Confessions of a Social Media Junkie

When it comes to parenting, there is no balance. The simple fact is you juggle, and some things slip.

In the early months of DD’s life, it was sleep, daily showers and housework (never the laundry though. I was always doing laundry).

Later on it was time with friends, time to myself that got squeezed out. Making plans can seem a gargantuan effort when your friends’ schedules don’t mesh with your baby/toddler’s nap. And if they have their own children, it can be weeks, sometimes months before you can find a time that works.

And all those things I used to do, like workout whenever, read a book, and bake – well they end up being early morning or late at night activities. I do not thrive in the early morning and I don’t know about you but I’m tired at the end of a long workday.

The one thing about being a parent is you prioritize. While I love DD and I put her first before a lot of things, I realize that for both my own sanity and well-being (and thus hers), I need to prioritize my interests, my friendships.

I don’t see this as selfish, I see it as smart. Because I want to set a good example.

I want to show my daughter that I am more than just her ‘mommy’. I’m a full person in my own right with interests beyond motherhood. Because I want DD to know that she too has that right.

So frankly, if you come to my house you’ll see that sometimes the dishes aren’t done. The mail may not have been filed and that yes, at a higher frequency than I care to admit, dinner is takeout BBQ chicken and wedge fries from Loblaws (served with fresh veggies and dip!).

Instead, I’m spending time with my family and creating time for myself. Colouring with DD, hanging with DH, maybe blogging or working on my fitness.

If you’ve timed it right, your visit may coincide with homemade chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven. 🙂

I’m doing stuff for me. Everything else? I just let it ride.

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Photo via Tavallai on Flickr.