I've been a SAHM for 3.5 yrs now and I can't remember the last time I did anything for myself. I don't even know if I had some time, what I'd do. Lately, I've been feeling that I need a break... even just a few hours. Since potty training has started, I've been extremely inpatient with my son and I feel so guilty about that. I feel very selfish for wanting some time alone (besides going to the grocery store). I love my family more than anything, but I feel like I'm losing myself...

I've never felt guilty about it at all...I know the kind of person I am and I need time to myself. My Dh has always been so great about it. He's even sent me away, forcing me to do it! LOL!

So yes, I do take time to myself...even now with my kids being older (10 and 13).

I always say I'm going to find time for me to do something for myself at least once a week but it never happens. I feel like all I do is things for everyone else. Don't get me wrong I love my family and I love doing things for them and taking care of them. I just wish I could find a little extra time, I can't even find the time to scrapbook anymore.

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In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On!
-Robert Frost

Here's how you can release some of that guilt

WHen you are HIRED to work a job. You probably count down the minutes OWED to you for lunch break and probably two fifteen minute breaks in a 8 hour shift, right? I know I did when I worked. That time was imperative for me to be able to do my job and do it well

So why is it as moms and maybe SAHMs in particular since we are at home all day, we feel like we should be on our game 24/7 with no breaks? This is a VOLUNTEER position we hold for the rest of our lives...to not take an hour or so a day for ourselves is NOT being selfish.....it's necessary. The guilt you have for doing that is self inflicted. Why? I'm not sure. You are already giving them exactly what they need: A mom 24/7.

In answer to your question, yes I take time out for myself. I work out for a couple hours a day up to 4 times a week, and I go out with friends once a month. For me to have dinner and to socialize for an hour with friends is exactly what I need to face the day the next day. I do not feel the least bit guilty about it!

I absolutely take time for myself and I do NOT feel guilty about it. We all need down time. Whether it is reading, scraping, or going out for a Mom's night out.

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I've grown certain that the root of all fear is that we've been forced to deny who we are. ~ Frances Moore Lappe

Yes, I take time for myself. I get very crabby if I don't. I used to feel guilty because I figured it was my job to get everything done since I was a sahm. That was pressure that I put on myself due to low self-esteem. Thankfully, I don't feel guilty anymore. I think it's good for my kids to see that I take care of myself too.

I asked this question the other day and received no responses from it (surprisingly) - here is my original post. I think we need to "force" ourselves to make time for things we like to do!

Do you make time for yourself? I always want to do "something" for myself - for example go to a scrapbooking workshop - but then when I think about any cost involved (gas to get there, cost of the workshop, a sitter or if it is my mom I always worry if I am bothering her), hubby getting home on time, getting a sitter for a short time until hubby gets home, the house being a mess when I get back - I usually back out and don't make the time for myself.
I need to start doing this - to make myself happier. To make me a better mom.

What are some ways I can do this?

I take my daughter to a mommy's day out program at a local church one time a week and it is wonderful! I get the day to clean, sew, get my haircut, whatever I like and she loves going and playing with other kids. My DH is usually gone so much that there is not usually the option of him taking the kiddos, so this works out perfect for us. Definately DON'T feel guilty about needing and taking time for yourself, I think it gives our children better mommy's if we have time to recharge our own batteries.

I try to. I used to go down to the water( I live right by the intercoastal and there is a seawall i guess you could call it right outside the pool area) or to the hot tub in the evenings but I haven't in a long time. Maybe its time to go again.

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I am 50 years old and nobody in the house buy dh and I and I still need "my" time.

There is nothing wrong with having time to yourself to unwind and relax. i would check to see if their is a neigbor who you can swap babysitting for a couple of hours a week with. This will give both of you a chance to do something without the kids.