Why are moms always tired?

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Recently, I was discussing with my friend why I am looking tired most of the time and this triggered me to write this post. 

I am a mom of 2 boys aged 6 and 2. I left my job due to relocation and I thought, I will have more free time to rest :-) I have realized, it's not true. Though I used to work with 2 kids earlier, I had some support from parents, in laws and house help. 

The summer holidays are over for children in India, but in the USA, we still have to survive around 20 more days until children start going to school. So, it is really tough since last 2 months to engage kids and also manage household activities.

Engaging a 6-year-old is not a big deal but handling a toddler will take up more energy.

Why are moms of toddlers always busy? 

Here are a few reasons:

1. Engaging children is not easy
I try many ways to engage my kids. I read them books, teach them house hold works, give them time for free play, take them to park/ library/ movie/ museum/ friend's house, plan an outstation trip at least once every 15 days. I also sit with them and help in painting, creating crafts (and cleaning the mess afterward :)) , teach them our mother tongue and tell them nice stories. When I am dead tired, I allow them to watch Tv and play games on the tablet (No guilty conscious there, as this is the last option). 

Now, tell me, how much energy does these coordinations require? This is one of the first reason for my tiredness.

2. Running behind the toddler
Running behind toddlers is super tough, I say. My 2-year-old does some or the other naughty thing in a blink. Once, he applied Vicks Vapourub to his hair when I was busy with cooking. He explores all the corners of the house and sometimes tries his hands on glue and crayons. 
Sometimes, he simply scatters all his building blocks. So, running behind him and cleaning the mess takes more energy.


3. Feeding struggles
I read hundreds of articles on how to cook and feed healthy food to children. I am not a good cook and also don't enjoy cooking. I mostly rely on youtube. To add to my problems, my younger one is a fussy eater. I can't blame his age. He is more interested in playing with his toys than focusing his energy and skills on learning to eat. I have to wait one more year to escape from this problem.

4. Not focusing on my health
I feel bad to say this. But, I have to agree that I am ignoring my health. I am not eating food at the right time(I am trying hard to eat lunch at 12.30 itself and start feeding my kid later even though my heart won't allow). I think I have to focus on my diet and concentrate on rich protein food. I say this to myself many times and I know this cannot be an excuse for tiredness.


5.  Taking time for hobbies
'Me time' is essential for my happiness. But I have to sacrifice a few things to get that free time for my hobbies. It leads to less sleep and not having enough rest.
So, these are some of the factors that keep me busy and tired. Do you also feel the same way? What do you do to keep your energy levels high and be healthy? 

Please share your tips in comments. 

 Until next time,

10 best Mother's day gift Ideas

I don't celebrate Mother's day as I believe, we should love and respect our mom always and there need not be a specific day to express our gratitude towards them.

My respect towards my mother doubled after I became a mother myself. Going through labor, many sleepless nights to take care of baby, cooking, feeding and taking care of family with self-less-ness, keeping the family as priority over her friends/ work/her hobbies, Wishing and blessing children for their happy life even after their marriage, supporting the children during childbirth, giving strength to kids during tough times, striving hard to help children and grandchildren even though nearing the old age - how can we even repay for whatever she has done to us?

While I am writing this post, I feel very bad about myself being away from my mother and being not able to visit or help her.

Here is a list of gifts that I suggest which are more practical for any mom:

1. No - Cooking day

You know me and how much I hate cooking, so obviously, this comes as my top gift suggestion. Even if your mom loves cooking, Isn't it good to surprise her by preparing a meal for her? Think about it:-)

2. Give her your Time

Do you know what is more precious in this world? It's TIME. If you love someone, you give your time to that person. Why don't you give her a surprise visit if you are not staying with your mom and chitchat while having a meal or browse your family albums and reminisce good old days?

3. A mom and daughter shopping trip

Whether it is window shopping or serious shopping, take your mom and have fun shopping. When was the last time you went on a shopping spree with your mom?

4. A dinner date

Plan a meal with mom in a fancy restaurant and talk freely and heartily enjoying the lunch or dinner. What say? Do you want to give another twist to this treat? Arrange a dinner date to your mom and dad as a gift. cool?

5. Pamper her in a spa

Take her for a spa treatment/ body massage/ sauna bath. Even a relaxing pedicure will relief her.

6. Rekindle her hobbies

Does your mom love books/ gardening/ enjoy painting? Think of a personal gift to make her enjoy her favorite hobby.

7. Handmade greeting card and fresh flowers

Nothing can beat a personalized handmade card. Try your painting skills and surprise her along with fresh flowers.

8. A movie night

When was the last time you watched a movie together munching popcorn? Arrange a movie night at home or go to a movie theater together.

9. Bring life to old memories

Search for old photos, print them as collage and frame it. Surprise her with this nostalgic gift.

10. A gift

Last, but not the least. Think about some lovely gift options like a gift card, a watch, a saree/ dress or some fancy jewelry.

Make the gift as personal as possible.

How do you like these ideas? Do let me know in the comments.

Pin it for later!

Until next time,

Image courtesy: www.pixabay.com