On the news yesterday there was another case where the parent (s) left their 23 month old daughter in the car for nine hours and the child died of heat stroke.  Similar to the Brenda Slaby case where thier morning routines were changed.  This hurts my heart as I know how easily a change in routine can cause you to forget.

A few months ago when my husband went out of town my morning routine was changed.  I had to get my son ready and take him to my friends house who was baby sitting for me.  As I pulled out my complex I realized I left my wallet.  I turned around to get my wallet, but now I was left with the dilema of waking up my baby to run in the house to get my wallet or leave him in the car for just a quick secon.  Luckily it wasn’t summer time and I said a prayer, ran in the house and ran back out.  When I got to my car all I could do was cry because of all of the what if’s that could have happen.  I kissed my baby and apologize to him over and over again.  So even though my situation wasn’t as detrimental as the others I can certainly understand how changing your routine, and being overwhelmed can cause you to forget.

When I returned back to work I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of my new responsibilities as a mother to a newborn, a working mom, and wife, step mom, and finding time for myself.  However, I took some time to really think about what was important and made some changes.  Some of the changes that I made that you can do as well are:

• Get the house involved – I sat down with my husband, and stepson and let them know that I need help.  I told them what I need from them and asked them what were they willing to do.

• Ask for help – as moms we find it hard to ask for help.  Some may feel that asking for help means that you are not a “good” mom.  For me asking for help was out of the question.  My mom was a single mother to five children.  Here I am married with two kids, I should be able to do it all.  We must ask for help in order to get it all done

• Take a break - It is very important to find time to nurture yourself.  Whether it’s exercise, reading a book, sitting in a quiet area, nurturing your self is very important.  You need to maintain your self so you can do all that you have to do

• Slow down – I use to feel as if I was moving so fast.  I always had something to do, or somewhere to go, and none of it included anything for me.  I finally decided to find ways to slow down and enjoy life.  Looking at life through your kids eyes allows you to do that.

These are just a few things that worked for me and helps me from getting overwhelmed.  When I tackle on a new project or circumstances happen where life would change, I always go back to a few of this.  Slowing down is a very important part of my life as I don’t want life to past me by and I haven’t taken the time to enjoy it.  I have decided I need to take a break every three months in order for me to be productive.  What are some of the things that you do to keep you from being overwhelmed?

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