Almost every mother has used “time-out” as a form of discipline.  The child is usually behaving badly, so he or she is sent to his room (or other designated time-out area of the house) in order to calm down or reflect on the bad choice that was made. 

It seems lately that my boys have been spending quite a lot of time in “time-out.”  I blame the below freezing temps and snow packed sidewalks for most of this, because the boys can’t get outside to burn off all of their energy. 

Sometimes I wish I could be a kid again.  I’d love to be sent to my room when I’m having a bad day!  Wouldn’t that be great?  We’ve all been there, cooped up in the house for days at a time with the kids because of the weather or illness.  It’s inevitable that you are going to get sick of one another.  That’s why it’s so important to take a “Mommy Time-Out” for you! 

Just like your child needs time to him or herself, you need time to yourself, too.  Whether it’s a trip to the gym for a workout, going to the store by yourself or a night out with your girlfriends, it is so important to make time for yourself.  As mothers it is our nature to take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves.  We tend to put our needs on the back burner to please others.  Let’s face it, that can only go on for so long before you find yourself running on empty. 

I found myself running on empty this week.  The last winter storm cancelled school for my boys and my coveted outdoor running.  Coming into a three day holiday weekend, I knew I needed to take a "Mommy Time-Out" or else I was going to turn into the Wicked Witch of the West.  Luckily, three of my great friends and fellow O’Fallon Moms have January birthdays, so we made plans to have a girl’s night out to celebrate. 

It really was just what I needed, great dinner, great conversation, a glass of wine and a lot of laughter.  We even went dancing, which was something I haven’t done in months.  Thanks to these lovely ladies, I was able to keep the Wicked Witch from appearing, because I got a much needed time-out from my daily routine.

It is easy to make excuses on why we don’t take time for ourselves; a deadline at work, a nursing baby, too much to do at home, etc… The list could go on forever. 

However, taking time for yourself and doing something you enjoy will refuel you so that you can be an even better mother. I’ve never regretted taking time out for myself, and if you ask other mom’s I bet they’d tell you the same.   

I’ve included some suggestions below on great places in O’Fallon to take a time out for you.  I’d love to hear from more O’Fallon Moms on how you make time for yourself, so be sure to comment below!

• Hit the gym – Gold’s Gym, Club Fitness, Renaud Spirit Center and the YMCA all offer childcare.

• Visit the Library without the children.

• Have a Girl’s Night Out – one of my favorite places is Kitaro for dinner with my girlfriends.

• Go for a “mani-pedi” at one of O'Fallon's numerous nail salons.