Just Say No!
As it is January and I am clearly not capable of saying No to my many obligations, commitments and passions, I felt this guest post from Blogenergizer might be a lovely little tip sheet for all of us.
Subject: Learning to say no – Moms Secret Weapon
Are you suffering from mom burn out? Do you struggle just to make it through each day? Moms everywhere are breaking down because they are too chicken to say, “No”.
“No” may be a tiny, two-letter word, but it can be your secret weapon. And you can say it. Here are some ways you can say “no” without feeling guilty about it:
Sorry, I’m taking a break.
The number one reason why you should say, “no” occasionally is simply that you deserve a break. You are chef, chauffeur, dish washer, and more. You job never ends on any given day of the week. You deserve a break. If you feel bad for saying “no”, say, “Sorry, I’m taking a break”.
My schedule is full.
We tend to jam-pack our schedule full of activities, leaving time for nothing. Cut back on your kids activities. Start a car pool and share driving responsibilities. Do whatever you can to free up some time in your schedule.
I don’t have time.
You’re headed out the door, rushing to the next appointment when the telephone rings. What do you do? Do you come to a screeching halt and answer the phone? Let’s say you do, and it’s a family member, calling to dump their latest woes on you. Do you stand, tapping your foot impatiently while you roll your eyes and listen to the sob story? This is a typical scene for many moms.
I have another commitment that day.
Say it and mean it. Regularly schedule in time with your family or time alone and if someone ask for your help during that time look in your planner and tell them you have another commitment.
Instead of rushing to be everything to everyone, stop. Ask yourself if you truly have time for whatever comes up. If not, say no by walking away, turning off the ringer on the phone, or not answering the knock at your door.
Always remember that you are a mom—not a super hero. When you have to say no, people will understand; if they don’t at first, they will get used to it eventually.
6 Comments
Skees
This is wonderful advice for all of us mom’s out there. Now how do you get a 2 and 1/2 year old to understand? Actually she does pretty good and I’m starting to say no more often to other unplanned commitments.
Lee-Ann
ModernMom
Following from MBC 50 followers club. Great to meet you!
Oh My Baby
Stopping by from MBC…I’m following you now
hypermom
Really great tip! It’s hard to say NO, especially when it’s your child asking. I find myself breaking my own rules sometimes just to say YES to their request. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Ode to Motherhood
Following from MBC-simply 50.
Look forward to reading your blog.
Luv to Save
following you from MBC- simply 50 http://luvtosave.blogspot.com