wee ones

You’re getting the hang of this whole mama title. You’re functioning on less sleep than normal, showering on a semi-regular basis and tackling laundry duty, which has seemed to double with the entry of this tiny, little person into your fold. Honey, you deserve a night out! But can you really leave this precious wee one with someone else, even if it’s only for a few short hours?

I’m outta here

Leaving your wee one with someone else for the first time can be a scary thought. The “what if” scenarios can overwhelm you; what if the sitter can’t get him to stop crying…what if I don’t get any cell service in the movie theater…what if a massive sinkhole immerges in the yard and I can’t get home before it swallows the house…what if…what if…WHAT IF! Luckily the odds of your wee one being completely safe while you are gone are in your favor and getting away for just a bit can be good for you too. As you set out on some adult time away, remember:

• baby steps How you always thought you would be after you had a baby compared to how you actually are after wee one arrives, can be very different. So don’t be surprised if you expected leaving your wee one with a sitter was going to be a piece of cake and now you’d rather pull out your eye lashes with a tweezer! Yes, leaving the first time can be really hard, but it does get easier. Start with a short time away and work your way up. And how old should your wee one be before you leave him with a sitter? When you’re ready to leave him with a sitter is the right time.

• list it out Nowadays you might need a to-do list to remember to brush your teeth! So, it’s OK to leave one for the sitter and it will help ease your mind knowing that you have properly informed your sitter on how to take care of the most precious gift ever! And once you are out and about it’s fine to call and check in…as often as you like!

• fun encouraged Lastly, it is allowable for you to enjoy yourself away from your wee one. Yes, you will be thinking about home and what is happening there, but really try to enjoy yourself. You deserve it!