Many parents enter the month of May with a range of emotions. Excited is one emotion because we all made it to the finish line of another school year and summer is just around the corner. But, with all the end-of-year activities, awards ceremonies, concerts, and more, May can be stressful. Sure, we started the school year strong but the days, weeks, and months of packing lunches, homework, and the overall routine have worn us down. It is very comical to me that Mother’s Day falls during May because all moms, and dads, know that May is one of the busiest months of the year for parents of school-age children.
Everyone tells us to relax and take time for ourselves, but who has time? Whether you can carve out five minutes or five days, I do hope all moms take a little time this month for self-care. If you can, try to find some time every day for yourself. Something I have been doing for a while, that I am finding works for me, is my morning routine. I start the day off stretching right out of bed, with NO screens until after my routine and devotional time. I also wait 90 minutes before drinking my coffee. For me, this sets my body, mind, and spirit up for the day. Waiting 90 minutes for coffee helps me avoid that late afternoon slump. When I still drove my kids to school I carried my devotion in my car and would find time in the grocery parking lot, my driveway, or wherever I was to just sit in my quiet car and have my time. The important thing is to find what works for you. Sarah Yale provides more self-care recommendations in this month’s feature, Self Care for Busy Moms.
If you have a child graduating, you are probably going through a whole range of emotions! Joy, sadness, nostalgia… you name it. We are so proud of our baby birds and excited to see them spread their wings in this next chapter of life, but the reality that they could be moving away soon makes us want to hold tight and spend every moment we can with them. The problem is most teens don’t want Mom and Dad to tag along all day. Fortunately, Rebecca Hastings has some fun ways to grab that quality time in 10 Ways to Enjoy Summer with Your Teen.
Also, for you soon-to-be empty-nesters, Pam Molnar has some helpful information in her feature, Finding Purpose in an Empty Nest. The thought of empty-nesting is terrifying for many parents, but it can also be a great time for moms and dads to reconnect, pick up old hobbies they put aside or even find new ones! As she will show you, an empty nest does not mean an empty life.
Of course, we have a lot for parents of younger kids too! This month you will find our annual Vacation Bible School Guide. You will find information on numerous VBS offerings in the area, so check out all the cool themes and sessions offered and register! If you are looking for family activities to participate in this month, make sure you check out the Family Calendar.
I want to send a big congratulations to the class of 2024! These students have worked very hard to get to this point. Parents, grandparents, and teachers are very proud, and we all wish you well on your next adventure.
To all the moms, I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Author: Lynn Knighton
Lynn has called the Mobile Bay area home since 2006 with her husband Brad and their 3 daughters. Following the sale of her Abrakadoodle franchise, Lynn still wanted to serve families and help them thrive. Becoming the Publisher of Mobile Bay Parents was the perfect opportunity. Now she invests into family's lives each month by providing the with the area's #1 go-to resource for moms and dads.
