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DIETSSTINK
5/11/06 1:17 P
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I get it. That stinks! So, you might look a little funny working out in a flight uniform, but who cares. You'll feel better from the effort!
I also know what you mean about classes being over and summer coming. I'm taking several classes, too and can't wait for them to be over. I hope to get my act together with everything this summer before I start back to school in August.
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ANGELA221
5/11/06 12:09 P
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My doc has mentioned sleep apnea -- I just keep putting off having the sleep study. I think once my son is out of school, I will have my mom stay with him and go have it done. My uncle had sleep apnea and once it was corrected/treated, he said he felt so much better. Can't hurt. Thanks for the info.
I think job related stress is a big factor for a lot of folks. I know stress of any kind makes me want to eat eat eat. Last night I was heading home and came so close to stopping to buy oreos, which I can eat by the bagful. Talked myself out of it, went on home and had a banana/apple/orange fruit salad instead. Not quite the same, but I felt better about myself. Still want some chocolate though!!!
I love hearing everyone's comments and suggestions -- does me good to realize it is not just me. Keep on keeping on!!
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FLIGHTRNBECCA
5/11/06 11:31 A
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| I cannot leave my "office" because we are always on call for flights. I am making some workout DVD copies to bring to work, hopefully won't look too silly trying to work out in a flight suit. I sometimes work out before my day shift but I am usually too tired to get up at 0500 to go to the gym before my shift. I think the summer break from being a full time student will make a big difference in helping me ease back into a routine of working out daily. I can't escape the full time single working mother part of my life, so this summer break is my best bet for building consistency back in to my routine before fall semester starts!
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DIETSSTINK
5/11/06 10:04 A
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| Have you tried working out before going to work on your dayshift weeks or just walking during lunch. Even small snippets of 10-15 minutes brisk walks would be better than nothing. They may even relieve the stress of the long hours. Just a thought. I know it's easier said than done, but always worth a try.
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DIETSSTINK
5/11/06 9:58 A
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You got that right!
Trust me, I know I'm not alone on this, but wish I could find a solution.
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FLIGHTRNBECCA
5/11/06 9:53 A
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| Anybidy else out there who works a rotating schedule? I work 2 weeks of days and 2 weeks of nights. When I work dayshift I am usually too tired to workout at home because I work 12+ hours a shift. When I work at night I have a bit more motivation to work out because I can go right after I get off in the morning. I'm off for the summer from grad school, but still working 60+ hours a week trying to save some cash before fall semester starts. I think this summer I'll be trying to get back into a more predictable routine for my work outs. Any ideas out there?
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DHCASTILLO
5/11/06 9:12 A
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| I understand, working for the school system as an interpreter and having a 3 year old boy, my day starts at 5:15. By the way, my husband has crazy hours and if you look at it by the time I get up, get ready, get my son ready, go to a full time job, gym, pick up daycare, cook dinner, spend "quality time" with my child, bathe him, get him in bed, clean the house, do laundry, make a plate for the hubby, it really boils down to I have 2 jobs....I just get paid for one!!! Summer is a blessing for those who has a thankless job with no bonuses or raises!!!
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DIETSSTINK
5/10/06 11:59 P
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Any chance you could have sleep apnea, too? Have you had a sleep study done? I just found out I have severe sleep apnea and have been using a C-PAP machine at nights. It's really made a world of difference. However, my doctor claims I should really start losing the weight once I start getting the sleep I've missed, but that doesn't seem to be happening....yet.
Anyway, keep up the good work! Lucky for you about your job, boss and the time thing. Where I work they are like a boot camp, watching every breath and move you make.....UGH!!!!! And if you're sick or your kids are....OMG!!! Ya, think that could be the bigger factor in the weight loss thing for me? Sorry, just venting!
To everyone else, I love hearing all the inspriing comments....keep plugging away...day at a time!
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| Great to read everyone's posts --- makes me feel much better. I thought I was the only one who told my son that unless he was losing a body fluid I didn't want to hear it! I am a single working mom, too - but I am blessed with a great job that gives me a lot of autonomy, wonderfully understanding employers, and the gift of pretty much being able to set my own hours as long as the work gets done. I tell people if I had a "real" job with a "real" boss, I would have been fired years ago. We don't have to be out of the house until about 8 a.m., which should give me plenty of time in the a.m. to exercise. The cross I am bearing at this particular time is chronic insomnia -- and it is hard to exercise at 6 a.m. if you didn't go to sleep until 3 -- at least it is for me. My doc is trying to help me with a very mild sleeping pill, but my insurance co. will only approve 15 a month, so I guess I only get to sleep on alternate nights. URGGGG. Anyway, sorry to go on and on. I just found this site this week -- my doc again, who suggested I use the meal tracker to keep up with my eating. I love the site and all the posts from other folks. I have even posted on the guys' site -- they didn't seem to mind. It was about football, after all. Hope everyone has a great evening....just keep on keeping on!!
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| I'm with you on the headphones idea - if I ever need that "me" time when I'm alone w/ the kids, I tell them that "unless there's blood, I don't need to hear about it - work it out without me!"
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JASONSBRIDE07
5/10/06 1:05 P
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Oh one more thing. I do get on the treadmill from time to time in the afternoon and work out during the show. walking during the show and running/jogging during commercials. I would get home around 6:30 make the kids something fast (mind you I dont' have a husband to cook for so this is alot easier on me than the married parents) then I tell them "mommy needs 45 minutes guys, eat your food and blah blah blah" by 7:20 I am functional to bathe them and put them to bed and etc..... It was hard at first but then when they realized that mommy was not going to take the earphones out of her ears they finally caught on........
I really like all the messages posted on here.... Now for lunch.... Ya'll are a great group of people!
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Howdy - single mom of 2 darling girls and sick and tired of being sick and tired! I work about 35 hours a week, do Pampered Chef and I'll be starting school in August! LOL geez louise what ELSE can I possibly stick in the fire? Oh, how about eating right, exercising and losing half a metric ton? LOL!
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JASONSBRIDE07
5/10/06 1:00 P
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EMJAY413 - Hi! I to am a single parent with 2 children. One is 4 and one is 8. I have to be out of the house by 7:10 each morning in order to get them to daycare for breakfast before school starts. I wake up @ 5:00 and workout until 6:00, start the coffee pot, make the lunches (cause I need to cool down before jumping in the shower) take a quick shower and get the majority of myself ready. Then I wake up my 8yr old assist her if needed (most of the time not) then wake up my 4yr old and fully dress him, place him on the couch and then do the last touches to myself. Just to clarify - I do blowdry my hair every morning, place eyeliner, mascara, powder, eyeshadow and lipgloss on everyday. Sometimes I even have to iron my clothes in the morning.
Sometimes I do not wake up until 5:30 and then little voice inside my head says "you don't have enough time" but I get out of bed (most of the time) and at least do one mile even if it takes 20minutes because I am warming up before I jog.
I have been a single working parent for 4yrs and before that I was a married working parent. I can help anyone who needs advice.Anyways, didn't mean to write a book.
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| Hello, fellow single mom of 2. kids love Billy Blanks Ti-Bo. We do it together in the evenings.
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MOMTOTHREE
5/10/06 10:15 A
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Yes finding time to work out is hard. Maybe when the kids have sports you can walk around the track, if there is one.
The one way i found to get my walking done is in the morning and the afternoon i used to take a bus to downtown Seattle to get my bus to go home. Now i walk up the hill,(I work on the waterfront)that is a mile and in the mornings I walk the mile down the hill.
Makes a big difference, at my weigh in last night i lost 2.4 lbs. Following weight watchers and working out has helped me loose 23lbs.
I used to have every reason in the world to not work out but now I just get out there and do it. Gonna work out in the yard this weekend and get some more exercising.
have a great day
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Hi, I'm a single parent of two 13 yo's. One boy and one girl. My mornings are a nightmare. I'm up at 5:30 to get us all out of the house by 7:15.
Tough job!
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| I'm a teacher, too and my husband's hours are much longer than mine. Plus, the two kids are involved in sports, so that leaves very little time. I'm still trying to figure out what routine will work the best for me. The 8-10 p.m. thing would, but then when do I do my school work for the next day? I'm sure you can relate to that. Plus, then I just get too wired and can't fall asleep. It becomes this viscious cycle. Unfortunately, my cardiologist says I need to get it together, and soon! I'm not quitting! Every day's a new day, every hour's a new hour! Hopefully, summer will be my time to get seriously inspired. I hope it's your time too!
