Selfish Mom-time

Today, a friend invited me over for coffee in the middle of the afternoon. My oldest was tutoring her older three children, so I left Kate in charge and spent a lovely afternoon enjoying adult conversation, herbal tea, and decaf coffee with Toffee Stevia. YUM!

We talked about sewing projects, home decorating ideas, diet plans, and summer plans. Our children were not a topic of conversation. I enjoy hearing about her kids and sharing homeschooling ideas, but it was so nice to have a few hours without dwelling on our experiences as moms.

One of the benefits when I was working part-time last year was that I had an interest in which mom-hood was not a pre-requisite. Motherhood is the best job in the world and there are many benefits. Sharing time and experiences with my children are wonderful blessings. My organizational skills are constantly being challenged. Listening to my children laugh and play together makes me smile.

Sometimes though, I feel that I no longer exist, except as a mom. Television, society, and advertising all stress that being a mom is not enough to fulfill a woman. A woman who stays at home with her kids is uneducated and unable to get a decent job is the message heard on talk shows. Deep down I know that these opinions are flawed, but they undermine the premise that teaching, loving, and guiding children is important. Maybe it is because I don't get paid for my time and energies. A public school teacher is supposed to teach, love, and guide his/her students. Teachers are respected for their efforts, why can't mom's get the same respect?

Anyhow, it was lovely to dress in decent clothing, put on make-up and take some time for myself today. The children were all still alive when I got home and the house was still standing. I'm going to selfishly do this again sometime..........fairly soon.