When the kids are at school, it's ME time. I work out. Or blow off working out to have coffee w/friends. We get a babysitter once a month - minimum - and do something FUN! Tonight we went snowmobiling. SO nice to not have to do the bedtime routine once in a while, although the first thing I do when I get home is kiss the kid's sleeping heads.

Great topic! I think taking care of you is not selfish. It only rejuvinates the spirit and gives you a 'bring it on' attitude for the next...ok, 20 minutes, but hey, at least it's something!

I build overly complex 'crafts'. Literally radio control aircraft. All the little sticks and bits must be assembled in a precise configuration to be successful. The orderliness and painstaking attention to physical detail allow my emotions to unwind.

I work out, go fishing, or go out on a date with my wife w/o the kids. Oh, and I pray a lot.

Any of you that do crafts or anytype of sport and have pictures. I would love to see them. I think it is great. And I do agree with Dadof2. Prayer is the most important key to everything. God presented me with my twins and my husband and I took it proudly knowing that I would have 4 children so close in age they should be quads. My oldest just turned 12 so now I have 3 ages instead of 2. 12, 11,11,and 10. In Aug it will change to 12, 11,11,11 and then change again in Sept to 12,12,12 and 11. 6 months between my oldest and twins and 11 between my twins and youngest. With the twins being ADD and my youngest being ODD.

Cyndi

I have started working out with a trainer 3 times a week and being sure to get enough sleep.

relax? what's that. I don't get any- me -time. I homeschool and i have my daughter 24-7

I exercise or read my book. I really like to get lost in my books. Takes me away from the situation at hand.

When things escalate, I or my daughter have agreed to say "I need ten" and off we go. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesnt. But I take 10 if I need to. It helps me get through difficult situations.

Good luck

I try to make me time when the kids ages 9 and 11 are at school. But don't always get to because they both suffer from mental illnesses and have therapy once a week on differant days. And my oldest one attends Sp. Ed. and only goes to school til lunch time. Most often due to contacting doctors and the schools, I find myself unwinding late at night when everyone else is in bed. Plus, I get my cleaning done then. That way the house stays cleaner longer. HA HA!!!!!!!