How to be a kind caring host and take care of self??

dyannajoy

I just recently had my daughter and new baby grandson (with colic) home for 9 days. Granted this is not your usual type of house guest, however this is something I struggle with in other situations too. I set up a plan to exercise, nap when needed, had prepared food, even had a massage scheduled in the middle of it all. I did really well the first 4 or 5 days, then I just caved and ended up in survival mode. I got sick the day they left and it took me most of the week to recoup.

I do not want to do this again. EVER. I want to enjoy company AND take care of myself. I know that I am too much of a caregiver, especially with my daughters and their little ones. They do NOT expect it. I just want to be able to help them out when I can. But not at the expense of my health. I am 63, have fibromyalgia, and I KNOW that losing weight will help me tremendously with stamina and energy (I have 50 pounds to lose) but any help in how to deal with this would be wonderful.

How do I be a kind and caring host and take care of myself too? Thank you! Dyanna

yoovie

What if you wrote your daughter a letter as honest as you just were with us strangers- and explain to her that you want to be able to help your family with their burdens, without becomng a burden on yourself. Im sure she will talk about this with you with love and compassion, and maybe only stay four or five days at a time if that is your limit, or if she has to stay longer (her or anyone else) they will give you a couple days in teh middle to regroup?

Honest communication with your family here, being brave enough to say-Im not superwoman, as badly as Id love to be, Im not, and I need your help if Im going to be able to keep helping my family, which brings me so much joy.

Be brave and say you cant do it alone. hugs

leslisa

Wow! Good luck with however you decide to handle this. I don't know because I'm pretty much the "everyone is on their own" kind of host. I clean house but I don't really wait on anyone hand and foot. That being said, the little guys are different (nieces and nephews), they need help and I try my best to make them comfortable, but, I also make certain they nap (even if they don't at home, I need the break) and go to bed on time.

Best of luck to you.

{{HUG}}

:flowerforyou: