Parenting Tips: Why moms need to take time for themselves

As a mom, it's taken me a long time to realize just how important it is to take time for myself. 

I've been a full-time working mom, a stay-at-home mom (briefly) and, now, a part-time work-from-home mom. There's a lot on my plate, juggling the lives and schedules of my girls, along with my own work and household responsibilities. It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day requirements. And it's easy to think that that solo trip to the grocery store is actually "me time," which is about all that I made time for for a long time.

But about a year ago, I decided enough was enough. I couldn't remember the last book I read. I hadn't been to the doctor since my younger daughter was born. I was out of shape. It had been eight months since I even made time to get my hair cut.

So I started running with a neighborhood group. I picked up a book. I made those doctor's appointments. I got my hair cut. In other words, I decided what I wanted to do for myself and did it. I can't tell you how much happier I am and how much more energy I have for my family.

You're not being selfish when you take 20 minutes out of a day to read a book or make a healthy lunch for yourself instead of grabbing your kid's leftover peanut butter and jelly sandwich and Goldfish crackers, she says.

"In order to be a good parent, you have to take care of yourself too," Johr tells me.

Johr shares some tips to help make that "me time" actually happen in my video interview with her. Check the box above for more information from Johr. And stay tuned next Wednesday for another tip.