On Striving to be a Better Mother

Personal Experience Parenting Children During Spring Break

For many moms, spring break can be a nerve-racking time. As parents, we want to make sure our children are having fun while also making sure that all their needs are met and that they stay safe. For me, past spring breaks and other school breaks (especially winter break) were made even more challenging by the fact that I had four sons from two different relationships -- a tween and teen from my previous relationship plus an infant and toddler with my current husband back in 2007. 

The anxiety and stress of parenting didn't subside completely until one of the little ones started school about five years later. Then my last son began his school journey a year later due to his birthday being in December (school started in September). I wasn’t happy about that and so I enrolled him in a school program that helped young children get an early start. He was there part-time. I found the program through local advertising, but if anyone is interested, check with the school office to see if they have such a program. 

At times, I felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of organizing activities for four boys at once during school breaks, but I managed to press on through the challenges. One way I did this was by setting up structure in my household. I listed times and activities on a calendar posted on the fridge for the older ones and told them in advance what we would be doing. I also blocked off time for what I called "Do Nothing Time." They were expected to do just that. If not, the consequences were that they would not receive treats later and they didn't want me making a phone call to their dad either stating that they were misbehaving.

Do Nothing Time consisted of: napping (we usually had high energy activities prior to), lying down just daydreaming (lol), and sometimes there was the occasional request to read a book. However, there was no technology. This time usually lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour if everyone was sleeping. While that was happening, I would conduct research on the latest local community activities, and read about blended families so that I could better understand any potential issues or difficulties we might encounter regarding the other parent and his family. 

Co-parenting can be tough, but it's important to remember that there are mutual benefits. When my ex-husband and I had conflicts, I would remind him of all the opportunities he was able to have with his free time while I had the boys — like vacationing or doing other things that made him happy. This also saved him money by not having to buy extra items for the kids when they stayed with me, such as clothes, toys, and whatever else they needed. In this way, co-parenting can be mutually beneficial if approached in a mindful manner. 

As spring break progressed, I was reminded of how much I love my children and our being together. We visited parks, went to the movies, danced, painted, went to church, played games, studied subjects that they weren't doing so well in school, and more. Often when everything got a bit too chaotic, I stepped back and watched as all four of my children laughed and played with one another. I'm so thankful for all those spring break memories -- reconnection, relaxation, and all the opportunities to show my children how much I care about them. 

We have another spring break coming up, but my two older sons are now grown men and the two younger ones are teenagers who work. Yes, time did fly since the time I first started this blog! So for those at-home moms who are constantly juggling parenting responsibilities from morning until night, spring break will present you with many opportunities to spend quality time with your children while also enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation, so make the most of it! 

As for those moms out there, who are feeling overwhelmed planning activities and handling spring break responsibilities, remember that it's okay to take a step back and enjoy the moments with your children as they grow up before your very eyes. Just think: spring break only comes around once a year! 

 I hope this post has been helpful for fellow at-home mothers looking for tips on how to balance parenting during a school break. Share your stories in the comments below! Until next time...Happy Parenting! 

Nicholl McGuire is the owner of this blog and the author of When Mothers Cry and Tell Me Mother You’re Sorry.

Listener Request - Narcissistic Mother of an Ex

Poem for the Moms who Stop by this Blog - Thanks!

Everyday is Mother's Day and before long we will be in the month of May wondering what is happening, how did we get here so fast!?  Anyway, I felt like sharing poems I created for all of you who stop by. 

As some of you readers know, my mom and Grandma died years back, I recalled a time when I wrote a poem to them acknowledging their love and caring for us. So here are two I created just for you, enjoy!

Dear Mothers

Moms, your courage is the stuff of legends
Your love ever-enduring and never wavering
Your intuition like a sixth sense you possess
Your strength that never fails to impress

Your wisdom comforts your children in times of need
And through it all God's love they will heed
You've kept them safe from harm's dark door
And shown them what can't be taught in books or lore

Praise you mothers for your wit so true and hearty
Like sweet words of life for those who are weary
Giving hope to guide your family's way so faithfully clear and sound
That they may stand firm when faced with strife on the ground
God bless you dear mothers especially chosen for your children
There will never be another, you are indeed one in a million!

This next poem is for the Grandmothers out there! (Some of you know how much I loved my Grandma)!

Grandmas' Watchful Eyes

Your watchful eyes have seen your grandchildren through
From nursery years till now, so fond and true
And when they stumbled you gave them a hand
To rise again and make your grand-babies stand

Grandmas, your care envelops grandchildren like a warm embrace
A blanket of love that never runs out of place
Your discipline reminds them how valuable lessons can be
You remind those children to take righteous paths they don't like to see.
Thanks for what you've done for them and more
Motherhood is something we'll always cherish and adore.
God bless you Sweet Grandmas now and forevermore!

Have a great day and wonderful weekend!

Nicholl McGuire wrote those poems and is the blog owner and author of When Mothers Cry available on Amazon.

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