When do I get MY time??

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Sometimes when a person says they could never homeschool their kids, the reason is given as a lack of patience. I’d hazard a guess that it also is a fear that they’ll never have time to themselves.

And, that, ladies and gents is the TOS Blog Cruise question this week: How do you find free time? Is it okay to take time for yourself? If so, how?

The short answer… Yes, you can carve out time for yourself. BUT, it might not be how you envisioned.

I do find some time for myself most of the time. Some days, I’m lucky to visit the bathroom alone. Let’s just say that almost anyone with kids at home know that when your attention is not on them they either (1) come right for you seeking attention or (2) decide to try their hand at things they shouldn’t be doing.  Well, at least that is true when you are the lone adult in the house.  Once dad comes home, I am more likely to have a few minutes without too many interruptions.

If I was a big schedule person, I’d probably schedule in time for myself.  But, I don’t do schedules so much.  The one time built into our family’s life for me to have ‘alone time’ is during the boys’ karate class.  Normally it is Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and lasts an hour.  Little J usually stays home with dad and I get alone time which also doubles as exercise time.  Not too bad of a trade off for me as I NEED the benefits the exercise provides.

The other time of day that I get some alone time is at night after everyone goes to bed.  Little J usually goes down between 8 and 9 p.m. and will sleep for at least 5 or 6 hours.  Hubby usually goes to bed by 9, so I have the opportunity to have quiet for things like reading if I give up the extra sleep.  And, I do choose that option 90% of the time.

Having said all that, I will add that not having “precious alone time” is a form of sacrifice for me.  Just this morning, I read a little post about mortification for Catholics that fly under the radar.  I’d add giving up time and things as a parent to that list.   After all, not having all I desire is a way of dying to self, which is what mortification is all about.  And, with the goal of parenting to be helping get the kids into heaven after this life….well, isn’t that worth a little less ME time and all the other trappings our culture might imply we should be demanding?