If you work away from home, odds are good that commuting back is a rushed frenzied time. If that’s true, you’re ruining it! This is prime-mama-alone time.
Take our advice and savor these tiny moments:
- If you’re driving a short distance: sing a song that takes you back in time. Really belt it out.
- If you’re driving a long distance: catch up on an audio book.
- If you’re biking: chill out and breathe.
- If you’re riding public transit (like me now!): zone out with a non-parenting book or music on your iPod.
Relish this gift of alone time and you’ll be a happier mama when you get home. For real. Or you could keep hurrying and cursing and feel totally frazzled again.
See also act the way you want to feel.
Hi rookie moms!
Just discovered your site and it’s been a great read so far! I totally agree with this article. It’s so important to take some time of for yourself. Young mothers are often too hard on themselves and feel guilty when they are not worrying about their kids or family like a 100% of the time. I am convinced that stress-free moments like this will actually make you a better parent, because you will have so much more patience with them when you’re not worked up.
When I was working, the commute was my favourite time of day — no one would interrupt me if I wanted to read, listen or sleep!