Moms of Preschoolers

[HappymeandJake]

Hi there. I haven't on this board since..yikes..probably since I had my son, just turned 3. I lost my pregnancy weight and more (since I was overweight prior to it also) for a total of around 60 lbs. (yay me!). Besides running around after my son, I haven't done much formal exercise, but since my weight loss is slowing and summer (and the pool and beach) approaching, I am trying to start back up.

My situation right now is that I'm separated from my soon-to-be-ex and I have my son with me about 80% of the time. I am trying to get my workouts in AT LEAST when he is with his dad, which is 2x during the week and every other weekend, but I find it very difficult to work out with him around. Unfortunately, his father is in the military and will be traveling a lot really soon and I will have my son 100% of the time.

Those with young kids, how do you work your workouts in around taking care of your kids. He will play by himself for a while but he wants the attention if I try to work out as well as I find it very difficult to concentrate when he's around.

 

[THARTMAN]

Hi! My son is 3 turning 4 in March. Does your son nap? I usually workout when he is asleep. But lately the naps are getting shorter :-( he too wants my attention as soon as I start exercising even if he is playing in his room. He hears Cathes voice and downstairs he comes. So I have been letting him "workout" with me and he usually loses interest a few minutes into the workout and goes back to his toys. Hope this helps!
Good luck
Tracy

 

[jewels5]

Congratulations on your weight loss!

Have you thought about getting up early in the morning before he wakes up? Or setting a certain time each day making sure he knows that is your "workout time" (like after he eats breakfast when he's got a fully belly and had a good night's rest).

It might be helpful to have a special activity for him that he likes to do by himself such as coloring or looking at books. You could reward him for the time he does let you get a workout in without interruptions. You might have to start with increments as small as 15-20 minutes and build up.

I get up early and work out before my kids are up, otherwise it won't happen. But often times my two youngest will get up earlier than expected after my husband has already left for work. They know that I have to get my workouts done in the morning if they want a happy mama! Just kidding.

Hope that helps! Good Luck!

Julie

 

[burritamcdoo]

Good for you on your weight loss! I have three children under the age of 8 (8,6 & 3) and I've been working out regularly in the morning since each of them was born. I get up before they do (most of the time!) and squeeze in an hour workout or so almost every day. They know that this is my time, and even if the three year old gets up before I'm done, she comes downstairs and quietly watches PBS or colors/draws or plays with her toys. I keep approved snacks that she can reach and open herself if she gets hungry before I'm finished and can make her breakfast. I leave her clothes out for her the night before, and she will even get herself dressed sometimes while she is waiting for me (occasionally putting her pants on backwards or her underwear on sideways, but I digress). I think my workouts have not only benefited me, but have made my children a little more self-sufficient in the mornings as well. Mind you, things are not always perfect - one of them is sick, I have to break up an argument or seven, someone spills something, someone needs a button buttoned or a zipper zipped, but overall, I have been able to keep up a regular workout schedule, and believe me, my kids are better for it - otherwise they would have to deal with a cranky mama too! I think the key is get everything organized the night before - I choose my workout, lay my workout clothes out right next to my bed, set up my workout equipment (weights, step, etc.), make breakfast items that are ready to eat in the morning (make a batch of waffles/pancakes/banana bread/muffins/bagels on the weekend and freeze them), pack their backpacks and lunches for school, lay their clothes out for them, etc. etc. Anything that can be done the night before, gets done. And some things you might just have to sacrifice to get your workout in - my house never looks perfect before I leave for work.

Personally, I have never been able to workout later in the day - too many things can happen to sabotage the effort, and frankly, I'm too tired and my mojo is usually gone by then. I hope this helps you a little bit - I was a single mother too a while back (my oldest son is 25!), and I understand how hard it is to make time for yourself, but you have to try - you're so worth it. Good luck!

Karen

 

[jenb69_1999]

mom of two preschoolers

Hi!
I agree with what Karen said in an earlier post. I have two children, 5 and 3. I work out before they wake up in the morning. When I jumped on the exercise bandwagon (after my 3 yr old was born), I realized that early morning was my only chance to get in consistent workouts. Since I work, the rest of my day is just too busy and I would find it stressful trying to fit in an hour for exercise. So, mornings are perfect. Getting up early took some time to adjust to, but now its a normal part of my day.

Like Karen said, this type of schedule requires planning and some investment in materials. I have purchased (over time) quite a few of Cathe's DVD's and weights. I definitely set my equipment up the night before. I also make bigger batches of pancakes, muffins and waffles on the weekends and freeze them.

Many times my kids get up earlier than expected and they will come and watch for awhile (sometimes try to exercise with me) and get bored and start playing with their toys. But, I have noticed that my kids now talk about exercise and healthy eating all the time. So, they do take notice of my healthy lifestyle!

Finding time for exercise is the best thing you can do for yourself! Once I started exercising (and eating well), my stress levels went way down and my energy levels went up and I find that I have no trouble making it through the day.

 

[Fit_mommy]

I would say do it early in the morning before he wakes up, or, if you are a night owl, wait until he goes to bed at night to work out. During nap time is another good suggestion if he still naps.

Beyond that, you just need to get him used to the fact that mommy needs an hour a day to herself to work out w/as few interruptions as possible. It's okay to not give your kids all of the attn they want every minute that they want it. Parents are people too and need activities and time for themselves. I know atleast for me, if I didn't have time for ME to do what I want to do that didn't involve my son, I would lose my mind!