Every Mother Deserves a 'good' Break.
If you're a busy mama, your daily schedule probably consists of educating, cooking, disciplining, studying, your business or going to work. So it's understandable that you would be irritable at times, but your children may not know why you are so snappy and grumpy. If you find yourself yelling at your children and not finishing your tasks, you probably need to give yourself a 'good' break.
Unfortunately, mums that don’t give themselves a break are more likely to stress and have a breakdown.
Being a mother is one of the greatest ni'mah (blessings) in this world, but it can also be a challenging and tiring job. This is why every mother deserves and desperately needs a break every once in a while. Going for a walk alone and having a moment early in the morning is all good, but I’m talking about an actual good break. Preferably an overnight break.
Do you know what a true break does for a mother? It rejuvenates her. It strengthens her. It lets her sleep in past her usual time for probably the first time in years. But most importantly, a break gives her the chance to miss and appreciate her kids more. Our children hold such a large portion of our hearts but sometimes it’s easy to forget that when you're constantly scraping the floor and listening to nonstop complaints. You know the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder?” this couldn't be far from the truth.
"Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for."
Maya Angelou
Please, don't feel guilty about taking a break, because it’s good for both you and your entire family. It allows you to recharge your parenting and it gives you time to take care of yourself and your soul by increasing in dhikr (remembrance of your Lord) which will help you emotionally and mentally.
"Dhikr is to the heart as water is to a fish; see what happens to a fish when it is taken out of water!"
Imam Ibn al Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah RahimahuAllah
It might be hard at first because you can get mixed feelings of guilt and worries, but if you correct your intention and seek Allah's guidance it will be relieved. Inshaa Allah (God Willing). This break will allow you to;
- appreciate one another more
(if you go with your spouse)
- increase in your dhikr without being rushed and punched
- miss your children dearly
- visit places that are difficult with kids
- stay in bed. Inshaa Allah (God Willing).
I know this isn’t an opportunity most mums get, especially single mothers who really do have to do it all because there’s never a partner to even give her the bathroom break. Nevertheless, if it’s even slightly possible, make it happen. Figure out what needs to be done or sacrificed for that time away to take place.
Surely, in the long run, it’ll do wonders for mum’s sanity and emotional health, which affects will benefit the rest of the family. Inshaa Allah (God Willing). After all a happy mama creates a happy home!