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Parenting - Secret Indulgences
Real Families, Real FUN: Just For Parents
Secret Indulgences
By Pamela Stock for Real Families, Real Fun
Parenting magazines are fond of encouraging tired moms and
dads to relax, and schedule some "me time" into
their busy lives to, say, spend a day at a spa, or a weekly
night out with friends. Great advice, but not that realistic
for most real families, considering money and time constraints.
"A day at the spa would require three weeks of juggling
schedules for everyone else in the family," one mom
said.
More often than not, "free time" arrives arrives
unexpectedly and in short bursts. But that doesn't mean
you can't use what little slices time you do get away from
kids, work, pets and household chores to treat yourself
and relax, or even indulge. An indulgence can be anything
from an hour spent googling old classmates, going for that
mint mochachino or the old classic taking a bubble bath.
And before you start to feel guilty, remember that returning
to your family refreshed can make you a better parent. Here,
a few ways some folks unwind when no one is looking. Read
onto be inspired... or even distracted, for few minutes.
- Snack-'N-Watch
"My indulgence is taking a box of sugared cereal,
sitting in front of the TV and finally watching a non-animated
program in peace without anyone bothering me." --Liza
- Mad for Mags
"On the rare occasions I can get out of the office
and don't need to be home, yet, I go to a big book store,
buy a large cup of coffee and skim the latest technology
magazines. I know, doesn't sound like much, but I feel
like I'm getting away with something." --Kevin
- Treating the Toes
"Pedicures are great when you have just an hour --
you feel pampered, they're cheap, and you can read trashy
magazines at the same time!" --Rita
- Finishing a Put-off Project
"Yesterday I got about 40 minutes by myself and used
it to unpack a box of stuff that was still in the garage
from when we moved last July. It felt great!" --Carla
- Wish List
"Mostly, I try to make a last-minute coffee date
with a neighbor, but not nearly enough! I admire the women
who go get facials and massages, though. If I really planned
grown-up time I would throw everyone out of the house
and get reacquainted with my violin or the darkroom...
two things I loved to do before I had kids." --Anne
© Studio
One Networks
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