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peapufn -- I'm sending you happy thoughts and well wishes. I wanted to toss out an idea for you to consider... no need to reply, of course... I imagine there are a lot of divorced women, with grown children, who may need an affordable place to live... Maybe you could run an ad on craigslist and look for someone to watch your baby, in exchange for free room and board.
I have no idea if it could work, but you could post an ad anonymously on craigslist.org, in your town, and see if anyone responds. You will have to demand background information and cross reference for evil child molesters, but I just want to hope that another angel in need, who needs a place to live, would love to help you and your son out.
It's just an idea, feel free to ignore, of course. But, you never know what might happen.
Good luck to you!!!!!!!
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I'm already getting up at 5:30 just to get me and my 2 kids out the door and to school on time. I have been trying to leave work a bit earlier a couple of days in the last few weeks (school is out by 3:40 but I typically stay working until 5:30) so that I can get the kids and run around with them at the park.
I am really looking forward to school being out for summer in just a couple of weeks. Then the kids can get their time with me and I can still get some time away at the gym.
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I also work 40-50 hours a week at my full time job and also help my husband with his business part-time. Our goal is for me to be home for my 2 kids, ages 4&6, by next year. But I want to get in shape NOW. So, I have come to the conclusion that I need to suck it up and get up at 5:30 am so I can make it to the gym. I am just starting at the gym and I am very excited. I have only done the nutrition thing in the past and always gained it all back plus some. I used to play volleyball in college and had a personal trainer so I was used to having a rock hard body. Not anymore, I am all flab it seems like. I think if I add the exercise aspect it will become more of a lifestyle change, than a diet mentality. Anyway, keep it up everyone and God bless!
Samantha
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LAYERS_OF_ME
5/8/06 11:53 P
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| Hey, great thread! I'm glad I found it. I'm a teacher with three children (13, 11 and 6) and my husband works a distance away so he's gone 14 hours out of the day. I can't work out in the morning unless I do it at home or at an ungodly hour (he leaves at 4:30AM). My me-time is between 8:00-10:00 at night at the gym. This summer, I hope to change that to the morning. I'll be more like a stay-at-home-mom then, and can finagle things like bringing the older kids to the pool (life guard on duty) and the little one to child care.
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| Thanks for the baked chicken and rice recipe idea. Sounds yummy and I will definately try it with the family. At this point, anything offered is always worth a try. As for the chili, I would eat it and so would my older son, but the 6 yr. old and my husband would be searching for something else.
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I just found this thread and love it. I work 40-50+ hours a week, attend grad school part time, and have 2 children ages 10 & 8. My husband is very limited on what he can do right now due to medical problems, so I often feel like I am a single mother with 3 children.
I've found the best time for me to exercise is first thing in the morning before the kids are awake. I have these great 10 minute exercise programs that I do each morning during the week. I strive to do at least 2 each morning, but sometimes only get to do 1 if I hit the snooze button too many times. On weekends, I try to do fun physical stuff with the kids. We will take a bike ride or rollerblade around the neighborhood. Sometimes it will be games like hide & seek or catch.
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| Hello everyone. I am new here, and am really enjoying all the great ideas everyone has. I have been a single mom for the better part of 14 years - my son's dad left when our son was 18 months old, he will be 16 this fall. One of my goals is to be healthier for him and set a better example. He plays football, and the upside of that is he has weights in the garage, so I can go out there and lift with him -- gives us time together. We are both book freaks, and the library is located at the edge of our Central Park (not NYC -- the park is just on Central Avenue), which has a four foot sidewalk around it, and each lap is a mile - so everytime we go to the library I talk him into walking with me, too. Once school is out in two weeks and our mornings aren't so hectic, I plan to walk in the a.m. before I go to work, either at the park or at the track at his school, which is only 1.5 miles away. My hat is off to the single parents with more than one child....true heroes in my book. Have a good week.
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| think of their food as strictly that...food for the kids and them. either pack your own lunch and eat what you have or choose the best of what they have. if they insist you eat their food then kindly suggest healthier snacks and lunch. More than likely they will appreciate the thought trying to make a healthier impact on the kids.
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FLIGHTRNBECCA
5/7/06 1:25 A
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| Baked chicken breast with wild rice freezes pretty well. I usually use 2 cups of brown and wild rice, 4 1/2 cups or garlic chicken bouillon. You can add whatever spices you like and it keeps really well. I use boneless, skinless breasts.Put the rice and bouillon in a shallow baking dish and then set the chicken on top. Bake in the oven at 350 for about an hour. Good thing is you can make a bunch at once if you have a big enough pan, and you can freeze leftovers. We also make a turkey chili and freeze extras and then thaw and serve it over brown rice.My kids are older, both like their own things but these two things go over pretty well.
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DIETSSTINK
5/6/06 10:53 P
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| I've tried doing that before, but my family is pretty picky. Typically we all like eating foods that are separated (ie, grilled chicken or fish, salad or cooked veg, some other carb/starch). We do like many other foods, like pasta combinations, but haven't really found recipes that would do well being frozen. Any suggestions/ideas of some things that would work other than pasta dishes? I'd love to try some.
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DIETSSTINK
5/6/06 10:35 P
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| Bring your own lunch and snacks. It will be less tempting and it will keep you focussed on eating foods of your choice rather than what happens to be in front of you. Plus, a FEW pringles never hurts anyone....unless you can't stop there. Maybe you also have to look at it differently. The fact that they open their kitchen to you "for free" doesn't mean you have to get what you can while you're there...if you know what I mean. So, I'm back to the first thought...bring your own food to ward off temptation and keep you on the right track. Hope this helps.
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| Amen - one hard and fast rule I have at the table and at cleanup time is that it is not my job to finish my kids' plates. I think that saved me close to 500 calories a day! (My husband (darn him!) is trying desperately to gain weight, so let him be the garbage can!) I've also found that I have to ask myself, "if I have one (chip, chocolate, etc.) will I be able to stop?" If the answer is no, well, hard as it is, don't start!
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I'm not a working parent, but I am a babysitter. I eat lunch with the kids and often times can't fight the craving of eating a few of their pringles. But the worst part is trying to eat well at someone else's house, when they offer me anything in their fridge. Does anyone have any pointers?
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| Two more great resources for QUICK (really!) meals: Food & Wine Magazine's "FAST" column (and if you can find it, an old Food & Wine cookbook called "Quick from Scratch: Real Food for Busy Weeknights") and Rachel Ray's dad's (Jacques Pepin) book "Fast Food My Way." Most of the recipes are or can be made healthy, and of course, if you eat everything in moderation....
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MOMTOTHREE
5/5/06 11:19 A
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Hi everyone
I am also a single mom with two of my three kids at home. one is grown and on his own now. Since my kids are teenagers now they don't want to hang out with mom so that gives me a chance to go walking on my own.
When they were little I would put them in the stroller and walk with them. My son loves to ride his bike everywhere so I bought one for me too so we can do bike rides together.
You can exercise with the kids, they can ride the bikes while you walk or you can all go to the park and play.
Hope this helps
Happy Friday
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DHCASTILLO
5/5/06 11:08 A
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My husband was also a Marine and I know how hard it can be as I have a small child myself. Just keep the reaction on his face when he comes home to your results as a motivator!!!
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my husband is a Marine so he deploys alot so i might as well be a single parent. our son is 9 months old. i make it a point to run as soon as i get home. he enjoys the stroller ride and he usually is ready for dinner bath and bed. i have realized that even though you are not supposed to eat after 7:30 pm it is very hard not to. i dont eat dinner until he goes to bed. then i get all of my other stuff out of the way. my work comes home with me too sometimes but my family will always come first. i have to fax alot at work so i will do lunges while i wait for it to go through or toe raisers. it looks funny but it keeps you moving.
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| YEah, another single mom that tries to incorporate the rare occasion of excersise in her day....I too do much of the same things you do! Thankfully, my daughter has gotten a little spark and while she rides her bike around the neighborhood block, I do some fast paced walking....gives us some time together and some excercise together.
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I agree, single parents are amazing to me. I asked a single mom that I know how she does it and she said that you don't even think about it, you just do what you have to do.
