Mom funk. Yep, mention those two words to any mom and they’ll likely nod, acknowledge that they’ve been there too, and offer up some kind of support. I know it’s hard to imagine being in a “funk” with three beautiful children, a hard-working, supportive husband, and my parents recent purchase of a golden retriever puppy. The grass is always greener folks… and some days, heck WEEKS, I find myself in a mom funk. So instead of running through a laundry list of the things that bring on more than the baby blues, I thought I’d share a few strategies that have helped me get through…. You know, the things besides baby snuggles and toddler hugs!
The power of prayer. We go to church every week as a family but I find in that hour of mass time I don’t say ONE prayer. I’m playing referee or rocking the baby to sleep. Recently I’ve started saying the Hail Mary prayer three times a day: when the kids eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Why at mealtimes? Well, they always eat three meals a day! So I know that at those three times during the day I have some kind of constant, that consistency. There’s something about praying to the Blessed Mother for patience, guidance, and most of all, understanding, that has really helped to ground me through the crazy days with the kids. If prayer isn’t your thing, you could always try 5-10 deep breaths or a few jumping jacks.
Glass half full thinking. It’s easy to talk with other parents [or your spouse] and start the, “I had a harder day than you with my kids,” conversation. You know, trumping one another’s troubles. I’m finding if I have a friend who needs to vent or tell me about their bad day, I listen, acknowledge, then offer up support in some form of a positive statement. Guess what? Please do that for me too. I really, really need that kind of reinforcement!
Unplug the phone. I find this one SO hard because my phone, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. are all those things are how I stayed connected to people other than my children. Plus, my business counts on me being online! The funny thing is I asked 4 mom-friends who I frequently chat with via email, Facebook message, and texting, and they all said the same thing. Unplug. Turn off. And quit looking at Facebook or Instagram! Why?! Because sometimes you can’t help but compare your life to another’s. And comparison is the thief of joy…. [thanks Holley, Sarah, Aggie, and Jessica for being a part of my online lifeline of moms!].
Ask for help. I’ve stopped thinking the people in my life can read my mind. I’m fairly certain it’s a trait not many husbands or wives know how to do. So instead of getting mad and thinking the people around me should see I need help, I ask for it. I’m a prideful person and while I want to do it all, blogging included, but I know I can’t. And when I try, that leads to me snapping and yelling at my husband and the boys. They say the sign of a good leader is that they know how to delegate—- I think that holds true for the Mom of this family!
Nana and Grandpa had the boys for two nights while Mom, Dad, and Lily had some alone time. They were clearly having too good of a time without Mom and Dad!
Most days I’m struggling to find the patience to spend 16 hours with the little people in my life who want more water, to be carried down the stairs, and multiple diaper changes. But my “defeat the mom funk!” strategies seem to be helping with that. That being me and my happiness. Because if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy! [Thanks Dad, for always saying that when I was growing up!]
So tell me: What do you do to get out of the mom funk?!
