My kids need to be kids. Rob and I ask them to do their own laundry once a week, get good grades and clean their rooms daily. Occasionally I ask for some help with the dishes or other housework but it's not a daily occurrence. I've made a conscious decision that they need some down time after school. They're all involved in activities that take up a lot of free time after school. I think they need time to play and be kids instead of filling that time with more work. But as I've come to this conclusion I've realized that the extra housework falls on my shoulders. I can deal with a little more work now that my mind is a little clearer on the purpose of not requiring help from kids. As I told the kids why I don't ask much extra work for them, they understood the importance of doing the little I do ask. It was probably the first time I've vocalized that to Rob also.
I need more ME time. When I get caught up working around the house
and running kids around I lose my down time. I'm going to take time to get a coke...ALONE. Run to the store...ALONE.Go to the bathroom...ALONE. I might even paint my nails, watch a documentary, or just sit on the couch. I'm tired of taking time to relax after everyone, including Rob, is asleep. I don't get to sleep until about 3am and it's no wonder that I want to sleep in till 11. It won't be drastic or lengthy just a few moments to recharge. I'm going to find a new project. Maybe paint another room or start building a headboard for Rob and I's bed. Something to use my talents and a distraction from responsibility.
I need to let things go. If someone else isn't willing to work on it then I can't make them(as much as I think they should). This is the control part of my obsessive personality. I'm not going to remind, encourage or ask if no one else cares. My dad always said "Only worry about the things that you can control." As much as it irritates the crud out of me, I'm done working on other peoples problems. This is a hard one but has eliminated a lot of stress so far.
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