I am a preschool teacher, and I see how hard it is for any parent, single or not, to leave their child to go off to work. It is hard not to feel guilty when you are away from your kids all day, and then need to go to the gym at night. My little girl works out with me some nights at home, but I do go to the gym when I can.
Thanks, MsKosmos. I'm really proud of my weight loss so far. I've taken awhile to get the weight off, and I still have some more to go. I only found SP in March, this is a great place to get and stay motivated!
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| Hi, I'm a new one here. In response to your question...Rachel Ray has a great show about meals you make in 30 minutes...for real, not these shows that say it takes 5 minutes, but for any real person takes 25. I've made a few of her meals and they are big hits with my family. I work from 8-5, so I'm pretty tired when I get home, plus having two little girls tugging on my pant legs for attention (and a hubby), these quick meals are really great!
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| You single parents out there are AMAZING! My husband travels a bit (sometimes extended) and also takes some night classes, and whenever I have the kids (2&6) during those times I think about how hard it is on one person. (The ONLY upside I've discovered is that at these times I AM the law - there's no going to Dad if you don't like the answer Mom gave.) Kudos to you all - you have a long row to hoe, and I don't know how you manage to do it 24/7 - you have my undying respect!
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It isn't easy being a single working parent- but you all have been so supportive. Thank you!
To those who work crazy hectic schedules like my own - remember we are all allowed lunch breaks - no matter how busy we are. There are a few ways I incorporate exersize into my day. Every once in awhile I will close my door to my office, and do one of the exersizes shown on SPARKPEOPLE.com for just ten minutes or so, and then open my door again and go back to work. I usually do that mid morning and then mid afternoon (that is 20 minutes all together!). During my lunch time, if I can get out, I go outside, weather permitting, and power walk around my building for as long as I can. If I have to make copies or do work on the other side of the bldg., I made the most of it and power walk from one place or another.
During my long commute in my car, I do butt clenches. If I am stuck in traffic or at a light, I will do arm exersizes.
If I get back home early enough - traffic & Schedule permitting, I will put my 3 year old in his jogging stroller as soon as we get out of the car, before we even go in the house, and go for a quick jog/run (10 minutes or so) just to break a sweat, and get back home to do housework, start dinner, etc.
Then, during chill out time, which for me is during my favorite TV shows, Mon, Tues and Wed from 8-9 pm, I put Mason to bed or let him watch a movie in another room to chill out, and I do crunches, leg lifts, push ups, and arm exersizes w/ my hand weights during my 1 hour of me time w/ my favorite shows.
Did You know that shower time is a good place to do some stretching? Just be careful not to fall over!
I really have to budget my time & money, and it isn't always easy. It doesn't always work. Last night was a perfect example. Someone who's kid has been playing w/ mine found out thier kid has lice, so I freaked and had to strip the house, wash everything, including our heads - but hey - Heavy Cleaning burns calories.
I do manage to find some time to work out, but I wish there was more.
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| what is RAchel Rays 30 min. meals???
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| I think this is definately something I need to get into. I am a loving mother to a son who just turned a year old! I work a regular 9-5, but I am a paralegal so lets just say sometime my work goes home with me. I find it so hard to go to the gym at night because I just want to spend time with my son and my husband! Anyone have the same problem or find a solution! I am open to anything!
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RICKYSMAMA
5/3/06 11:23 P
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i was a single mom for 10 years to a daughter from 3-13. I agree it was the hardest thing in the world to do, but I love her and did my best to give her the best. There were times when i was working a midnight shift and she was at home with a friend of the same age. i would go by to check on them often but it was so scary. i had a good group of friends. Now I am married and I have 4 kids total. My little girl is 16 and a beautiful young lady. She is in school and doing well. I am very proud of her despite her little "teenage antics". I hope that you all stick it out and know that if you try to do good by your kids it WILL make a difference.
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Hi PEAPUFN. I'm a single mom to a 6-year-old. Right now I'm only working one full-time job. I commute 12 hours a week. In the past I have worked a full-time job and 2 part-time jobs to make ends meet (dad doesn't pay CS), so I do know where you're coming from.
Even when my son was 3, he loved to take walks around the neighborhood with me. In the summer, we swam together in the evenings. You can also play chase with him (kids of all ages love that game) to get some cardio in. Right now, I exercise with my son because it is more time we spend together.
As far as work went, I took on part-time jobs I could do *with* him like babysitting. I was also lucky enough to work for my mom on weekends, so I could take him with me. When I have to do overtime, he comes with me to work in the evening (but he is older and can entertain himself with crayons and stuff).
I'm starting a new job on Monday, so I'm not sure how crazy my life will be next week.
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| Wow, MOMCPL - you have made so much progress! I am going to use you as an example. I can do it, too!
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| I have been a single parent for 9 years now my kids are 19, 17, 15 and 9. Might want to try getting your son to work out with you, I have been having my 9 year old for years now and she is getting better and better at it. We use the stability ball so she has a better time with it even if its just sitting and bouncing on it. I was in your situation it WILL get better I promise!
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| When I use to go through that I would make lunch my main meal and have soup/salad or something lite before going to bed. Might work better for you
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Hi Everyone!
I am a SINGLE parent of a VERY busy 3 year old little boy. I work 40+ hours a week, and commute an extra 12 hrs per week to work and back. I also work 48 hours extra over 1 week per month. And as if it was not bad enough, do to some pay fluctuation, next Monday I take on another part time job, tacking on another 18 hours of work a week, and more commuting. My son spends more time in daycare than he does with me.
I have been making time to work out for the past 5 weeks, but since I have to take on more work in just a few days, I have no idea when I will be able to have time for that or sleep. But, you got to do what you got to do. And what i need to do is make sure my son has a place to sleep and food to eat.
Let me tell you, it is NOT easy. hopefully things will trun around in the near future and I can go back to 1 job per week.
One year ago I was working 1 full time and 6 part time jobs, and I was spending 1/2 of what I made on sitters! I never saw my son. I don't want to go back to that.
For those of you who belong to a 2 parent working relationship- consider yourself lucky. I love my life, but it is exhausting, and I miss my little guy. He's a really neat kid. I sometimes wish I had someone I could call, like a father, and say, "hey, I'm going to be working late today, so can you pick him up today." Unfortinitly, I do not have that option.
I know that it is going to be hard to eat healthy when I take on this new job this next week.
How many of you are SINGLE parents?????
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Alrea--What a great idea!! I have a 14 and 12 year old and they are perfectly capable of cooking (though not as good as me and thats why I think I get stuck with it all the time) But I think I am going to have to see if I can get some kind of agreement going with them.
I have started taking time for myself. I come home and try to get my cardio in right away. Then I can focus on other stuff. It means we eat later, but Oh well.
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Jackie:
You should not feel guilty of spending some time for yourself, we all need our own space and quiet time to reflect on ourselves and thoughts. When you are the sports with the kids you are getting in excercise for yourself and in the garden. I am sure at dinner time when all are gathered then you all have conversations and even driving to the games strike up a conversation or sing one of their songs and when you are downstairs excercise to one of the kids songs (which they listen to) you will find them coming downstairs to see who is dancing or working out their HIP music. They will still know that you have it going on, "that's right I'am BAD"(which means good in their language).
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TAMPAMOM23
5/3/06 12:11 P
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| my biggest problem is the "not going to bed for two hours after you eat." The days I have school, by the time I pick up my daughter and cook, it's like 8 o'clock...and I am always ready to go to bed!!!
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| I agree that it's hard to come home and cook after a long day at work so our family has come up with a new system. My husband's days off are Mon & Tues so he cooks on those nights. My 15 yr old son & 12 yr old daughter each cook one weeknight and I cook the rest of the time. That gives me just one weeknight (on which I can use the Crockpot if it will be a long day)and my nights off to cook. As long as everyone keeps up with their scheduled days this will make my life a lot easier!
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| We are a working couple as well. My hubby works long hours and has a long commute. I work full time in a daycare center. My kids are 8,10, and 14 going on 30. lol. Anyway, my kids go to school, and then come home and let themselves in. I get home about an hour or so after they get home. When summer comes, my two younger children will go to the daycare with me, and the older one has various activities planned for the summer. It's hard working and trying to control eating and exercise. Isn't it tiring to come home and fix a healthy meal after a long day at work?
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Congrats...I can't wait until my sons which that age of doing everything for themselves.
