I know you don't have to be a Single Mom to experience Mom Burnout; every Mom has a lot on their plate, especially if they're working moms. But Single Mom Burnout is especially hard, I think, because there is no one in your home you can hand ANYTHING off to, EVER. It's a daunting, isolating, and draining feeling to have to do everything on your own. I told a friend that I was feeling this way and his response was, "But doesn't it make you feel proud to be doing it on your own, like Superwoman?" He meant it as a compliment, but for some reason it hurt my feelings, like I was outside of needing support and respite like every other human being in this world. I replied that yes, most of the time I do feel darn proud for doing what I do each day. And some days I even feel like Superwoman. And I don't do it entirely alone; Theo's sitter, my Mom, and my Dad help out too when they can. But I'm still bone-weary. There's still so much I'm NOT getting done because I'm so tired all of the time. And it can get, well, sad sometimes. Not usually, but sometimes. Like now.
I'm going to bed now. Who knows, maybe tomorrow will be a better day.
15 comments:
U just hang in there, HERcules. I know it's alot to endure but, God has something great coming ur way.
I'm sure you're doing a great job. There's only so much we can take care of and it never feels like enough. Even having my daughter just half the time, I still feel like there's so much more I could do and feel burned out. Not much me time. A good friend of mine is a single mom with little help like you. She's so burnt sometimes that I really feel for her. Like your friend said though, feel proud. For most people the only legacy we get to leave is our kids. Sounds to me like you're doing the best you can, which is all anyone can ask.
I feel you!!! Let's keep our chin high, because we are doing a good job!
I think all the single moms of the world need to unite and form a support system because I think we all feel this way...we all get it. I know I do.
Let the angels lift your wings and help carry you forward...and you know you will..but some days are just tough.
Supporting you from afar. :) From one single mom to another.
I hear you. Hang in there. Take a moment to yourself I know its hard. Luckily, I am early riser so I get at least a hour to myself in the morning to have a cup of coffee and read the paper.
www.newyorkcitysinglemom.com
having young children is definitely more wearing on a Mom. I remeber the days when my older tow were 2 and 4 and I was a widowed mom going to school and working. I do not know how I made it sometimes. Putting one foot in front of the other I suppose. It gets easier and your son will grow and the balance will change. He will give back (I know he does that in love now) as much as you give one day.
I am married and a SAHM and I have 2 older kids to help with my 2yo and I STILL get burned out. My husband works and does not contribute to house and child care. sometimes it frustrates me more than when I was doing it alone. I take it in stride. Tell myself, "I can only do what I can do," and let a lot of it go.
Take care of you, take a break, and let go of some little responsibilities. Mommies have an amazing capacity to rebound from burn out. (HUGS)
Hey, lady. I know what you mean. And you feel guilty for wanting to pass off a bit of the responsibility, like you're kid's a baton or a football but honestly? I daydream of being able to do something spontaneous every once in a while... something that doesn't involve a play park or an animated movie.
xxoo I gotcha.
Every single person in the world wants to be the one being taken care of- sometimes. Sending you love.
So true! It's possible to be content with our lives, and still need a break every now and then. I made up the stupidest rhyme ever this weekend as I was doing laundry: A household's work is never done,
so screw it, let's go have some fun!
It made me smile anyway.
I completely understand. *HUGS*
I can so relate to this and I love this post! You nailed it!!
I too am a single mom and love love love your blog!
Glad I found you!
I very much liked your comment "like I was outside of needing support and respite". Indeed, THIS is what makes single parenting so difficult, in my eyes. I'm not a single parent, and while my husband (and probably many others) have trouble relating to us when we ask for help (thinking they ARE being helpful just by being there), they ARE still there. And that is a mental relief, if nothing else. Stay strong, woman. You'll get your break. :)
Hang in there. I am sure that you are doing the best that you can for little Lionel. Like what Just Me said, keep your chin high!
I meant little Theo!
Even when you're a mess you still put on a vest with an S on your chest oh yes, you're a superwoman!
Now whenever I hear that song I will think of you.
I'll watch the little man while you let calgon take you away. I'm in NY!
xx
Cristina
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