Time Out
One of the things I’m often asked about is how I manage all my responsibilities as a business owner and single parent. There are a lot of people out there juggling these responsibilities everyday and probably more successfully than I do.
When asked, however, I always recommend that parents talk to their children directly about what is going on, whether it’s a tough day because of the boss, the car needs some repair, the grass hasn’t been cut or you just can’t think of anything to fix for dinner. It’s not that you need to go into detail about whatever is creating your stressful days but, it’s better to tell them that your boss was acting like a jerk, than for them to think they’ve done something to upset you.
I am a great believer in “time out”…………..and I mean “time out” for me!
When I’ve had a really bad day, getting home still stressed out and keyed up, and my son wants to tell me all about whatever has happened in his day or has some question that he just has to ask, I often have to say “time out”.
I have to go to my room, change my clothes, go through the mail or just sit and breath until I’ve decompressed a little bit. I remember seeing a talk show years ago and a single mom said sometimes she would lock herself in the bathroom when she got home from work to decompress so she wouldn’t take out her irritation on her kids. I knew exactly how she felt. I explained it to my son so that, if I said I had to be in “time out”, he would understand what was going on and know I’d be back soon to hear all about his day in a little while.
So take a “time out”! Whether it’s a walk around the block, five minutes with your favorite magazine, weeding your garden, soaking in a hot tub, or sitting down and just breathing, take a “time out”. In the end, your family will benefit from it as much as you do!
