Main Page Blog Getting Pregnant Articles Pregnancy Articles Parenting Articles TLOL Article Directory Chinese Gender Chart Pregnancy and Parenting Journals	When Do I Get Off Work? by Cheryl Gochnauer I just got back from checking out a preschool program for my daughter. Part of me is reluctant to turn loose of her, even for two or three half-days a week. But the other part of me is thrilled at the prospect of carving out a little quality time for myself. Am I selfish? Hmmm... I don't think so. A common trait of stay-at-home moms is generosity, a willingness to seek others' needs before their own. But that doesn't mean Mom has no needs at all. It's important for her to enjoy some down-time just like any other full-time worker, even if that work is done at home. You might think there are times in a child's life when they are so high maintenance, it's crazy to let them out of your sight at all. But often, that's exactly when short breaks between Mom and Junior are needed most. Devotion shouldn't translate into deprivation. A stay-at-home mom needs pockets of time when she can rejuvenate off the clock. Here are some suggestions on developing down-time within a stay-at-home mom's schedule. One idea is to buddy up with another stay-at-home mom. It costs nothing, and kids enjoy playing with their friends, scattering unfamiliar toys. Consider trading off an afternoon or morning a week, allowing each mother some time to herself. Many fathers work full-time, and may even envy a little bit the amount of time their wives get to spend with their children. How about setting aside one evening a week as Dad's Night? As soon as Dad gets home, Mom is free for an evening out. No cooking, no errands...and Dad enjoys quality time focused on the kids, right up to reading books and tucking them in bed. These are memories in the making for both a father and his children. Meanwhile, Mom's enjoying a guiltless, temporary release from responsibility! Free to visit with girlfriends (even some without kids!)... go shopping for herself (without packing a carseat, stroller, diaper bag, toys, juice cups, etc.)...enjoy a movie without animated characters...or just go for a drive on a warm evening with the window down, a soft drink in one hand, and music SHE likes wafting from the radio. As they get older, preschool provides an opportunity for youngsters to interact with their peers, and eases them into the structured routine that comes with kindergarten. I don't believe preschool is absolutely essential for all children, but I do know my five-year-old (who just missed the age cut-off for kindergarten this year) is chomping at the bit to go to school. A couple of mornings a week with other mini-students sounds like heaven to her. So...while she's having a blast with ABC's and counting to 100, I'll take advantage of my own heavenly down-time. By the time she returns, I'll be recharged and ready for fun! Do you have some more ideas for carving out some time for Mom? Write me at Cheryl@homebodies.org, and we'll share them in a future column. You can e-mail Cheryl at cheryl@homebodies.org or visit her website at www.homebodies.org. Her new book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom," is available at your favorite bookstore or online at www.ivpress.com. Copyright 1999 Cheryl Gochnauer.