TV Host Nina Sutton Tells Family First how to keep Mommy Happy

When you finally sit down at night, do you have a shred of energy left? When was the last time you actually did something for yourself?

“It’s very difficult for moms to carve out time for themselves,” TV host, beauty expert, mother of two and author of The Chic Mom’ Guide to Feeling Fabulous Nina Sutton (www.NinaSutton.com) tells Family First, “especially if they work full-time. Moms have to make a conscious effort to make time for themselves.”

Sutton has a ton of tips and ideas for moms to take some time out of their busy schedule and replenish themselves:

•  Take a 10 Minute bath – make it an experience, Sutton says. Light a candle, lock the door, put on some music, have a glass of wine or cup of tea. Just a few minutes alone can make a difference.
• Mom’s Night Out once a month – set up something regularly scheduled on the calendar because “moms can be flaky” she says, if you don’t set something into the calendar.  Let Dad watch the kids for a night and go out with girlfriends.
• Girl’s Getaway at least once a year – “Minimum!” Sutton says. Even if you just drive to the next town, stay at a hotel and sit by the pool, you will come home so refreshed, even with just one night away, she says.
• Keep Professional Skills Updated – volunteer for an organization doing things you’re good at – marketing , writing,  public relations. Also, attend monthly networking events. It’s a great way to keep skills sharp as well as make connections for when you decide you do want to go back to work or change careers. Sutton recommends Step Up Women’s Network, of which she’s a board member, or organizations such as Toastmasters.
• Mommy and Me Happy Hour – if you simply cannot leave the kids at home, bring the party to your house! Offer wine for mommies, juice for the kids. Put on some music, make it like a real party. Sutton did something similar for her son’s birthday party. She threw the party on their front lawn for a Family Happy Hour. They turned up the music, bought paper products and had a real party.
• Family Date Night – not exactly the same as a lingering dinner complete with aperitif and crème brulèe but that’s ok! Dress the kids up, take off those yoga pants and go out together. Red Robin (or something like it) still works for teaching kids how to behave appropriately in a restaurant and it gives you a break from cooking and cleaning up after dinner.  Bring the leftovers home for another meal and make sure you take the time to give your spouse a flirty wink while you chop up the chicken tenders. Sutton admits to bringing a DVD player into the restaurant to keep the kids occupied so she and her husband can have an actual conversation!
• Join a Mom’s Group – the Internet does not count as interaction. Moms need more than just connections through social media, Sutton says. Find a mom’s group, such as International MOMS Club and sign up for the scheduled events such as stroller walks, lectures and get-togethers. This is especially important for moms who are new to an area. Think of how many times you’ve gotten advice from your friends just by having a conversation? Moms need to talk to each other.
• Get Help – Sutton points out we used to live as a village, to help each other raise our children. Now moms are on their own so much of the time. So, swap kid-watching nights with your friends or family. She recommends never leaving your kids for more than 2 hours with an un-paid friend, or she may not stay your friend. That’s plenty of time to grab a quick bite. Then, the next week, you watch her kids. Also, mother’s helpers – a young teen – can be a great extra set of hands – even while you’re home. Your helper can help serve lunch or play with the kids while you fold laundry. These helpers usually aren’t very expensive but can be a tremendous help for you.

Sutton says if you’re feeling anxious about asking your spouse for some time to yourself, you can remind him you don’t get a “water cooler” break or a lunch hour. You need time for yourself to keep everyone else happy in the house. She says this is especially important if Mom is post partum. Even the youngest babies can understand when someone is upset.

She cites a University of Pittsburgh study that found moms who take time to do activities they enjoy have better health, lower blood pressure and need anti-depressants less often.  So go ahead, talk to your spouse, get something on the calendar and don’t worry – a 10-minute bath counts too!