15 Ways to Make Time for Yourself While Raising Kids
Parenting is a full-time job with no breaks, endless demands, and an endless to-do list. Between the laundry pile that never shrinks, snack requests every five minutes, and the constant question of “Why?”; finding time for yourself feels nearly impossible. But the truth is, prioritizing your well-being is just as important as taking care of your children.
When you feel recharged and centered, you become a more patient, present, and happier parent. The good news? You don’t have to wait until your kids are grown to carve out personal time. Small, intentional moments throughout the day can help you feel more like yourself and less like you’re running on empty.
Make Early Mornings or Late Nights Yours
One of the best ways to guarantee personal time is to claim the quiet hours of the day. Waking up 30 minutes before the kids or staying up a little later at night gives you uninterrupted moments to do something just for you.
Whether it’s sipping a hot coffee in peace, journaling, or catching up on a show, these small rituals can help you feel grounded before the chaos begins or after it settles. Even if you’re not naturally a morning or night person, shifting your schedule can create valuable breathing room in your day.
Turn Daily Chores into a Personal Retreat
Household tasks don’t have to be tedious or stressful. Turn them into moments of personal enjoyment by adding something fun. Listen to your favorite podcast while folding laundry, dance to your favorite songs while cooking, or use grocery shopping to grab a fancy coffee. Making these daily activities more enjoyable makes them feel less like chores and more like self-care.
Set Up a “Quiet Time” for Everyone
Even if naps are a thing of the past in your home, a daily quiet hour can work wonders. Encourage kids to read, play with quiet toys, or rest in their rooms while you take a break. Use this time for yourself, whether meditating, scrolling guilt-free on social media, or simply sitting in silence. Teaching children the value of downtime benefits them too, helping them develop independent play skills and an appreciation for calm moments.
Swap Playdates for Personal Time
Instead of always attending playdates, arrange swaps with other parents. Offer to watch their kids one afternoon in exchange for them watching yours another day. Your child will have a fun social experience, and you will have a few precious hours to yourself. It’s a simple, effective way to create breathing room without extra effort or cost.
Use Screen Time Wisely—Without Guilt
While screen time shouldn’t be the go-to solution for everything, it can be helpful when used intentionally. Allow your kids to watch an educational show, play a safe app, or enjoy a movie while you take time for yourself.
Whether it’s a short meditation, a warm shower, or just sitting down with a book, those moments can make a huge difference. Guilt-free balance is key; kids get their entertainment, and you get a well-earned break.
Plan a Regular Parent’s Getaway
Schedule time away from the house for a solo coffee run, a bookstore visit, or an evening with friends. Arrange for a sitter, trade babysitting with a fellow parent, or ask family members to help. Taking a few hours or spending quality time with other adults can improve your mood and mental clarity.
Find Joy in Micro-Moments
You don’t need hours of alone time to recharge; sometimes, a few minutes is enough. Step outside for fresh air, play your favorite song while cooking, or enjoy a piece of chocolate in peace. These little joys throughout the day help you reconnect with yourself and make the daily routine more enjoyable.
Involve Kids in Activities You Love
Sometimes, the best way to get personal time is to include your kids in something that recharges you. If you love yoga, let them stretch alongside you. If you enjoy baking, invite them to help with simple tasks. When your interests become part of their world, it creates a shared experience while giving you a taste of what you love.
Say No Without Guilt
You don’t have to say yes to every playdate, birthday party, or volunteer opportunity. Protecting your time is just as important as fulfilling commitments. Prioritize what truly matters and don’t be afraid to opt out of activities that drain you. The world won’t fall apart if you skip an event, but you’ll feel much better when you let yourself slow down.
Get Moving, Even in Small Ways
Exercise doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym. A short walk around the block, stretching while the kids play, or even dancing in the kitchen counts. Movement helps boost energy levels and relieve stress, making you feel mentally and physically better. Plus, it’s easy to spend some time while still present.
Create a Mini Self-Care Kit
Prepare a small basket of your favorite relaxation items and keep it somewhere easy to grab. Include a scented candle, a good book, a cozy blanket, or a journal. When you have a few minutes, everything you need for a quick refresh is right there, making it easier to enjoy personal time without extra effort.
Simplify Where You Can
Lighten your workload by outsourcing small tasks. Consider grocery delivery, a monthly deep-cleaning service, or meal kits that reduce prep time. Even small changes, like ordering takeout on busy nights or delegating chores to older kids, free up valuable moments for yourself. Simplifying where you can makes parenting less overwhelming.
Establish Personal Boundaries
Teach your children that certain times of the day or specific activities are just for you. If you need ten minutes to drink your coffee, let them know. If you’re working from home, create a signal that means “Do not disturb.” Over time, kids learn that respecting your time is part of family life, just as you respect theirs.
Treat Yourself with the Same Kindness You Give Your Kids
Remember to be gentle with yourself. You wouldn’t tell your child to push through exhaustion or ignore their needs; so don’t do it to yourself. Parenting is demanding; you deserve breaks, joy, and breathing moments. Finding time for yourself isn’t selfish; it helps you keep going.
Related: 15 Clever Hacks To Reduce That Never-Ending Grocery Bill
Managing grocery expenses can be challenging for many households, especially with rising food costs and fluctuating budgets.
However, with some creativity and resourcefulness, you can implement numerous clever hacks to reduce your never-ending grocery bill without sacrificing the quality or variety of your meals.
