Guilt Free Week for Moms!

Babycenter is hosting Guilt Free Parenting Week from February 25 – March 4. Okay, I’m clearly not officially a parent yet – so I can’t entire relate to parenting guilt.  But I can imagine that I will feel guilty at times – given the fact that I will be working full-time, attending class every other weekend until July 2012 for my MBA program, and trying to raise a child! 

I don’t like to feel guilty.  My philosophy on being a mother includes taking time for yourself, to be a better person and better parent.  I know that I will have to rely on my support system to make this happen (my hubby, mother, mother-in-law, sisters who live nearby and can’t wait to babysit, etc.). 

Regardless, I’m sure I will still experience guilt.  I found a great blog post that lists 7 guilt free (and economical!) splurges for moms. 

I’d like to add a few more guilt-free splurges that I hope to take advantage of when I need some “me time” in the future:

1. Treat yourself to a sweet (or two!).  I appreciate the suggestion of taking time for a cup of coffee, but I don’t like coffee!  I do, however, love sweets!  I especially love the mini frosted chocolate chip cookies from Mrs. Fields – small, cheap, and guilt-free!  So take some time to enjoy a sweet snack, either at a local bakery or courtesy of a food day at work!
2. Window shop! I love shopping – and shopping does not always mean spending a lot of money!  An hour or two of quiet shopping time re-energizes me, regardless of how busy my week at work has been!
3. Take advantage of a babysitter and go on a date-night!  The hubby and I currently have a lot of date nights.  I know this will change post-baby, but I hope to have at least one date night every month or two.  This will be a great time to reconnect!
4. Take a hot bath!  Who doesn’t love some time alone in the bathtub with a glass of wine and nothing but empty thoughts?  The key to being guilt-free here is letting yourself take some time away from thinking about everything that needs to be done at home!

I know being a first-time mom won’t come without guilt, but I hope to use some of these techniques to not feel guilty all the time!