15 Signs for Moms That They Might Need a Day Off

You look forward to filling your tank full of gas because it means you get out of the car and away from the kids for at least five minutes.
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Side view of mother hand feeding frustrated and crying baby girl with spoon.
Side view of mother hand feeding frustrated and crying baby girl with spoon.

Nearly four years ago, I started a new job, one I had dreamed of having for years. I became a stay-at-home mom. As my journey into motherhood began, I was fearful and full of hope. I felt blessed that I would be able to stay at home, since many moms are unable to do so. Luckily, I found that my new "job" suited me. It didn't frustrate or bore me, most days.

While many perks come with being a stay-at-home mom, it isn't perfect. Unlike a typical job, there are no breaks during the day to take a minute for yourself, unless you count locking yourself in the bathroom for five minutes. Adult conversation is rare, unless you count Facebook or Twitter. Sick days? Nope. They don't exist.

Because being a stay-at-home mom is 24/7/365, I occasionally find myself going a little crazy. While I love staying home with my girls, most of the time, I do have moments where I question my sanity and my decision to be a stay-at-home mom.These moments usually occur on the days when both of my little girls meltdown constantly, and my husband works overtime.

I'm blessed by a husband who recognizes that I need occasional "me" time; time for me to get out of the house by myself for a few hours. For me, that means escaping to the movie theater with a large tub of popcorn and a soda. Afterward, I feel much more refreshed and ready to be at home with my lovely girls.

I figure that I'm not alone. All of us stay-at-home moms (and dads) need some "me" time, whether we stay at home or work full-time. We all have our breaking point where we need to get away. Here are just a few signs that you might need a day off:

1. You think about faking an illness that will force your spouse to stay home while you hide out in your room.

2. Anytime you hear the word "Mommy," your life flashes before your eyes.

3. You find yourself yelling every other word instead of every other sentence.

4. You've created a Pinterest board with places where you hope to escape.

5. Not only that, but you can be found on Expedia, Travelocity or other travel site looking at possible trips you can take.

6. You look forward to filling your tank full of gas because it means you get out of the car and away from the kids for at least five minutes.

7. You start going to the gym twice a day; not to workout, but to put the kids in the free day care.

8. You consider taking the kids to the park even when it's raining.

9. You hide under the covers in the morning with the hopes that your kids won't notice you.

10. When your children refuse to nap, you break into tears.

11. You count down the minutes until bedtime.

12. You decide to make bedtime 30 minutes earlier than normal.

13. Instead of a bottle of wine, you are now drinking wine from a box.

14. You found a great delivery service for your wine supply.

15. You've started looking at job postings in the local paper.

If any of the items on this list apply to you, then it's time. Tell your husband that you need them to take over for a few hours while you get out for some "me" time.

This post originally appeared at Adventures of a Jayhawk Mommy.

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