Moms and Dads – Need some help for a friend!
Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms out there. My hope is that you feel appreciated every day and not just on a couple of days throughout the year.
I received an e-mail late last week which is kind of timely given the Mother's Day holiday, but I think it applies to Moms and Dads. Here is where I can use some input from the parents out there:
A friend of mine, who is married with 3 young kids (under the age of 10), had started running about a year ago and slowly built up to running her 1st 10K earlier this year. She has a job outside of the home in addition to the job she has as "Mom extraordinaire". But with stuff going on at work (outside of the home), shuttling the kids to different activities and her stuff at home, her runs have come to a halt. I'll add that the hubby is a very cool guy, who also works outside of the home in addition to the parenting responsibilities.
I can tell this is frustrating to her because she worked hard to get to the 10K point and she is struggling with how to stay motivated. So she asked me how I stayed motivated and how I continue to get my workouts in. I gave her my thoughts but they were lacking a certain perspective.
The problem with being asked this question is that I do not have kids. There are certain things I can relate to, but the big issue – the kids – is something that I cannot relate to. I am fortunate that if I ask Marc to give me some space for an hour so I can get my workout in that he will give it to me. But kids do not really understand that concept.
So if you have kids, how do you balance getting regular workouts in and staying motivated for the long-term in addition to your other responsibilities in and out of the house? For example:
- Does your partner/spouse watch the kids for an hour or so while you get out?
- Do you integrate it into a workday if you work outside of the home (some workplaces have gyms onsite)?
- Do you just warn people to stay away unless you get your workout in?
- Do you workout with your partner/spouse and use a babysitting service at a gym?
- Do you hire a babysitter to allow you to workout?
- Are you motivated to workout because of family health history or how you feel after a workout? Maybe motivated to set an example for your kids?
These are just some thoughts so feel free to add anything that helps you. Hopefully it helps my friend, or anyone else, who is struggling. Thanks!