welcome babs and abcowboy. Ace - I do hope you'll stick with us.
Sunny - I have 3 kids too - I get it. I take a LOT of hot showers and baths when I can get them in. I put on movies that will keep people occupied and I get on here, or watch a show, or just lay down and listen to music. If my husband is home, I take one of the dogs for a long walk.
It is really hard because when you are home, you are never truly away. Can you schedule some true away time? Sometimes just knowing I have that in the future gets me through the tough moments at home. Heaven for me is simply wandering around a book store, alone. 30 minutes of it and I feel back in my own skin. It doesn't take much time for me to feel better, but it does take some scheduling and coordination to find that time.
I don't know the ages of your kids - mine are getting a little old for my last tactics, but I used it all the time when they were younger - emergency dance party. Put on my favorite music, turn it up loud, and just dance. That almost always was a great mood changer and energy booster. I think now I'd get the 13 year old glare of "No mom. Just. No." :)
Hang in there. Look to the evening and the time you WILL have to yourself. You can get through the tough day. | 