Person or Parent

I understood when I first got pregnant that everyone would see only my tummy and forget I was there,  I understood when I had my first child that everyone would only see the baby I was carrying and not the Mommy.  I always expected that to subside once my children were older but I found rather than others begining to see me again I stopped seeing myself.  I forgot that I was a person, more than a mother, I forgot that I had talents and interests and something to offer the world other than my vast ability to change a diaper and recognize a cry.

I was always afraid I wouldn't love my children enough if I went on dates with my husband or took time for myself to enjoy a sunrise.  This was a huge mistake,  I love my children either way but they feel it a lot more when I am rested and peaceful.  Once I began taking a little time for myself and stopped beating myself up emotionally for needing it they felt the improvement in my mood and abilities as did I.

The added side effect of this that I had not expected or understood was that I had been teaching my children not to care for themselves and to put other's needs before their own at all times.  I didn't want them to grow up thinking everyone but them deserved to have the things they enjoy in life.  Once I began putting myself back into the picture they began to realize that they to had likes and dislikes of their own and were free to explore them without feeling they were letting anyone down.

Thanks again for stopping by please feel free to leave any comments you may have or questions you might like answered.  Happy parenting.