JustMOMsensations

If asked to make a list of negative things impacting the harmony of my family, these items are definitely close to the top: ·          Parents struggling with weight gain and lack of energy ·          Tired in the morning – difficult to get moving ·          Lack of patience – parents and kids ·          Kids squabbling more than ‘normal’ ·          Kids having trouble focusing at school and with homework Could all our issues be impacted by each of us getting more sleep?   Recent studies suggest more sleep could be the solution!   The Mayo Clinic says sleeping less than 5 hours nightly can cause weight gain.    The study suggests that lack of sleep affects hormones, which play a role in our metabolism.   It also reminds us that people who are experiencing fatigue, have less motivation to exercise. Since having children, my husband and I have allowed our hectic schedules to impact our sleep.   We stay up late at night to catch up on work, or to have ‘

My children have unknowingly become the moderators of my work/life balance.   As parents, we focus on teaching our children and preparing them for the future.   The by-product of parenting, if we pay close attention, is the lessons we learn from our tiny humans. Looking back, there were lots of cues offered to me from my kids.   As early as 2-years old, my son would close the lid on my laptop and say, “no ‘puter”.   Then, I would sometimes listen.   Now that he is 5-years old, and those years have flown by, I close the computer every time and accept that heart-filling snuggle, that might prove elusive in another 10 years. This winter, my 8-year old daughter asked if she could cut-back on her public speaking lessons, because it was taking away from family time.   At 8 years old, she already possessed the ability to balance - that work-life balance that I had strived for, over 2 decades.   I immediately agreed and praised her for her insight, bravery and honesty. One thing I