Me Time

I’m a single mom. Most of the time, being a single mom is tough…probably even tougher than being part of a couple of parents. It’s been a really long time since I’ve had another grownup body in the house, so I can barely remember what it was like to run to the store without advance planning. But what I do remember about being a parent when I was part of a couple is that, even when we took time to do our own independent things, when I got home, the family was always there. For example, every Mother’s Day, I was given a gift certificate for a massage. Now, a massage is one of my very favorite things to do, and I don’t often treat myself, but there’s nothing worse than actually feeling your muscles tighten back up as soon as you walk in the front door and hear the screeching of fighting children, or see the mess from the football party strewn about the living room. As a single mom, I have what is known as “Me Time.” Me Time is simple, it’s the weekends that my kids spend with their dad. During Me Time, I can read a book. I can take a cup of coffee back to bed. I can go grocery shopping at my leisure. I take a bath with the door unlocked. Me Time gives me the chance to miss my kids again, so I can really appreciate just how wonderful they are as soon as they get home.