I work full-time, and not home until about 7-8pm. And well unfortunately depending on myhusband day, I may have to still cook or stop off and get dinner.
And that doesn't help me at all...and not even the boys.
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Hello Everyone,
My name is Joyce and I am the single mother of a wonderful 16-yr-old son. He is the best kid a mother could ever ask for and one reason is because he knows how to cook very well. I work full-time and when I get home, I usually do my workout, take a shower and relax for a while. When my son gets home from school, he does his homework, then cooks dinner for us. My friends are amazed that I don't have to come home and cook dinner everyday. My son is in training right now....he plays softball and basketball...so he cooks healthy meals for both of us. He's gonna make some lucky girl a good husband one day
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Hello All, I am new to this message board. It is great to see other parents trying to work through their schedules. I can really relate. I am married with two children - 10 and 16. Even with them a little older it is still hard to make time for myself. They both play sports and have other school activities that keep me busy. I work full time and my husband is in business for himself so I do all of his paperwork, etc. in the evenings.
I have been on SP since January and love the site. I struggle with feeling guilty when I disappear to the basement to work out with my husband and kids upstairs. I feel I should be spending my time with them. When I first started SP, my husband and kids would work out with me. But now with sports, my kids are busy and really don't need the work out and the interest has faded for my husband.
It is extremely hard for me to find the time to workout. With nice weather I walk outside and will even walk around the ball field before the games. I recently have been doing alot of yard work so that has helped. I get the yard looking nice and still burn the calories.
Preplanning meals is something that is almost impossible with my husband. I can plan to fix something and when I get home and start to make the planned meal he will say lets have this I don't feel like that today. The only positive to this lately is that since he is self-employed he has a more flexible schedule and will start cooking before I get home. I just have to keep him on track with eating healthy. He loves is startches.
I have rambled on long enough. Thanks for letting me hear your struggles and successes and keep up the good work.
Jackie
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| I'm a working mom of 4 kids working between 45-55 hrs a week. DH stays home so that helps a lot with cooking and cleaning. He's really good about planning a menu for the whole week's dinners and buying just what he needs for the meals. Not a lot of snacks lying around. If I help him with meal planning he's really good about cooking healthy. If he gets bored and I'm not around when he's making the menu we sometimes end up with lots of fries and burgers. Pre-planning is the key. If I had to run to the grocery store everyday to buy something I needed to make dinner I KNOW I'd over buy on junk food.
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| Hi! I am a mother of 4 working 40+ hours a week. I also use the crockpot. I had one of my kids friend comment I'm eating over if your mom has the Crockpot on the counter...I never really thought about it but what a difference. I also use all of Rachael Ray's 30 minute meal recipes....the kids and I take turns making them. Have a happy day!
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| hi I was a single parent for 14 years and what I did to succeed was I cooked my main dishes all on Saturday or Sunday, whichever day I cooked I also cleaned, ironed, etc. That way it left me the other weekend day to enjoy and during the week I just took the food out of the freezer and added a salad or starch and veggie which was ready in @15 min. More time to spend with the kids and then for myself.
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Hi All
I am a full-time everything. I work full-time 8:30-5:30 or 6:00. I am the Accounts Payable Supervisor for a newspaper in San Diego. I have two boys 6 & 10. My life is crazy. I try and get some time to myself but it never happens. I try and get organized and that only lasts for a couple weeks. I would love to be able to make meals ahead of time. I started using the crock pot so I could have some healthy meals. It works out well most of the time. Both kids are in baseball and my DH is coach of my older son.
I would love to hear other people ideas on staying organized and not losing their minds and having time for yourself.
Take Care
Stacy
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I soooo relate to everyone here. My DH and I both work full time, me 9-5, him 4-12. We have a 4 year son who we have taken care of entirely by ourselves until he recently started 3 hrs,3 days/week in preschool. DH drops our son off at my office 3 days a week at 3:30 and fortunately this has been OK with my co-workers (I am self employed) so far. We have no family nearby and have not found a babysitter even until about 3 months ago that we felt good about. We are so happy to be able to take care of him ourselves, but as you all know this has been SO EXHAUSTING!
I am so happy to find other Working Parent like us on this website. Hooray! Thank you to Dawn for starting this thread and this group.
I have been on SP since mid-January, but didn't really start seriously until about Feb 1. I have lost a bit more than 43 pounds and am very pleased with the SP program - it rellay has helped me to keep organized, to plan meals and marketing, to drink my water, get my exercise, etc. It has made all the difference. I do not have time to go to a gym, so my exercise has been walking on my lunch break, stationary bike and strength training with dumbbels and swiss ball at home. It's not glamorous but it works.
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I love this message board! I'm a 40+ mom of 2 (2&6) and it is truly inspiring to see all those parents out there making their health a priority - it makes it easier to get up at 5:00 a.m. to exercise knowing that you all are out there!
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WINTERSJANIS
5/2/06 2:58 P
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| KAROTKA, sure I'd be happy to chat or checkin sometime. :)
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| I'm the mom of two teenage kids and the controller for a constuction company, working 40-50+ hours a week. Time for exercise and energy to cook some nights after my 45 minute commute is pretty hard to come by. With better planning and dedication I will cook more frequently (maybe preparing the next week's meals on the weekend) and exercising 5 times a week. It's nice to see so many hard-working parents making health a priority for themselves and their kids!
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| Ello all. I've been a high school teacher for the past (almost) 8 years. I have two kids, with birthdays coming up soon they are almost 8 and almost 5. Between working late after the students are gone, the drive to get the kids in the evening, then getting the kids fed, cleaned and off to bed, I haven't had more than a few minutes to devote to exercise. Here's to trying to change that!
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| My name is beckie. I am a mother of two teenage kids a boy and a girl. real good kids. My husband is retired and I work I am nurse I work almost full time I work nights and i like it though it is hard have enough energy to excersize and fix heathy meals everyday. My husband does help with the cooking. My kids are not real handy in the kitchen when it come to cooking. I love my life though and I am a Christian and I am blessed.
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| hi everyone, my name is cath and i have two pre-school angels, a husband, a part-time job and full-time study! i feel pushed and pulled a lot, but i dont want to give up any of it! i have been using this website for just over a week, and i have enjoyed it. good luck to you all
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
5/2/06 1:18 A
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Welcome to all of the new moms I see posting! this group is growing quickly.
I got great news today; the transfer I wanted is going to get approved!!! That is the first step, to me getting more time with my family! It will bring my job a little closer to home. I sure hope that everything works out for me to transfer soon!
Just checking in gotta go and get some sleep tonight!
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well, I just got my little one to bed....now it's time for strip tease aerobics, and spanish homework. I just want to sleep. lol oh well the semester is almost over, so I can sleep then. good night everyone! 
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Hello all
I would like to join your group.
Enjoyed reading all of your posts. I've been a SP member since Jan. 06. I've lost about 20lbs.
My name is Ericka. I'm a single, working parent of
two girls (ages 14 and 10) I work about 40 to 48 hours a week depending on whats going on at work. With my girls being older, I am able to get some gym time in before its time to get home and start dinner.
I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.
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| Hello!! I'm new here. My name is Sharon and I am mommy to a 9 month old girl, married and work full time about 45 hours a week. Its so hard to find the time for me. I just joined a gym last week and am going 3 mornings a week at 5am while my daughter and hubby sleep. Its nice to have a little bit of time for myself, I don't usually get that. -I can see that motivating me to go workout!! I love this website so far!!
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| hello everyone! nice to meet you!!!
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CHUCKANDHUNNY
5/1/06 1:23 P
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| I would like to join too.
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I'm in the same boat.. I feel you.
Would you like to chat and check in on each other from time to time?
~K
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WINTERSJANIS
5/1/06 10:14 A
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| I have a full time job, full time graduate student and single mom. It sounds a lot worse then it is. Luckilly I have an active kid who gets dragged to and fro through all my activities and my key to having time to exercise is doing it at home. Generally right after the kid goes to bed and there's shows I want to watch, I'll happilly exercise to watch TV and avoid homework.
