Making a tiny bit of time mummy's

I was reading an interesting post from Lucy at Home about how, as a mum, it's easy to be the bottom priority in the family.  I love my children and they are the world to me, but it can seem like there isn't a second to rest.  There are things I simply feel I must do.  I must get to their various appointments, make sure they are safe, teach them how they can function in a world not built for them. Perhaps having kids with additional needs has highlighted just how much support they need.

However, it's easy to confuse their needs and their wants.  Before I know it, I'm prioritising getting a playstation game over having my lunch.  And then I can't think about what I'd like for lunch anyway, because food shopping is now all about the kids.

Sometimes it’s essential that we just stop and take a little time for ourselves. Something that makes us feel good or even re-energised. Something that allows us to recharge our batteries even if just for a moment.  And that's my top tip this week.

Making even a tiny time mine

I haven't got time to have a relaxing bath... bathing is a chaotic period before the madness, the PJs, stories and...come on get into bed.  And it's a time I like to spend with the kids - when they can't be on the iPad or watching the TV.  But I can be a bit Mary Poppins about it. I can make jobs less so.

- I like listening to music and dancing when I empty the dishwasher and clear up the mealtime chaos.  I do not like cleaning but pick music I want to listen to and it becomes a mini-club in the kitchen.  It helps me think about what I like, whether it's getting down to the latest Guardians of the Galaxy sound-track or listening to something more relaxing.  It's my choice.

- I grab all the clothes from the dryer and go fold them in my bedroom.  My bedroom is more like my space.  It's got my bedroom furniture, my bits and bobs. Yes, the kids pile into the bed most mornings.  But it's a few minutes of just me.

- I haven't made it to the gym this week or for any other week in recent history.  So I fit in a few walks.  I leave the car at school and walk back through the park for a few minutes without the house and home demands. Then later I get to walk back to the school and bring the kids home in the car.  I've cut out two car journey's and feel good about it.  I have a few app where I can do just five mins of exercise or squeeze in some online yoga.

Is there anything you did for you this week, even if just for a few ticks?