Are you too stressed to enjoy life? If so, you will want to listen to this episode. There is a message that I’ve said over and over throughout the years (and that I’ve had to learn myself), and it is that self-care is not selfish. In order to be great moms, it’s important we remember to care for ourselves too.

My guest today, Rachel Norman, is just as passionate as I am about helping overwhelmed and stressed-out moms. She is a mother, parent coach, and certified baby and toddler sleep consultant. Rachel is also the founder of A Mother Far From Home, an online community dedicated to helping mothers create peaceful and enjoyable lives for their families.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why we need to pay attention to our natural limits
• Whether sacrificing our own needs is biblical
• The first step you can take to reduce stress in your home
• And more!

This was a great conversation for any mom. I believe you’ll find it very helpful! 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• A Mother Far From Home Website
• Connect with Rachel on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
• Buy Rachel’s book, If Mama Ain’t Happy: Why Minding Healthy Boundaries Is Good for Your Whole Family
• As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks.

My Key Takeaways:

1) It is not selfish to have needs. Moms run themselves ragged, trying to attend to their family member’s needs. We are rushing to keep the children fed, clean the house, and keep up with the mountain of laundry. It seems that we never have time to think about ourselves. However, we end up running on empty, and we can’t function when there is nothing in the tank. We need to normalize caring for ourselves instead of running on fumes.

2) It is okay to find creative solutions that meet everyone’s needs. We can often default to letting our child’s needs trump our own. If you know the things that trigger and create stress in you, it is alright to make some changes to meet your needs. Maybe this sounds familiar: There are toys in every corner of your house, kids screaming as they run to and fro, and every time you see another pile of toys, it’s a reminder that your home isn’t clean. We tend to let our children have space to play and be kids, but if your house is causing you stress, it’s okay to limit playtime to a specific room or certain times of the day. We want to give you permission today to find ways to minimize your stress AND still let your kids be kids.

3) Make a list. The first step is to take out a pen and paper to make a list. If something consistently causes you stress and it’s happening in your life, get it on paper. This is not saying you’ll be able to solve everything on your list; you will find things you can do nothing to change. However, God created us to have some measure of control over our world. That means that God created us to be problem solvers. So take a look at your list and start brainstorming about the things you do have the ability to fix and change.

About Rachel:

Rachel Norman is a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant, parent coach, author, and mama to five. Rachel is no stranger to the stress of motherhood, as she had five children in five years. She tamed the stress by implementing foundational habits into her home life and helped her family thrive. Today, Rachel helps parents create simple, sustainable family rhythms to build a life that isn’t total chaos. She loves making her family wear coordinating outfits, writing, and encouraging other moms.