Susan GrahamAre you a Motor Mum?
October 31st 2007 15:06
A couple of weeks ago I received an email entitled ‘The Importance of ‘Me Time’. I didn’t bother to open it, I was too busy. In fact my reaction was me time - when I have I got time to have some me time? I haven’t even got time to read an article about it. And I forgot about it.
Then a few days ago I woke up feeling ill and exhausted. Basically I’d been doing too much. As it turned out I simply needed some ‘me’ time. So I trawled back through my inbox, found the email and read it. It linked to article which began:
Do you fly from one task to another - from school-run, to work, to bedtime - without so much as a breather, let alone any valuable ‘me time’? If so, you are one of a growing breed of ‘motor mums’.
Ok so I’m a motor-mum, but aren’t all mums?
Well according to Dr Linda Papadopoulos: All mums are busy to a certain extent but a ‘motor mum’ refers to those who are constantly on the go, furiously multi-tasking, and find it very hard to relax.
And the causes?
Apparently it’s pressure from the media and, sometimes, other mums often creates a distorted feeling of inadequacy. We feel bad if they’re not constantly on the go and doing everything they can to ensure their families lead a healthy, stable life. Part of it is about living up to our own expectations of what society demands from us. In many ways it’s no surprise that modern mums are feeling competitive about ensuring their children are nourished mentally, spiritually and physically, to the point where it keeps them up at night.
No I do not feel a distorted feeling of inadequacy, just tired! Any parent would if they were running around after a 4 year old, trying to work, trying to study, manage the budget (badly!) and study two courses at the same time. But there’s nothing wrong with trying to get somewhere in life, for me it’s just the balance that’s gone.
Sometimes women feel unable to switch off. This can lead to frustration and guilt, both quite negative emotions that can increase stress.
This bit is completely true!
According Dr Linda Papadopoulos classic motor mums display similar symptoms to hyperactivity; inability to unwind, short attention span and inability to focus the mind clearly, sleeplessness, restlessness and also sometimes a shorter fuse than usual. None of the symptoms are too serious, but it’s important for mums to prioritise themselves so they can unwind and let off some steam.
And the solution?
‘Me’ time.
A number of suggestions are given including a relaxing bath to unwind, enjoying a favourite dessert uninterrupted, slipping into a luxurious nightdress, or half an hour’s reading time once the children are asleep.
So after several days exhausted in bed I am back in the land of the living and preparing to be a little bit selfish and have some time for me, which may involve doing absolutely nothing and enjoying it. The housework can wait.
Then a few days ago I woke up feeling ill and exhausted. Basically I’d been doing too much. As it turned out I simply needed some ‘me’ time. So I trawled back through my inbox, found the email and read it. It linked to article which began:
Do you fly from one task to another - from school-run, to work, to bedtime - without so much as a breather, let alone any valuable ‘me time’? If so, you are one of a growing breed of ‘motor mums’.
Ok so I’m a motor-mum, but aren’t all mums?
Well according to Dr Linda Papadopoulos: All mums are busy to a certain extent but a ‘motor mum’ refers to those who are constantly on the go, furiously multi-tasking, and find it very hard to relax.
And the causes?
Apparently it’s pressure from the media and, sometimes, other mums often creates a distorted feeling of inadequacy. We feel bad if they’re not constantly on the go and doing everything they can to ensure their families lead a healthy, stable life. Part of it is about living up to our own expectations of what society demands from us. In many ways it’s no surprise that modern mums are feeling competitive about ensuring their children are nourished mentally, spiritually and physically, to the point where it keeps them up at night.
No I do not feel a distorted feeling of inadequacy, just tired! Any parent would if they were running around after a 4 year old, trying to work, trying to study, manage the budget (badly!) and study two courses at the same time. But there’s nothing wrong with trying to get somewhere in life, for me it’s just the balance that’s gone.
Sometimes women feel unable to switch off. This can lead to frustration and guilt, both quite negative emotions that can increase stress.
This bit is completely true!
According Dr Linda Papadopoulos classic motor mums display similar symptoms to hyperactivity; inability to unwind, short attention span and inability to focus the mind clearly, sleeplessness, restlessness and also sometimes a shorter fuse than usual. None of the symptoms are too serious, but it’s important for mums to prioritise themselves so they can unwind and let off some steam.
And the solution?
‘Me’ time.
A number of suggestions are given including a relaxing bath to unwind, enjoying a favourite dessert uninterrupted, slipping into a luxurious nightdress, or half an hour’s reading time once the children are asleep.
So after several days exhausted in bed I am back in the land of the living and preparing to be a little bit selfish and have some time for me, which may involve doing absolutely nothing and enjoying it. The housework can wait.
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