Parenting as part of a team is challenging enough, but every single mom knows just how much more difficult it can be when you’re going it alone. Still, you matter and making time for you is so important to your happiness and well-being, as well as that of your children. Once you burn out, you are no good to anyone. So, be honest, how often do you ignore your own needs and then feel guilty when you try to do something about it? It’s time to recharge your batteries.
Making Time For Yourself
You have to give a little to get a little. So, when you play with your kids put your phone away, turn the television off, and give them your all. Let them have genuine one on one time with you to read, play a game or dress up, and just enjoy them. This will make it easier for you to slip away for some alone time.
Depending on the age of your children, it may be difficult for you to escape entirely. You can work around this by reading while they play nearby. It may take some time for them to get used to it since they’re used to demanding your attention all the time. However, they’ll soon get used to playing quietly while you enjoy some reading time. This might be a good time to allow them a treat, whether it’s a video game, coloring books or television time for their favorite movie or show.
Take a Different Path
There just aren’t enough hours in the day, why not make more? Try getting up a little bit earlier to enjoy a bit of peace, quiet, and relaxation before the chaos begins. Not only will it buy you some alone time, but it will also put you in a better mood. Enjoy a cup of coffee in quiet, read, have breakfast, take a bath. That’s the stuff. If you’re a night owl you can stay up a little later rather than rising early.
Quiet time is for everyone so, this is something that you can enjoy by encouraging your children to do the same. This will buy you some quiet time of your own. Spend it wisely- it’s likely that it won’t last more than an hour.
The Elusive Me Time
It might be elusive, but it isn’t possible. It’s all about carving out small pieces of time for yourself. When you need a longer break, you’ll need to enlist the help of a friend or family member to take care of the kids so you can go for a massage, a manicure or even just for a nice latte. Try making friends with other moms; you might be able to take turns watching each other’s kids to let you escape for some much-needed peace and quiet.
Time to yourself doesn’t have to mean getting away from your kids altogether; there are plenty of ways you can recharge without even leaving the house. It’s all about getting a bit of quiet time to rest your body and mind.