Do you take the same level of care of yourself as you did prior to parenthood?

1. 72

   breathe2travelposted 11 years ago

   Do you take the same level of care of yourself as you did prior to parenthood?

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2. 66

   Melindas Mindposted 11 years ago

   No. I used to be always shaved and I always put on at least some mascara and eyeliner. When I washed my hair, I'd suds it up twice. I never left the house in something stained or ill fitting. Fast forward 13  years. Not only am I now the mother of three, but my youngest is special needs. Add in that I'm a full time student and active in my kids school, and babysitter to my nephew and ... WHAT TIME?
   
   That said, I'm trying to stop being lazy about how I look. While I don't put on makeup every day when I leave, I try to make sure my clothes are clean and unstained, and that they fit. I might not style my hair, but I make sure it's in a neat pony tail. I try to keep my nails clean and filed, and I try to shave every other day or so. I have to say that I, at the very least, am keeping up with most of the other moms in the pickup line.

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3. 38

   edhanposted 11 years ago

   Yes.
   
   I do as if I am not able to care for myself then how to care for my family? I have been taking good care of myself as a single in the past and being a father now, I take good care of myself as well to be able to care for my family.

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4. 61

   Madeposted 11 years ago

   I have never put that much energy and time on myself, but of course I put more time on my own interests before the children. Then I only had myself to think about. I'm still the same person - just a little older and with more experience and I take care of myself like I used to do.

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5. 79

   Becky Katzposted 11 years ago

   No, I used to have time to put make-up on and now I don't even own any. I used to go for long walks and now I don't have the energy after taking care of the family and their needs. Fathers will still have time but not mothers. Mothers work is never done. She will still be working to keep the house going from getting off work til bedtime. Father comes home, spends a little time with the kids and then relaxes while mom does the rest of her work. Even men who help out, stop working long before mom does and sit down to relax for the evening.

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6. 60

   libby101aposted 11 years ago

   Yes I do...maybe more! I feel if you don't take care of yourself and make yourself feel confident and good then how could you possibly rear children with high self esteems? Everything about us refelcts on our children...no matter how hard you try it rubs off... if you aren't taking good care of yourself, or feeling positive about yourself then your children pick up on that and it refects on how they grow up!

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7. 82

   coffeegginmyriceposted 11 years ago

   I think that I have maintained the caring, friendly, thoughtful, cheerful person that I am. These traits that I have passed on to my children plus more importantly the "Traits-to-learn-in-life" that followed developed them into loving, caring and respectful children. It is important that they see me care for myself first if I want them to do the same for themselves. I am my children's role model even if perfection is never meant for me or for anyone.
   
   Physically, looks and appearance change as we grow a year older though many of our friends say that we have not changed at all. But deep inside, we know that there is no truth to their flattering statements. We like to believe in it because it makes us feel good and happy. We do strive to age gracefully but not ambitiously struggling for high maintenance. We are trying our best to keep pace with the changes to our physical self to be in same level with sanity, capability, uniqueness, up keeping a better health, being socially graceful, our spiritual beliefs and the inner beauty in each and every one of us.

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8. 59

   shara63posted 11 years ago

   no, its not been the same as was  earlier ..with the priorities in life things are changed accordingly and so is with the personal care...since children become our priority most of our time we dedicate on them and obviously, less time is left for our own care!   but no grudges...as parenthood is the best experience of life we enjoy it!

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9. 59

   plussizepixieposted 11 years ago

   As a mother of 5 children I probably don't spend as much time on my appearance as I did pre-children, but I think I am older and more confident at leaving the house without any make up now. My youngest is now in school full time and because they are all so much older now I no longer have to get them dressed every day so I am spending more "me time" finally redressing the balance.

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   1. 72

      breathe2travelposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have 5 children also. My two youngest are still home, although one goes to school next fall. They keep me busy.  But, I've noticed how they gain pleasure from seeing me take care of myself, especially when their friends say, "Your Mom is pretty."

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