
Does that make me a bad mother?
Today I am thankful that my children like me, really like me.
NO!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteNo, it makes you very very normal :)
ReplyDeletehere's what you do....you say "wait...I'm going upstairs to change clothes and I will be right back.
ReplyDeletethen go in your room, shut the door and flop on the bed. Wait 5 min then go listen to everyone's day! It's what I always did when my kids were younger and it was just what i needed!
Not at all. We all need alone time! We are no help to anyone if we don't take care of ourselves. I hope you find that five minutes or longer! You deserve it. NO guilt allowed ;)
ReplyDeleteIt makes you utterly normal. :)
ReplyDeleteWith such a stressful job having some kind of transition is probably pretty important to your health
ReplyDeleteSome moms (and dads!) I know of stop on their way home to take a few minutes to de-stress.
Might be easier than trying to carve the space out when you arrive in the door?
My husband works out before coming home so that he can decompress. I like the idea of going upstairs and sitting on your bed for a few minutes.
ReplyDeleteI think you are normal.