Every day we Moms spend the day taking care of others. Our kids, our spouses, our pets, and possibly an aging parent. It is a lot of work and can take a mental, emotional, and physical toll on your health and body. This year we all need to resolve to take care of Mama Bear; take care of ourselves. How do you start doing that? There are ways to steal a few minutes during the day to just relax, and grander ways to get out and really relax.
• Wake up earlier or go to bed later - Steal some time at the beginning or end of the day by waking up before everyone else in the house or going to bed after everyone. Read a book, watch your favorite TV show (bonus points if it is a show that is inappropriate for little eyes,) sit in total silence. Just relax! Don’t work, don’t clean, don’t worry about all the things that you should be doing; just stay in the present.
• Let your kids play by themselves – Preferably in their rooms. Take that few minutes of peace and just sit down. Catch up on Facebook, read some Macaroni Kid, read a magazine, color in one of those adult coloring books. We do not have to entertain our kids constantly. It is better for them if we don’t; they become more independent and learn how to occupy themselves. Both very valuable traits to take into adulthood. Of course this is only for older kids that can be left alone safely.
• Meet a friend for coffee or lunch with the kids – Pick a place that has a play area for the kids so they can play while you talk. There are several places in the area that can entertain the kids and provide a place for you and a friend(s) to chat.
o Sharinabean’s On Main – 103 West Main St. Monroe, WA. Fantastic coffee house with a play area for the kids.
o McDonalds in Monroe – 19515 Hwy 2 Monroe, WA – Just recently remodeled this McDonalds has an awesome indoor play place and a more modern look.
o Burger King Monroe – 19257 Hwy 2 Monroe, WA – This is a smaller play place that is perfect for the toddlers and preschoolers.
o Red Pepper Pizzeria and Pasta- 4721 Tolt Ave Carnation, WA – During the nicer months they have patio seating out back with a sand box for the kids to play in.
o Remlinger Farms – 32610 NE 32nd St Carnation, WA – You don’t have to go into the Family Fun Park to entertain the kids. Inside the restaurant is a play area for the younger bunch and a fun little model train that chugs around and around that is always a big hit.
o The Grange Café – 15611 Main St. Duvall, WA. Tucked in the back corner is a fun, well stocked play area for the kids.
o Snoqualmie Ice Creamery and Fountain – 21106 86th Ave SE Snohomish, WA. During the summer months this is a fun place to visit and hang out. Not only do they have awesome treats but they have a kids play space and a window where kids can watch how the ice cream is made.
o The Roadhouse Restaurant - 4200 Preston Fall City Road Fall City, WA. Worth the drive for the kids play area.
o Chick-fil-a – Several locations around the area. People just love the Chick-fil-a play place. It is fun, clean, and easy to watch your kids while you eat and chat.
o Your neighborhood park – During those short beautiful months why not take your food to go and have a picnic? The kids can run and play on the playground while you sit and relax.
• Take a real girls night out – Get your ladies together, leave the kids at home with Dad and go have a wild night (Mom style of course.) You can go cheaply by heading to Galaxy 12 Monroe on Reward Tuesday. Movies are $6.50 all day if you are a rewards member (free and easy to join.) Pair it with Taco Tuesday at Ixtapa or go out for just desert at Red Robin after the movie. Looking for more of an artsy night out? Try a paint and sip party. The Northwest Art Center has been partnering with Cherry Valley Winery for some great parties. Or take a class at one of the new home décor stores in the area. I have seen some really fun projects on their Facebook pages. Want to do something more active? Join a gym with a friend, take a yoga class together, The Studio in Carnation has some fun adult dancing classes. The great thing about committing to a 6 week series of classes is that you are committed. You paid the money and your friend is counting on you to show up.
• Go on a date with your husband – Get a babysitter and go! Not only will it be good for you, it will be good for your marriage. Win,win! Can’t afford a babysitter? Swap babysitting duties with neighbors or friends. They babysit for you one night and you babysit for them another night.
These things don’t have to be done every day or every week but you should do something for yourself at least once a month. If we are stressed out and cranky how good of caregivers can we really be? Easier said than done right? In fact, I won a massage almost a year ago and still haven’t used it! Why? I don’t really know. If we make and stick to one resolution this year, this should be it! I promise to turn in that massage certificate and take care of Mama Bear.
***Look for the new article series, Time Out for Parents in the Valley, which we are going to start running February 1st! It will be a reoccurring monthly article that lists fantastic adult only happenings in the Sky and Cherry Valleys
