HI Lisa - as a mom myself and also a full time career woman, I can relate to your problem with lack of time for working out. However, I also wanted to mention the fact that exercise is not only doing things physically for your outward appearance, it is doing loads more for your health and mental function. One thing I have learned about mother hood is that WE need to take care of ourselves and not always focus upon everyone else. For me working out is how I meditate and clear my mind. Try yoga or pilates or even find a gym that offers daycare. Bottom line is you need to it for yourself.
Be well,
Meg Moran

I have more than one child too. (2) My youngest is 13 mos old and at one time I too had a flat stomach. We do the best we can with the time we have. Tips on the feet- Moisturize right after toweling off. (The moisture from the bath or shower will stay better)Methalateum is a good repairer too. (Apply every other day and put socks on to keep it on you and not your floors) For the once flat belly- I have the same problem no time and someone always asking when I'm gonna take the time. I remind my husband that if he could pry himself off the computer when he's home to give me an hour everyday to do something about it then I could probably get my dancer's body back. Until then.....ya know. (Try getting a little more active in some way and drinking a ton of water -30 oz- a day....10lbs or more lost) We just moved from the cleveland area. Ya we miss it! Hope I helped!!!!!

Its definitely worth it! One of the best things about excercising is that it relieves stress. I, too am a stay-at-home mother of four, and instead of taking away from my life, the pilates routine that I do adds so much to the quailty of my life. It gives me the energy I need to chase kids around, and makes me feel better about myself. It may be difficult to add getting in shape into your busy schedule, but as someone who has recently lost 25 pounds, it is worth it. My house is cleaner, my jeans fit better, my skin is clearer, and I am confident about my body and my role as wife and mother. There is nothing bad about showing our kids that eating right and getting exercise should be a priority.
It isnt' going to get any easier as our kids get older and even more busy, and you owe it to yourself to be healthy and feel your best right now.

I felt the same way and then I started reading about all the things that can happen to you as you age if you are overweight like having a greater chance of getting type II diabetes, knee problems and other health related issues including alzheimers desease (!). I started to diet and get into shape becuase I want to feel healthy and energetic when I hit 50, 60, 70, 80 etc... and I put the "I want to look good" thoughts in the background (although it does feel really good to get into those old jeans : ) I've lost 15 pounds since July and have 10 more to go. My goal is to lose the next 10 by my birthday in February - I'll be 44. Good luck!!!

Hi Lisa,
As you said, "No alarms or bells go off when I'm about to make a huge mistake. It just happens." The huge mistake you are now making is not taking the time to exercise and to look your best. Moms of young children are always busy but you need to delegate, accept help, or just change your standards. Taking care of yourself is an important part of taking care of your children and your husband. Your stress will be down; people respond more favorably toward you; you will be calmer; and your health, well-being, and self esteem will improve when you take the necessary time to exercise and be well-groomed. Look at it as an investment in your marriage and your family.

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my son was born in 2001 and now I am due in April with our second in April. So, grooming is not the top of my list. I wash my hair every other day and rarely wear make-up. My husband even says I look best not ll done up. I do splurge on creams for my skin and hair. Now that I am in my 30's it is all about skin protection and realizing that what is most important is not keeping up with the latest trends. One thing I do enjoy in my once a year pedicure done in a spa. It is better the chocolate.

Lisa,
I've been raising my two kids for over 15 years now and I can tell you that it is really important to fit time in for yourself, be it an hour for a pedicure or a 30 minute walk twice a week. It's been important for me to teach my kids that being their mother, chauffeur, nursemaid, cook, laundress, sports fan, etc. isn't the only "job" I have. I'm also a wife, volunteer, daughter and friend to the other mommys they know.
I think kids need to understand that time spent on myself is just as important to me as my carpooling them to their activities and friends/sports/school events are to them.
My mother once gave me an important bit of advice when I first started working (for pay in the corporate world eons ago) and that was, to be sure to take a lunch break everyday even if it was only to leave the office and go to my car to eat my sandwich. The reason being that if I didn't, I'd set a precedent with my employer and fellow workers that I would sacrifice my lunchtime for their needs. The same advice applies to you and me. Do what you can to carve out time for yourself. It doesn't have to be going to the gym (which can in itself feel insurmountable). Grab a coffee at a local shop and take your RealSimple along or get that pedicure or wander up and down the drugstore checking out makeup and shampoo. Whatever you choose make sure you set the precedent now with your kids AND HUSBAND so that they can understand the and appreciate the value of you.

I have three kids and if I didnt work out I would be a wreck!!! It gives you peace if you make it a priority not a chore. Plus you mention more than once it is important to your husband. In the end the kids all grow up and even leave the house and you need the relationship with your husband. I think you and your husband should work out or exercise together...make it fun! You will feel better, look better and have more energy for your kids and your husband....most importantly....for yourself! Good luck!

Lisa,
I know how you feel. I have three kids, a husband and a dog. My needs are always the last met. But exercise is so important for your sanity, and it sets a good example for your children. I still don't exercise nearly as much as I would like to, but I did join a gym that has a nursery, and the kids enjoy going there as much as I do. Good luck!

