Comments on: Your oxygen mask comes first

By: thegypsymama

thegypsymama — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:38:43 +0000

Thanks for sharing Brooke. I also have to remind myself that when I need some time to myself it’s not like I’m asking my husband to “babysit” but rather it’s just him being their dad. It’s hard for moms to remember that the family won’t fall apart without them for a few hours.The house might turn into a wreck, but it’s worth it for the break and letting dad take the lead.

By: thegypsymama

thegypsymama — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:32:02 +0000

Yea, it’s definitely counter-intuitive to put ourselves first; but as you point out on occasion it can make all the difference!

By: Brooke

Brooke — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:09:47 +0000

I really liked what Emily said about your post. I too have a very hard time pulling myself away, yet maybe for a different reason or maybe not so different. For me it feels like guilt. Like it isn’t my husband’s job to care for our kids, it’s mine. And while I love the utter silence when I am away from the kids, being alone with my thoughts feel strangely foriegn. While I feel a great need to slow down and have some time to myself, once I do I feel like something is wrong…my family is not with me and I’m alone.

I feel like it is incredibly important to have this time so that we don’t lose sight of who we are not only as an individual but in Christ. He desires for us to put Him in the primary place in our lives, not putting all of the needs of our family members in that spot. It is tough to keep that perspective when we are in the midst of the immediate needs of our kids and our husbands.

Loved this post and loved the connection to the airplane safety…it really gives you something tangable to apply this topic to! Thanks!

By: Jac @ Wuzzlemakesthree

Jac @ Wuzzlemakesthree — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:59:08 +0000

That falls back into the category of things people forget to think about once they have children. I would never think to put myself before my daughter in that situation. But you’re right. If I can’t help her, then the initial helping her was worthless.

You have such insightful posts, I really enjoy reading your blog!

By: thegypsymama

thegypsymama — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:53:05 +0000

You’re so right! Sometimes the transition between roles is a weird experience. There’s nothing like a good cry!

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:43:02 +0000

I have had those kid-colored glasses on for over 5 years! Being a teacher doesn’t help If I am not looking out for my own kid, I’ve got a crew of other people’s kids under my feet.

Next weekend I am going away for 2 nights with some of my best mommy friends. No husbands. No kids. I think I may sob for the whole 5 hour drive there–not because of sadness to be leaving home, but because I really don’t know how else to transition back into that person who I was before kids. Sometimes a good cry is required

By: thegypsymama

thegypsymama — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:34:05 +0000

It’s like wearing “kid-colored” glasses, isn’t it? Everything just looks different when you are a parent.

By: crnnoel

crnnoel — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:41:02 +0000

We flew down to see my parents in Florida in September, and it was the first time I really took note of the oxygen mask statement. And it really stuck with me. It’s so true. Thanks for posting about this – sometimes it’s so hard to remember.

By: Bria Wasson

Bria Wasson — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:44:21 +0000

Lisa-Jo, I love your refreshingly eloquent style that puts truth in such a clear light. Thank you!

By: carnivalmonkey

carnivalmonkey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:28:37 +0000

So true. You absolutely nailed it.