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POOKEYBUM624
5/1/06 9:03 A
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Good Morning,
I am a single working mother of two wonderful children, 7,4. I keep the kids busy with sports, therefore it leaves little time for me. With the oldest starting soccer 2 nights a week I worry about getting time in for me. However, I may bring the soccer ball for my dd and me to play with while the ds plays with his team. It is all about time management. I try to walk at lunch 3-4 times per week and use my Gazell 3-4 times in the evenings. I have been off the exercising for the past few months but now I am back. Talk to you soon
Jen
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| I totally agree with the gym being me time! On Saturdays, I'll do the treadmill AND the weights, instead of doing the treadmill at home so I can get a break! My husband works til 7:30 - 8:00pm most nights so its all me with the child during the week. I need my two hours of gym time by the time Saturday rolls around! and yes, sometimes I do feel guilty, but I'm getting healthy so I can be around for her longer!!
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| I work out with my kids, we do a lot of walking, or they ride their bikes while I walk. But for me going to the gym without them is theraputic. Every working mom knows that we have at least 2 full time jobs. The one that makes the money and being a mom. It's really hard for me to find time for myself at home with both of my kids so small,they are constantly vying for my attention. So going to the gym 3 x's a week gives me 30 minutes that are totally about myself. People always say spend extra time in the bathroom for yourself. After 5 minutes my kids are banging on the door or screaming at each other, so locking myself in the bathroom for 30 mins. just doesn't work. I am constantly thinking of fun ways to excercise with my kids, like dancing around the living room, it's fun and we spend quality time with each other laughing, singing, dancing and working up a good sweat. But like we all agreed sometimes we need "my time" and the gym allows me to beat the crap out of a punching bag or mindlessly run on a treadmill and release some stress without having to "mom". I think the gym is a great way for me to kill 2 birds with 1 stone, get my excersice for the day and a couple of minutes all to myself.
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MYSPECIALKS
4/30/06 6:39 P
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Great idea for a group!
I am the Mom of a 9 and 4 year old!
I haven't had a chance to read all the replies to this thread- but I think it will be a great group to be a part of!
Enjoying the last few hours of the wekend now- the week gets so busy there is barely time for anything!!!
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/30/06 12:29 P
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| A wealth of good advice! Thanks Ladies! I will see if some of it doesn't help out; strarting with his next meal. Well, I am kinda cramped for time today, will post tomorrow.
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MICHELER1
4/30/06 11:56 A
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| I'm a mom of 4 kids(three boys and a girl). There ages range from 13 to 7. I work around 45 hours a week. Its really hard and I feel so guilty when I have to miss one of there basketball/football/softball/cheerleading games.
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Hi, I'm new here. *waves*
I'm a single, working mom to a 6-year-old.
My son is a picky eater too. He won't eat condiments or cheese and likes everything "on the side". He does love soup, so that's how I get him to eat veggies. I also keep the fridge packed with cherry Tomatoes and carrots (he loves them). I praise him like crazy when he tries something new. (He's getting better at it and sometimes volunteers to try something new on his own.)
As far as exercise goes, my son and I are walking together. When it gets too hot to walk here (any day now), we'll start going to the pool to swim several times a week. I really don't understand the mentality of doing all of your exercise without your kids. There are plenty of things you can do with your children that don't require a gym membership. I really wish that my parents had exercised *with* me when I was a kid, so I would have grown up with exercise as a part of my life.
If the dishes sit in the sink an extra day so we can have time to walk together, so what.
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HAYDENNADINE
4/29/06 3:36 P
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One thing that really helped me get over my son's pickey eating (he won't eat ANY sauces, dressings or condiments just to start) was to actually look into how much a serving is for young children. You may be suprised at how little they actually need. Also, if you find a vegetable your child will eat like tomatos carrots or cucumber, use it. It's one small stone in building healthy eating habits for life. My son eats at least 6 cucumbers, 2 large containers of cherry Tomatoes and a bag of carrots every few weeks. So, I don't force the broccoli, I just offer it and then use the old "take one bite of brocoli and I'll get you more tomatos" trick.
Another trick I use on my son is creativly naming his food. For him the Flinstone's type names, Brontosaurus burgers, Dinosaur chicken, and Velicoraptor veggies work well. And, if he refuses to eat what he's offered, he's done. It only takes a few times of not giving in for them to get the point.
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The only advise I can give is don't force feed him food, or reward his bad behavior with "treats". You may not think it but a bowl of cereal (cherios, life, etc.) and a banana are a great way to start the day for a kid. You hit most of the food groups, grain, fruit, and dairy. The little bit of sugar in those foods will help keep him energized throughout the day. I hardly ever cook breakfast and my kids love cereal.
I know how hard it is to stop others from giving your kids bad food. My husbands family thinks that chips, cookies, kool-aid, and candy are a full day of food for them. So everytime I send them over there (every other weekend) the kids are constantly given junk food. It drives me nuts. But I content myself with the fact that I feed my kids healthy food at home. kids burn off sooo much of what they eat that when they are young, you just want to make sure that you give them the oppurtunity to eat good foods. My pediatrician says that kids use food as their way to show their independance, they choose what they will and won't eat and as a parent all we can do is provide them with good choices. I have found that my kids love fruits,yogurts, cheese, applesause, things like that which are sweet like candy but good for them. They always ask for junk food but I always hand my daughter a banana or apple when she asks for chips and milk when she asks for koolaid. When I stopped fighting with my kids about food, they started eating. Mind controll.....LOL....tell your son it's ok for him not to eat one food as long as he eats another food. (You don't have to eat the brocolli if you eat the corn...etc.) thanks for responding
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/29/06 10:19 A
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Thanks for the info. I have gotten carrots down him by grinding them up in spaghetti. and peas by making split pea soup ( he doesn't like the 'skin' on the peas) But, it is still a daily fight at mealtimes! I guess I will just have to puree things up and put them into foods that he likes for a little while. He won't fall for the 'just one bite' thing. He will whine for over an hour or until I give in. I have even tried to force feed him just one bite of new foods. He will say that's yucky before he even tries something. That gets soooo infuriating! At least he will take his Flinstones vitamin. I think that grandma is partly responsible for his eating habits as well. She almost always takes him to a fast food place to eat. ( 2x pr. week he visits her during the day) Then gives him chips and cokes at home. He can tell you which fast food resteraunt we are driving past, each time. Talking to her doesn't seem to solve that. At my home we don't eat very much fast food, maybe 1x pr. month. When we decided to change our diet; we changed the way the whole house eats and grocery shops.
This morning to get him to eat a decent breakfast; I had to give him one of my south beach Diet chocolate protien breakfast bars. He brought the whole grain breakfast bar back to me and tried to throw it into the trash can! Then he brought back the south beach one and tried to lick the chocolate drizzle off of the top and toss the rest! I can't cook every morning, so I have to rely on some prepackaged foods. But, I try to pick the healthiest choices and whole grain when it's available.
Anyway, I have to go and get a few things done before I go to work. The yard needs attention and the living room as well...so off I go!
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SMSTYSKAL
4/29/06 10:16 A
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BOYPAGEANTMOM:
My daughter was the same way when she was 3ish. In fact she would eat next to nothing at home. Our pediatrician said that it is very common for children of that age to eat good things away from home, or to just eat in general away from home. He also said a child of that age only needs one really good meal a day to stay nutritionally healthy. The thing that really stuck in my mind was, he said that small children will sometimes pick one food that they like such as a hot dog and eat nothing but that for a while and that is ok. The only bad eating habbits that they will pick up at this age is if you reward actions with food or overeating. I wouldnt worry about it.
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Hi,
I just joined a gym at Christmas time. I found one that has a daycare for the kids so that I am able to go whenever I want to. Try looking for gym that has a daycare. I go to the gym in the afternoons 3 times a week after work, I pick my kids up from school and drop them at the gym daycare and work out for 30 minutes. When I started, I felt really guilty about taking my kids from one daycare to another but I have found that I'm able to be a better mom when I have time to take care of me. 30 minutes is not a long time, but it's enough time to run off the stress from the day and then you don't take it home with you.
Most gyms are starting to develop care for kids cause they know that moms want to work out also. So check in your home town. The gym that I joined didn't even require that I sign a contract, so if the money is not available I am not locked in.
Also, if you go to the gym before going home you are more likely to go. I know that once I'm home, I don't want to go back out again, so I never go home between work and the gym or I'd never make it to the gym.