Lisa, I know doing anything for yourself must seem selfish and more hassle than it's worth. I can't imagine having four children!! But you know what? Taking care of yourself is not selfish, nor is it optional if you want to be healthy (and alive!) to see your children start their own families. Remember - your body is not like a car you can trade in; you're stuck with it for life. I have two kids, ages 3 & 6, plus two businesses, and I volunteer as the head of an inner city youth project. On top of all that, I've now become a triathlete. The way I do it is to get up before anyone else and while it seems like torture to get up at 5am, I've come to look forward to that time as it's ME time, when I'm done I sip my skim latte in peace, and I'm ready to face the day full of energy and knowing I've already done something great. If you start working out, think of the positive message it sends your kids - Mommy IS important to Mommy; and working out is vital to being healthy. Kids need to learn both those messages, especially in this day of self-entitlement and sloth! Find something you enjoy doing, do it with friends, and set up goals to keep you on track (a local 5k race, where you family can cheer you on!). Good luck!

I love your magazine, but is it possible to have larger print. I cannot read most of the article which looks so interesting without a maganifying glass and that is most unsatisfactory. This was a gift to me and I do enjoy it. Thanks. helen

My mom always says, "Look nice. feel nice."
Like all great moms, she has been right every time she's said it!!!!!

I am in the same boat! I try to do a little bit more each month for me. I try for each week but time flies and a month has gone by!!! I try to do the best I can and not beat myself up when I can't exercise/scrub my feet/pluck my eyebrows/read a book often as I should. The beating yourself is easy to do. Baby steps!

I think that taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family. Excercise has so many benefits, not only does it improve self-image, but it increases energy, improves overall health, decreases the risk of certain diseases, and parents who excercise set a very good example for their children. All parents need to take the time to care for themselves because without parents who would care for the children.

I wish I had thought, when I was 32, that fitness and caring for myself was important. I was blessed by always being skinny so I had no idea exercise would ever be important. Fast-forward to age 50 - I was 35 lbs overweight and HATED it. It was hard work but I lost the weight and have managed to keep 30 lbs of it off. Now that I'm 60, I work out four mornings a week and watch what I eat. Sure, it's easier now that I don't have kids at home to take care of but it would be easier now if I had made fitness a priority all my life.

Yes. It is well worth the effort to get back in shape now at your age because it'll only get harder in the future. I thought the same thing you did and I lost the weight and felt great because of it. The only thing is I let it go and now 10 years later, I'm trying to do it again and it's a lot harder!! So go for it while you can and the good thing is you have four workout partners, your kids. You can work out and have quality time with them to boot. Good Luck!

For those crackly dry feet: Take a foot file with you into the shower each morning before the children are up. File your feet and after your shower put petrolium jelly on your feet and wear white socks. In the evening put the petrolium jelly on your feet again with the white socks. Once a month treat yourself to a pedicure at a beauty college to keep the cost down. You deserve an hour away and any healthy male can look after their own children for an hour. ;0) If you take care of your feet now they will look good well into your 50's and up.

I would recommend working out early in the morning. Say the kids r up by 6am, then i would suggest getting up 1 hr earlier...u need to make some time for u, .getting into shape will not only help you loose some wiehgt but it will surely boost your spirits.it will make u feel better /give you extra strenght and u will thank heaven that u did it after its all over.....try it!

How about walking? That way everybody gets to go along. You time is important. As a formally single mom of two teens, Me time was vital to my sanity. Sometimes it was an extended bath, or just a few minutes reading YOUR book. Believe me the dividends you will reap by taking care of yourself will pay off for everyone sooner rather than later. Good luck!

Have your children exercise with you! Use it as an opportunity to bond with them and build good habits early. I wish I would have developed the desire AND discipline to exercise regularly when I was younger; it is like trying to teach an old dog new tricks in my late 40's!

Lisa, tell your husband you have decided to spend time, as much he thinks would be beneficial, working out. The only caveat must be that he must spent that exact same time taking a turn tending to home and children.

believe me it is not added stress. It will help you cope with everything that is on your plate!! It will make you a better wife, mother, etc.. you will feel GREAT!!!

I have 3 kids and live in a small town - no gyms with childcare here. I've started walking my son to school then my daughter to preschool 2 mornings a week. That's all I do but it makes such a difference. When you look at all of the "me" things you want to do, don't feel overwhelmed if you see a list longer than your oldest child is tall. Just do one thing. Keep doing it until it becomes habit then add the next thing. A radio talk show host is fond of asking his overwhelmed listeners, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." You can do this - one thing at a time. Plus it will make you feel really good.

I read your big decision and thought to myself that I had to write to you because exercising is so important and I am so happy to see how many people think the same thing! Exercising is so good for energy, stress relief, and overall well-being. Regardless of weight, being active everyday can help stave off cancers, arthritis, Alzheimer's, dementia, and I could go on. Get going! :)