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Welcome to Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid

Therapy and sanity for ordinary parents of special kids.

Is It Time to Make a Deposit in Your Bank? Your Sanity Bank, That Is.

Hiding, giggling

Mom can you come out now?

Image by Lars Plougmann via Flickr

We’ll admit that when it comes to making traditional deposits, we’re not that good.

“Mrs. Konjoian, we’re calling because we noticed some unusual activity in your checking account. There was a good-size deposit.”

“Dear God! Someone’s stolen my identity!”

We are, however, good at making deposits in another bank — our sanity banks. Our sanity bank is that resource we draw on when the stresses of life just get too much for us to bear. It’s what powers us to go on when we’re completely and utterly overwhelmed with issues, such as dealing with bullies, fielding school calls, and financing ever-growing therapy bills.  We deposit into our sanity banks in one simple way — by doing things for ourselves. This might involve passing the wine with neighbors (PTWN) or partaking in one of Patty’s favorite activities — visiting the beach, where she has no cellphone reception. “Mother! Where have you been? We’ve been calling you for hours!”

Some of us can’t afford babysitters or expensive dinners out, but you may find that with a little creativity, you can carve away the time you need. It’s not really about where you make your deposit; so long as you make it.”

“Mom, what are you doing in the closet?”

“Leave me alone. I”m painting my nails.Don’t tell Daddy I’m in here.”

The blog below highlights one mother’s struggle to carve some time away. Read it and then tell us how you like to unwind.

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2 Responses to Is It Time to Make a Deposit in Your Bank? Your Sanity Bank, That Is.

  1. karen February 9, 2011 at 2:24 am #

    now, I have learned to get REALLY involved in se in Tennessee. It not only benifits my se son, but others. And the kicker is I learned that going on board meetings and confrences are a time for me to breathe, and that is awesome. I never took a deep breath until this past weekend. And I loved it!

  2. Susan February 9, 2011 at 8:56 pm #

    Oh, the ever elusive “me time”! I find that the people who judge my version of free time are people who have no problem scheduling (or paying for) the traditional Me Time activities. You know, massages, mani-pedi’s, quiet lunch with friends, etc. They also don’t offer to come over and watch my crazy, imperfect bunch -o- kids.

    That being said, I like to put in a solid hour of Facebook games, specifically my beloved Frontierville, after my son gets on the bus at 6:40 am. With a cup of coffee. Me with the coffee…not him :).

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