On days that I don't have time, I go home and put on some fast music and my kids dance around the house while I cook dinner. I find myself in the living room dancing and laughing with them. It gets my heart pumping and allows me to spend some fun quality time with my kids while cooking(and probably cleaning). You have to find time for yourself and sometimes doing something frivilous and fun with your kids can count, but mostly find 30 mins. in your day for a hot, sweaty, stress relieving workout.
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Hi, another working mom. I am 25 and starting a new career. I am working long hours and although I am married, my husband helps so little with the kids that I may as well be a single mom. My kids are younger than yours are (2 and 3) but here is what I have found. Every meal doesn't have to be 100% healthy. If she won't eat wheat bread try iron kids white/wheat bread. (I think that's the name) It has all the goodness of wheat bread but it looks and taste like white bread. There are several other breads that have met the white/wheat barrier and crossed it. The only drawback to these crossover breads...LOL... is that they can contain a lot of carbs, but when you're talking about kids they tend to burn carbs really fast, so that should be ok. Also, my 2 year old son is a macaroni fan. I have found that if I add things like brocolli or ham chunks to his macaroni and cheese that he will eat it. Also, if I can't get him to eat his veggies at dinner, then I follow with a fruit cup or apple sauce for dinner. Celery and Peanut Butter or apples and Peanut Butter are great snacks in my house. You may try a Peanut Butter and banana sandwich to get her away from the fluff.
With my 3 year old daughter, who is the most picky child I have ever seen, I have found that occassionally I have to use the "just eat 1 bite" trick on her. If she is refusing to eat any of her veggies or meat (or whatever she hates that day) then I tell her she must eat at least 1 bite of everything on her plate. With her I try to find foods that I know she will eat and fix that for her with something that I want her to eat. For example, she loves brocolli (aren't I lucky  ) I wanted her to eat some cauliflower, so I mixed the 2 added a touch of cheese for flavor and put it in front of her. To my suprise she ate all of it.
I try to make food as fun as possible, that makes dinner time easier for me and the kids, so if I want them to eat a salad, I let them make it. If I want them to eat cabbage I add sausage for flavor and fix bread that they can dip in the juice.
Being a mom is the hardest thing that I have ever done and it's not always fun, but it is much easier if you don't stress of the little stuff. If you eat better than your daughter will eat better. Just try not to turn her weight into a big issue because it can cause insecurities in her that may last a lifetime. I have found with picky eaters the key is to substitute. If I can't convince my kids to eat a lot of veggies then I give them a little veggies and a lot of fruits and things with the same nutrients as veggies.
Hope this helps. Its encouraging to know that I'm not the only one struggling with my kids habits.
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DANIGIRL14
4/29/06 8:19 A
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I would guess that he is trying to show his indepenance with you. I find my kids act totally different with their own parents than with other people. We try to make it fun and use encourgement when the try new stuff. I have a 4 year old that is very picky. We just tell her that she has to try everything once. Then we all cheer when she eats. Mmmmm that good isn't it. Is what we say. If she does not like it that does not stop us. We try again and again on other days. Good luck.
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/29/06 1:26 A
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| If anyone has ideas on how to deal with a very picky eater who's 3 years old I am all ears!!! I place healthy food in front of him every chance I get but, he usually doesn't touch it. But, they claim that he eats all of those things at daycare! I just don't get it!
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Hi all, another working mom here. My boyfriend lives with me but works a ton of hours when he is healthy, and right now he is finishing up radiation treatments so I'm mostly single-parenting, which I had been doing for almost 5 years before we moved in together.
When my daughter was little, I found having a stationary bike and cross-country machine in the basement was crucial to staying with an exercise program. I would also go for walks during my lunchtime and when she was with her dad for the weekend.
Now that she's older (she's finishing 2nd grade) I work out right after I drop her at school in the morning. I'm fortunate that I work with computers and have a flexible schedule; I realize many parents don't have the flexibility that I have. Something else I've been doing is trying to involve her in something active with me, for example walking a mile in each direction to a playground or going on a hike. Something else I've done a number of times on the weekends is to take her and a friend over to the YMCA when they have both lap and family swim; she and her friend play while I do laps. Lastly I'm looking into a Dance Dance Revolution system for the house, something else we can do together that will get us both moving!
One thing I'm really struggling with however is getting her to eat better. She's a bit overweight - not horribly, about 5lbs. or so - but I'm trying to help her change her eating habits which aren't helping her. However she "hates" whole wheat bread and won't eat any meat-filled sandwich. She won't even eat Peanut Butter sandwiches unless it's paired with Fluff. Every night she asks for macaroni & cheese, which she doesn't always get. I send in healthy lunches with things she likes and most of it comes home, which makes me suspect she's getting stuff from other kids. It doesn't help that her dad isn't as diet-conscious as I am. Ideas, anyone?
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Hi all, new to this. I am a single working mom and one thing I have learned is to take time for me. If I'm not healthy and fit, I don't have any patience for my kids. I believe in the 15 minute theory...... I can do anything for 15 minutes. Works very well.
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Every two weeks? They won't take them from me more often than every three months.
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Give blood!
I give platelets every 2 weeks.
It takes about an hour and a half.
I get to lie back in the chair and listen to my MP3,
or read or even watch a movie.
I get time to myself and help someone at the same time.lol.
If you have little ones let dad take them to McDonald's or something.
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COACHDEUCE22
4/28/06 3:26 P
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| make the time for yourself. If you're not healthy your family isn't healthy...
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DAWN_NEE20001
4/28/06 1:49 P
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Hi Everyone,
I see some new people here. Welcome to you all!
I totally agree........FIND time for yourself!
Without Mommy it tip top shape look out, I don't know about you all but when Im feeling under the weather well lets just say things around the house get worse. Ya Ya I know it's hard to find ME time but you have to do it, even if it's an extra 20 minutes in the bathroom before bed, or in the car on the way to work buy a book on tape, listed to the music YOU like, and so on........Oh how about sitting outside on your lunch break just soak up the sun or read.
Any way just a few idea's.
Have a great weekend
Dawn
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| The family juggle will never get easier. The best advice I have is that you have to make time for yourself. If you constantly deny your own time, you will never realize your goals. I had two girls a year apart, a full time job, a part time job and was taking night classes. I know what it's like to juggle responsibilities but I tried to set some time for me too.
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Hello again - looks like we have some more working parents on here!
I found something really cool this week - we have On Demand on our cable system and in it, there is a feature called Exercise TV which has LOTS of different exercise videos that are free and always changing. That is perfect for me b/c I like videos, but get tired of doing the same ones over and over. Plus, most of them are only like 15 minutes so I can usually make myself fit one in and maybe 2 if I have time (rarely!).
It's so hard b/c I know it was easier when we just had one child - I had gotten into better shape just before I found out I was pregnant with my DS. Not that I'm blaming it on him, but having 2 kids makes it even hard to set aside time for a workout when you're working full time. But I'm going to challenge myself right now to fit in a 15 minute workout session 6 nights a week and then go from there.
I've also found that having a TV by my treadmill makes me more likely to get on it too!
Hope you all have a great weekend!
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CLABBERGIRL
4/28/06 12:41 P
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Are you mistaking laziness for exhaustion, Karotka? :)
I can relate in that I'm also a mom, work full-time, and school full-time. I have a husband who helps a little, but he works full time and is also in school just the same amount.
It is VERY hard to fit in time for myself, including exercise. I try my best, and you can too. One thing that I find very important - rest, at least 7 hrs, and quality rest (I had to go to a sleep clinic because I wasn't getting quality, have sleep apnea). Take a daily vitamin with B complex too...absolute necessity. And water water water is hydrating and therefore helps stave off low drops in energy. Dehydration will make a person feel so much more tired than they really are.
Welcome to the site - it is wonderful here!
Hope to see you around more.
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Hello everyone!
This is my very first post here, so I apologize for any mistakes in etiquette and such.
I am a full time mom, full time employee, and a full time student too.
I have literally no time for a relationship, so I'm single. Unfortunately i dont' even have time to visit a gym, which is a pity, since that would relieve most of the daily stress.
I hope that as the weather warms up, I'll motivate myself enough to go jogging after the not-anymore-so-little one falls asleep.
Motivation sooo hard to come by. I just want to crash and sleep.. preferably forever.
Any suggestions on overcoming laziness please?
