Personal time for mom is essential, but sometimes it isn’t always a priority. It takes a lot of trial and error before you may realize what worked and what didn’t work, but you will always learn a lot in the process. Here are three tried-and-true tips for the mom who desperately needs a little time to herself.
Tip #1: Set aside playtime every day.
It may seem counter-productive to schedule more playtime when you need to work, but for me, it was very effective. When you can set aside hours to give your full attention to the kiddos, they will be more understanding when you need to step back and take some time away. During playtime, give your kids every ounce of attention they can ask for. That way, when they’re barking demands later, you can say you can’t and playtime is over, without feeling guilty! They will understand and it will help them learn boundaries.
Tip #2: Implement Quiet Time.
There’s nothing quite as serene and the beloved nap hour. So set a basic rule, to avoid distractions. No movies, video games, or iPad games except during naptime, or “Quiet Time.” This is great for three reasons: 1) My son felt privileged, knowing Quiet Time was his own special time to play games; 2) I have an entire hour to do whatever I need to, without loud noises and distractions; and 3) Better quality naps and a less moody toddler. Whether nap time is a possibility in your house or not, an hour or so of quiet time after lunch can make children—and Mom—more relaxed and focused.
Tip #3: Call in the forces.
Occasionally every mother just has one of those days. You know, the day when your husband totals the car or your daughter gets into a fight at school, and suddenly all your plans for the day are overthrown in one disastrous phone call. You are human and you should NEVER feel guilty to call in some backup! Sometimes, when enough is enough, you just need to call your best friend and ask for some help. A child free home for a few hours is always better than losing control and screaming at every human being in sight. Know your limits and when you need to step back and take a break. Chances are good that our friends go through the same thing on occasion, and they’ll understand.
These three tips helped me keep my sanity during a crazy time, and I hope they can help you too. Who knows maybe you’ll find time to redecorate the office, or even a little bit of time to binge watch your favorite show. Always remember – happy wife, happy life! That means you NEED to take the time out for yourself and set boundaries every once in awhile. The house may not be cleaner, but look at it this way: you’ll love motherhood more than you ever did before, and what’s better than that? What are some techniques you implement at home to help you get some quiet time? Leave your comments below!
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