Nanny 911 Challenge: Mommy and Daddy Time-Out

Sometimes you just need a break. Parents often try to do too much, to be everything to everyone, and that can lead to ... you guessed it, STRESS! And when you're stressed, you can lose your cool—and the last thing you want is to take it out on our kids. That's why the Nannies recommend a Mommy and Daddy Time-Out. Your challenge: Take time out for yourself.
See? All of the challenges aren't so tough! This one should be fun!
Here are the Nanny's Tips for the Mommy & Daddy Time-Out:

• Each day, find a few moments for yourself. Even if it's flipping through a magazine in the car before you pick your kid up from school; or enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning (before everyone else gets up). These few quiet moments will help you relieve some stress.
• Ask for help. Sometimes parents act as martyrs! Only you can do it right so you do it yourself—all of it! But you need to let the small stuff go and let your partner help (or a friend, grandma, etc.). So what if your daughter's pigtails are messed up or dinner is microwave pizza for one night? You're taking a break!
• If you feel so stressed that you might lose it, tell your family that YOU need a Mommy or Daddy Time-Out. Simply walk away, go to the bathroom, light a candle and BREATHE! The bathroom is a good place because you can lock the door. (Just make sure the kids are safe first, and only go for a minute or two!)

So to repeat: Take time out for yourself. Even if it's just a few minutes. Even if you need to lock yourself in the bathroom for two minutes. Ask for help if you need it. Try to do something SPECIAL for yourself this weekend. And don't feel guilty about it. You deserve it!

Happy Time-Outting! And my question to you is: What did you do for yourself today? Did you need to ask for help? More importantly: How did it make you feel afterwards?
Be sure to check in with your mommy allies on the Child Behavior Message Board. Check out these other challenges:

• Challenge 1: Prepare for Meltdowns
• Challenge 2: Stop Whining and Screaming
• Challenge 3: Say No to Saying No
• Challenge 4: Get Your Kids to Clean Up
• Challenge 5: Reward Good Behavior
• Challenge 6: Establish House Rules
• Challenge 7: Work on Your Most Challenging Challenge
• Challenge 9: Giving Your Kid Compliments
• Challenge 10: Acknowledge Mistakes and Move On
• Challenge 11: Say Please and Thank You
• Challenge 12: Work on This Week's Most Challenging Challenge
• Challenge 13: Pick Your Battles
• Challenge 14: Learning to Listen
• Challenge 15: Get Your Kids Talking
• Challenge 16: Keep Your Cool
• Challenge 17: Use a Timer
• Challenge 18: Give Effective Time Outs