Guilt-free life for a new mom is just a dream. I need a break, but will my baby not miss me too much? I hardly find time for self care. Personally, I have been at an internal conflict ever since I have become a mom. But now, I have decided to break free because if I am not happy, I cannot make my child happy. Yes, I just need to breathe fresh air. You read it right, am moving away from the guilt of leaving her with someone for “Me – time”. Recently, one of my friends suggested a flexible daycare option which really worked well. I dropped my child at the crèche for 3 hours and went for a nice spa treatment, which gave me a different level of satisfaction.

Until now, it seemed so normal to assume my needs were secondary. Every inch of me was exhausted and I realized that I wasn’t responsible for everyone’s happiness every single day. Free yourself from self imposed expectations and quest of perfection. And trust me self pampering shall no longer seem to be selfish.

I also figured out that dropping my child to flexi daycare and going for coffee with a friend or simply visiting a library not only gave space to me but my child as well. She learnt so many things at the daycare, which probably I couldn’t teach her at home with my constant nagging over her petty mischief. It also somewhere turned out to be that my daughter starting becoming independent.

Some suggestions that I would love to give to all the fellow moms –

If guilt comes knocking at your door, just push it away! It doesn’t mean your love for your child has reduced, it just makes you stronger.

• Flexible daycare is there for a reason so make use of it
• Look for a daycare that offers flexible/ adhoc/ hourly daycare. Most daycares offer these services to children who are 2 years and above as they are able to walk and express themselves
• Refer to our article on choosing a daycare while selecting the daycare for your child

So moms skip the routine and take some “me time”. Being a fulltime SAHM is superb and rewarding but don’t make it dull & monotonous.

Looking for centres which offer flexible, hourly daycare services, Visit www.proeves.com