on being productive

Transitioning from being in the working world to staying at home with kids being productive takes on a whole new look. Before having kids, I felt like I had to look (or be) productive during my entire work day. I even had a boss in college who told us to look productive when another one of the librarians would walk by… I liked that boss. She was honest and took your side when she knew you were right.

A productive day now may include being quiet, being still, sleeping, waking up, nursing, washing one load of clothing (and potentially drying, but not folding. that’s for another day), and maybe playing sewing with myself. Computering doesn’t count as being productive to me unless I’m emailing about the things I sew and am talking to a client.

Waiting never seemed that productive but now it’s part of the day. I know I don’t clean as much as some would like or fold clothing during the day. I sometimes wish I would. Then, I’d feel very productive. Putting in clothing to wash makes me feel very productive while taking a nap during a rough day feels lazy. I shouldn’t feel that way cos I know I need the rest. Though you do hear other moms say that they got all this stuff done while the kids were napping.

I don’t. I do fun things if the kids are both napping. I deserve it and so do you. My two cents: Next time your kid(s) are napping, do something you like to do. Leave the dishes and the laundry and the sweeping and vacuuming for when the kids are awake and they want the entertainment.

Gotta run. I only have one kid asleep and the other one (the more mobile one) is pulling on my legs.