Lisa,
I'm glad you found the time to post here. I haven't lived with a parent, so my advice could be way off. (I remember when I had young kids that everyone had advice about how to spend more time with my husband when I didn't want advice so much as someone to babysit once a month.)
I know that there are paid for services, but that's not always an option.
Here are a few more scrappy suggestions:
- Is there anything your mom likes to do? Anywhere she might be able to be a docent (a local public garden or museum or library) or a church service she might like to attend? Can she do things on her own? Having a purpose might help her give you a bit of space.
- I know when I had young twins that I didn't do this deliberately, but I shifted my sleep schedule a bit. I, personally, like about an hour a day of quiet, unstructured time - to waste if I need to or walk or read. The only way I could do that was early in the morning or late at night.
- Do you have any neighbors or friends around in a similar situation? Could you host a card game for a few parents and give your friends a break and THEN they'd do the same for you the next week?
Ok, you sound like a loving daughter. Remember: it IS doing your best to take of yourself too.
Can't wait to hear from other people living with their parents, who will surely have much to add here.
Wish I could pop over with my kids and have your mom help us press flowers or something for an hour while you GO OUT.