~K
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DANIGIRL14
4/28/06 12:35 P
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Hi all! I just found this group today and it looks great. I am a mom of two really cute girls. My DH and I both work. I recently started a new job so we have had to rearrange the kid pick up/drop off schedule. I have been on SP for about 3 weeks. So far I love it. I have a hard time finding work out time too. I get up early every day for Tae Bo or a different short work out. Now that the weather is nice we have been trying to go walking or the playground with the kids regularly.
Anyway glad to find you guys. I will be sure to check back!
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DAPPLEDOG
4/28/06 12:14 P
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| Yay! I'm glad I found this group. I am a full-time working mom and have a dear husband who works 12 days most all the time. I'm very lucky in having a 7:30 - 4:00pm schedule right now, because it leaves me time to run to the YMCA two days a week to do the weight training circuit they have. I have finally just buckled down and scheduled my workouts into my day. Don't have time for any fun stuff hardly though, but at 7:00pm on M-W-F I'm on that treadmill!!!
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DAWN_NEE20001
4/25/06 3:59 P
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Hello Erika,
Welcome to the Working Parents group.
AMEN to adding 2 more hours, but as I see it we would still find reasons not to exerise.
Can't you and DH exercise together at night?
Getting up early is bad for me too, i leave the house @ 7:45 am and return @ 6:45 pm if the traffic isn't bad then it can be as late as 7:30pm  (I work 9-6, the rest is travel time)and good gosh if it snows, I might as well sleep at the office. One night it took me almost 4 hours to get home. OH sorry I got off the track there.
Needless to say even nightly workouts do not eaisly fit into my sched. Luckly I can go on my lunch hour from work. Is that an option for you? Even if you just go for a short power walk.
Glad you found us
Dawn
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Hi - I just found Spark today at work. ! I hardly ever have time to get on the internet at home. DH and I have a 2 year old daughter and 8 month old son. We both work full time (M-F 8-4:30) and I just feel like there is barely enough time in my day to get the basics done, let alone get some exercise. DH has had some success at getting up early and running, but I can barely get out of bed at 5:45 when I HAVE to be up, so early morning workouts don't work for me. And if I work out in the evenings after putting the kids to bed, I feel like I don't get to see my DH. It's so frustrating b/c I know if I am mindful of what I eat and exercise a few days a week I will be able to lose some weight. If only there were 2 more hours in the day!
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DAWN_NEE20001
4/25/06 11:18 A
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Jessica welcome to our group. This is why I started this group so working parents like us can share tips and tricks for the home front.
My son is in the 6th grade and was doing well in class the 1st 3 qtrs, but he is having a hard time w/ the 4th qtr. I think I need to enroll him in Sylvian learning center.
Any way glad you found us & feel free to post often.
Have a great day
Dawn
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JESSICAMRCR
4/25/06 10:53 A
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Thank goodness I found a group of ladies that know what it's like!! :) I'm a 6th grade math teacher, wife, and mother of three boys ages 5, 2, and almost 1. My husband also works full-time so we feel we're spinning our wheels most of the time just to keep on top of things. :) Sounds like everyone knows what that feels like.
I just joined SP about 2-3 days ago and am still figuring out all the features but I got this one down, for sure!
I just wanted to say "hi" and introduce myself.
Thanks!
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/25/06 1:22 A
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I think most of us have the same problem.
I have tried one of 2 things. I workout when my son is napping or has gone to bed for the night ( at home of course)
or I include him in my workout, it is hilarious to see him try to copy me diong some of my floor excercizes!!!
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BOREDEATER
4/24/06 12:26 P
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| I know exactly what you mean I find it easiest to workout early in the morning while they are still asleep.
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| Hey everyone! I love this thread! I am a working mom to a soon to be 1 year old (Saturday!). I always find it extremely hard to balance work, family, and the GYM!!! When I get home at 5:30 I feel like working out but the time is so precious I just don't want to leave! Does anyone else have this problem?!? It's like a vicious circle!
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BOREDEATER
4/24/06 10:37 A
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Hi, how have you been? Sorry I've been out the loop lately since I've hurt my back I kind of stopped everything even though I know I shouldn't have. I need to get back on the scales but I'm afraid I know i've gained some back but what could i do I went walking this morning and my back still seems to be ok a little sore but not too bad. Hope all is well with you.
Sam
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/13/06 4:08 P
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OUCH!!! I know that has to be painful. Hope that you get better soon.
Not the same thing, but, my husband pulled the muscles that hold up his spine in his lower back. He did that 2 wks. ago and aggrivated yesterday by trying to exert himself too much in the yard.
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BOREDEATER
4/13/06 2:38 P
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| I guess I will be on a break for a week or so I went to the doc today and he told me not to be doing any kind of exersize for the next week. I have a pinched nerve in my back. I am going to be struggling now.
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/12/06 6:47 P
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I know about clingy. I also know he is not like that at daycare, unless he is sick or not feeling well. He acts like he can't do anything when I am home with him, but when I set the clothing and shoes down in front of him earlier today and told him to get them on if he wanted to go out...he started getting himself dressed. All signs of helplessness dissapearing. Interresting what a little motivation (sometimes) does.
Although, I wasn't too sucessful in tiring him out. He wore me out, so now his dad is outside with him, he will have him exhausted soon. So, my break is soon to end.
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BOREDEATER
4/12/06 12:50 P
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| My daughter is very clingly when I'm home. She plays and does for her self when I'm at work but as soon as I walk through the door she acts like she is can't do anything. I know I am gone a lot and it really makes me feel guilty but there's not much that can be done about it. Well I'm at work so I better get off here. Later
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/12/06 10:34 A
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I still worked out a little, made me feel a little better about it anyway.
I need to be a little more regular with my workouts. I try but, always get sidetracked by something. I just started with a 10 min. workout DVD. I am hoping to stick with that better than the last video I tried. I know that I need to switch it up every 6-8 wks. anyway; I just need to find something that I can stick with and manage into my time. My son is starting to be less dependant on me, just a bit. That gives me short breaks here and there.(when I am not at work; it is full 1 on 1 with Jorden) With me and my husband on different shifts; one sleeps while the other watches Jorden.
Well, today is one of my days off; so I am trying to get a few things done around the house. I had better get to it.
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BOREDEATER
4/12/06 9:34 A
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Hey how's it going? Well I had a PT test today and can showed definite improvement I maxed out my pushups and according to the Army I'm still overweight but they measure body fat so the smaller measurements definetly help. I have lost another 2 pounds but I don't know how today the first good workout I have in a week. Hope all is going well for you.
Sam
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BOREDEATER
4/11/06 10:06 P
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| We all slip every now and then it's o.k.
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DAWN_NEE20001
4/11/06 1:11 P
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Don't feel guilty about the mac n cheese. Im sure we all do it.
I have always been in the mindset that I can have whatever I want but in moderation (sp).
So if I want cheetos I make sure I only have the serving they suggest on the bag sometimes even less and not every day either.
Don't deprive yourself, thats when you will get yourself into trouble.
So as far as I can see your off the guilt hook! Unless you ate the whole package...gosh I hope not, if so then yep get your butt on the elliptical.
Have a great day
Dawn
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/11/06 1:04 P
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Well, it definately works! He twists me inside out each time he cries for me.
I know he is learning so much in the time he is there. He has also made a lot of friends in the process. It is amazing that at daycare, they can get him to eat things that I beg him to, without sucess.
My husband is also a graveyard CO at a workcamp. It is truly rough getting time together. Then we have different days off as well. We are making the best of it right now. But, I am hoping for better days off and a day shift soon.(I am on afternoons 3-11)
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/11/06 12:58 P
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I finally buckled down and started my workout routine back with a little elliptical crosstrainer in the mix. That should make me feel better about that macaroni and cheese that I scarffed down, but, I still feel a little guilty.
I feel like it takes a really strong minded person to deal with the everyday pressures associated with my job. It comes from all directions, inmates and co-workers alike.
I gotta go, I think I will put in a few extra minutes on the elliptical today, in pennance for my flubup.
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| I am a single mom and work full time at nights. Whenever i can i go to the park and try to do some walking; or if i am watching tv with my son; i try to work out. he thinks it funny and try to mimic me.
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LITTLEWINGS
4/10/06 6:56 P
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I work during the day and soon I need to go back to school to take a class...I'm worried I won't have time to workout :( How do I fit work...school...and being a single mom??
