 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Signs of the Times Australia / NZ edition — lifestyle, health, relationships, culture, spirituality, people — published since 1886 |
||||||||||
Q: I’m a young mother of two children, a boy, four, and a girl, two. I’m struggling to manage. The house is in chaos, and although my husband helps me, I can’t keep up with all that needs to be done. My son, who seems to be jealous of his younger sister, fights with her. They listen to me only when I shout. I’m overweight and have just found out I’m pregnant again. My life is out of control. Please, help!
A: I can understand that you’re feeling overwhelmed. It isn’t easy managing small children and a home. You don’t mention if you have anyone other than your husband to give support. But I suggest you see what support you can access in the community, if not from family members. It’s essential you find someone to help. If finances allow, get someone to help clean, even if it’s just once a week. Find a playgroup for your son, giving you time off every week. You’ll find it makes it easier to be patient and manage your home. Check the web site www.FlyLady.net when you have a little bit of time.
To manage the children, a parenting course might help. This may seem like simply another thing to do, but in the long-term, the benefits could outweigh the present difficulty of organising a babysitter. It will also give you and your husband a reason to go out together, which is probably something that you’re not finding time for at present.
It also sounds as if your son needs help coping with his sister, and with a new baby on the way, it may be wise to begin preparing him now. I suggest you spend quality time alone with him every day, perhaps while his sister is asleep. Read him a story, let him cuddle on your lap, let him tell you about the things that excite him, listen to him, filling up his “love cup.” You may find that he is more restful and willing to obey if he has had your undivided attention for a short while.
You mention you’re overweight. My guess is that’s another stress factor for you. You may be like many people who eat for comfort when stressed, but as you know, this makes you feel even more out of control. Considering that you’re pregnant, you may need the help of a dietitian to lose weight. Don’t attempt to go on a diet on your own; seek professional advice first. Your health is paramount, not only for the unborn baby but also for the children. Go for regular health checks and remember that time and money spent on ensuring that you are well, is time and money well spent.
Extract from Signs of the Times, May 2004.
Home - Archive - Topics - Podcast - Subscribe - Special Offers - About Signs - Contact Us - Links
Copyright © 2006 Seventh-day Adventist Church (SPD) Limited ACN 093 117 689
Unassociated
advertisement:
This article comes from a
regular column in
Signs
of the Times.
Questions to Deanna should be addressed to: Lifeguide, Signs of the Times, 3485 Warburton Highway, Warburton Victoria 3799, Australia