To The Worn Out Mom: Your How-To Survival Guide

dear mom this is your survival guide

I murmured to my husband with a dry mouth and stinky morning breath, “I don’t want to get out of bed today.” It’s been 828 days since my youngest was born. 828 days with no break, but who’s counting. Now I’m homeschooling the older two. I’m overwhelmed, tired, and worn out before my feet hit the floor. Fresh brewed coffee can’t even arouse me. I don’t get a break from my kids so this is my survival guide.

“No Shiloh, I don’t want to play barbies for the hundredth time”

“Abby, I went from being a mom to the teacher also. Give me a break” I plead

“Yeah, but you’re not teaching right now.” My fury unleashes on her. “No, I’m not teaching right now, because along with being mom and teacher, I’m the LUNCH LADY AND THE MAID, so pick up your shit!”

Did I mention it’s only day two of homeschool? My tank is empty. I have nothing to give to these little humans who depend on me.

saving your own sanity

1. Take naps and baths.

2. Take deep cleansing breaths.

3. Don’t stock up on toilet paper! Stock up on wine instead! Kidding. Not really. I am all for a glass of wine during the arsenic hour. It makes for a more enjoyable dinner. If you struggle with addiction, I understand this obviously isn’t an option. Refer to number two.

4. Get the kids to bed early. Go to bed early. I often stay up late in rebellion because that’s my only time alone. Bad idea! The next day consists of even more swearing because I’m tired.

5. Quiet time in the middle of the day is non-negotiable. Make that happen.

6. Play games that you enjoy with your children.

Are you tired of the same old games?

Thanks to Frozen Two we have discovered Charades. This is fun for the whole family and there aren’t any cards for the three-year-old to crumple, eat, or destroy. I laugh my ass off while playing Charades.

Laughter is the quickest way to receive a jolt of energy.

Shiloh screams from the couch, “Polar Bear! Polar Bear! Polar Bear!” She thinks she is playing too.

Hide and seek takes very little energy when you’re in survival mode. Count longer and it turns into a nice little mom break. Shiloh hides under the covers, giggling, with her feet still sticking out.

Sleeping Queens This game requires a level of cleverness and wit. It’s pretty quick to learn. A six-year-old girl thought of it! It’s great for ages 5 and up. The best part is that you will love this game also.

Outfoxed This game takes a bit of time to learn and understand, but unlike monopoly, it’s not monotonous. It doesn’t take ten thousand hours to play either. It’s a clever game where you get to play detective, gather clues, and eliminate suspects in order to outfox the fox. We are still learning the game, but it’s been fun to learn something new.

We hear a knock on the door. The school is delivering lunches to the kiddos. Grateful tears fall down my cheeks as my children tear into their brown paper bags filled with love. I cross lunch lady off of my list. That frees up thirty minutes in my new daily routine for my favorite pastime.

Must have reads for moms

Nothing feeds my soul like a good book does.

First, at the very top of my list of must-haves. Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Ladies every woman on the planet needs this book! Get ready to lay down everything you thought you knew about motherhood. Throw out all the rules. The best gift we can give to our children is to not abandon ourselves.Order Here!

Second, on the list is Try Softer by Aundi Kober. This book guides us out of anxiety and survival mode into compassion and joy by learning to become softer and more compassionate towards ourselves! Order Here!

Third, is a fictional book. American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins. This book will give a different perspective on our struggles in motherhood. We cannot imagine, from the safety of our own homes, the depth of a mother’s love who finds herself running in order to save herself and her son. Get it now!

There have been seasons in my life where I am too exhausted to read. If that’s you, refer back to suggestion number one and just do that.

For those of us without any outside help, no grandmas, grandpas, or babysitters to lighten our load, lean as much as you can on your husband. If you’re a single mom without help I am so sorry. I see you. I have been there also, however not indefinitely. While my husband was deployed I found a gym with a daycare. It was the only way I survived two deployments.

For working moms, I have no experience or wisdom to share but would cherish any wisdom you have for maintaining survival mode.

Homeschool moms, how on earth do you do it?

For the love of all things, give yourself a break mom! We can’t be everything to everyone all the time. Lower the expectation of perfection. Some days, just getting out of bed is enough.

How did I do? Did I cover everything? How do you survive? I would love to hear what works for you in the comments below.

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