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I used to be a daycare teacher and now am mother to two boys so I understand - from both sides of the fence - the crying thing when a child is dropped off and the benefits of leaving them there. It is true, what the teacher said about your son being fine inside the first 5 minutes of your departure...the tears are for your benefit, not theirs...they're designed to twist your insides in hopes that you'll give them what they want. As soon as you walk out the door, they get over it and move on to the next thing.
Even if I could afford to stay home with my kids, I would put them in daycare by the age of 3. kids really do learn a LOT of social skills at this time that they need before they enter Kindergarten. Not to mention that they also learn colors, numbers, and other cognitive skills that give them a leg up on their Kindergarten career.
I work full time during days, and go to school one night a week. My husband is a Corrections Officer for a private prison (they house Immigration and Federal Marshal detainees). He was working the graveyeard shift as an entry level CO, but recently was promoted to Sergeant and is now managing the COs. They put him on swing shift (3pm-11:30pm) and that has put a real damper on our family time, but we're making it work.
I LOVE my current daycare provider...it's a small, christian-based preschool that has the school setting, but is still small enough to offer the individual attention, too.
I printed out the exercises from this site so I can do my strength training in my living room with my boys. We also dance, ride bikes, and go to the park for more cardio.
~ Lil ~
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BOREDEATER
4/10/06 5:48 P
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My husband use to do that job before he was in the service. My sister and her fiance are work in a prison in Tennessee. I've heard it can be really stressful I don't think I could do it. My job can be but the part I'm in is not so bad. They want to move me and then I will start pulling my hair out. I really enjoy the Army though I have great benefits and school is free.
My husbands b-day was Saturday so my diet got skipped but I didn't really eat anything bad but pizza and only a little. I have PT test this week so that will definitely give an extra workout.
I'm gonna go see if I can make it to the gym.
Sam
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/7/06 1:05 P
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It is hard to find that kind of care in a small town such as I live in...but, I am still looking. I even asked if my daycare knew of anyone. I have yet to be able to get a weekend away, not even a full day. A few hours at the time is the most I can hope for.
I hesitate to say what I do for a living as it is a much often misunderstood job. But... I am a Correctional Officer for the State. The only press we get is negative press, they never print the positive things. I work 8 hour shifts in a state run male penal institution. It is a tough job and often stressful, we have an officer's gym available to us; but I am not using it right now (no childcare). Part of our job is also to stay in shape. But, as you can see by my weight I am no muscle bound bodybuilder. My husband is also a CO on another shift. Great benefits and retirement. There aren't a lot of options for employment around here.
So, that is why I see the worst of our society every day. The officers' only defense is to stay in shape aside from a canister of OC spray, a body alarm, and a radio. So, as a mom I guess I can be a bit overprotective, in my choices, for Jorden.
My brother is into Aeronautics. Right now, since he finished, at Spartan, in Tulsa, OK he is employed as a mechanic on aircraft; but he would like to fly one day also. He is going it alone, he didn't wan't to go into the armed forces, I can't even guess why. Now he is buried in student loans.
Your job sounds exciting, although I am sure it can be stressful as well.
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BOREDEATER
4/7/06 11:52 A
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Boypageantmom-My husband was also in the Army until December and I went throught 5 sitters until I found someone I was satisfied with. We live on post so they have to be certified and they take classes all the time to improve their care. They have scheduled activities and it I really love it, it's like a Day Care but I more one on one because there's not so many children. We have 3 kids but only 1 with us full time and she doesn't have much interaction with others so I take her to the sitter at least once or twice a week just to have that social interaction and to give Daddy a break. I came in one day about 2 weeks ago and he was singing Dora the Explorer so that's when I said hey let's go to the beach for the weekend by ourselves a much needed break for both of us. I work so much I feel like I am neglecting both of them sometimes I work 9 hours and then go to the gym for at least an hour a day but have to go to the gym not only do I want to loose weight but PT is part of my job. I will be worth it one day when I can retire at 45 and see my baby go to college.
What kind of work do you do? I guess you figured out I am in the Army I do Air Traffic Control right now but I am trying to get into flight school.
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/6/06 11:54 P
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I have been looking into local christian schools/ preschools. With my line of work, I see every day the craziness in our society and it scares me to death with what ifs.
The daycare my son does go to he has been going to since he was 10 mo. old. He has friends there and I sneak in sometimes and see that he is enjoying his experience there. That is when all of the other children haven't yet ratted me out. They will yell across the room ' Jorden, your mommy's here'. Then my spying is over. But, it is amazing what I see in him in those small glimpses into his time without me. It is interresting to see how he is handling himself and situations. My fear is that he will feel that I am punishing him because he is being sent to daycare, he sometimes cries when I drop him off 'I want to go with you mommmy'. That is heartrending! But, his teacher says that he calms down and is playing just fine within less than 5 min. He is an only child and I want him to have experience of other children before he does go to school.
I have only left him with daycare or grandma or mema. I am still to terrified to leave him with a babysitter. By babysitter I am speaking of someone who comes to your home for the evening or you drop them off to an individual for the evening. We don't have a weekend daycare available around here. I would feel more comfortable with that.
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/6/06 11:38 P
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I have been with SP since January almost 2 1/2 mo. now. This site is really helping to put things into perspective. Seeing how many calories that I am consuming helps keep it under control.
Wish me or my husband could be at home with Jorden, he is a full time job to keep up with! But, around here it takes 2 incomes to pay the bills. I am not trying to spoil my son rotten, I just want to be able to give him more than I had, and give him the option later of attending college. That requires me to work for now. I know that I cannot go back in time and get the years back that I am missing. I did take a job recently (6 mo ago) which does allow me to be home with him more. He only goes to daycare about 2 days a week now. That's a big improvement over 5 days!
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I'm a teacher, so I have an easier work schedule than most. I have 2 boys, 7 and 2, and they both now go to the same Christian school/daycare. My 2year old just started there in Jan. and it's so much easier to make only 1 stop mornings and evenings. I know what you mean about trustworthy childcare. It's so scary. I was fortunate, and now that my little one is in the same daycare that my older one started at 3, I worry less. He had a good home daycare and they loved him, but I just worried sometimes. They might go to the store or something and leave him in the car by mistake - you read so many horror stories. I think daycare workers are so undervalued in our society, but to me they have the most important job of all because nothing is as important to me as my children's well-being.
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| I also have a 3 year old (girl) and lucky for me my husband is a stay at home Dad so it makes it easy for me, but time alone is something we don't hear very much abaout.lol so how long have you been at sp? Me only about a month but i love it.
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BOYPAGEANTMOM
4/6/06 8:27 P
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| Me and my husband both work full time on shift work. We have a 3 yr. old little boy, Jorden. Balancing our schedule is the most trying thing of all. My husband works graveyard shift and I work 3-11 pm. It is so hard to find trustworthy childcare just so that we can go to work. Even harder if we wanted to go out alone. He is very active like most 3 yr.olds.
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BOREDEATER
3/28/06 7:16 P
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| I got it thanks so your group is growing. How long have you been on SP? I joined at the first of the month.
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DAWN_NEE20001
3/28/06 6:30 P
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Go to your Spark points page, click on the groups tab.
Then near the bottom of the page is a space to enter a code, use this code
SPIWPJS1PNF6P4CM9LCE
That should work, if not let me know.
I just started the group today, so it's just me so far.
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BOREDEATER
3/28/06 6:23 P
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| How do I find the group, you have to forgive me I'm new to the page.
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DAWN_NEE20001
3/28/06 4:10 P
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Hi Samantha thanks for the reply
I started a group for working parents if you would like to join use code #: SPIWPJS1PNF6P4CM9LCE.
I'm glad so many parents can stay home with their kids.
I however would like to talk to more working parents. Maybe learn a few things, like dealing w/ the stress of daily life, cooking, cleaning and such.
Have a great day.
Dawn
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BOREDEATER
3/28/06 3:55 P
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| Hi I am also a working mother. I am in the Army and have a 3 year old daughter. My husband is the stay at home parent.
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DAWN_NEE20001
3/28/06 2:33 P
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Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let anyone that is interested know
I started a group for working parents to trade tips on balancing family and work.
I could not find a group like this, most of them were stay at home parents (nothing wrong w/that). I would like to talk w/ people that work outside the home also.
The group name is "Working Parents"
Hope to meet some new friends there.
Dawn
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