Don’t wait until you’re burned out to take “me” time. It’s not selfish, it’s essential! Add nurturing yourself to your do to list! Here’s some ideas to get your started.
Rotating Activity Stations
One mom of four boys created a system that gives her boys a break from each other and a break for her too! She designed a simple system of four activity stations that the boys rotate through, spending thirty minutes at each station. She’s doesn’t use it often, but says that when she does, her boys love it and even have requested it at times. This mom’s kids play the piano so her boys’ four stations are piano, computer, reading and movie. Other possible stations might be legos, play dough, wii, arts and crafts, games, karaoke, play with goo, build toothpick and marshmallow structures.
Scheduled Quiet Time
Decide on a time each week designated as quiet time. For example, each Sunday night from 7-8 pm might be quiet time. Play soft classical music and make sure all family members have a plan for what activity they’ll do during quiet time. This may be challenging for kids at first. After continuing this habit on a weekly basis, kids will get better at choosing activities for quiet time. Books with audio versions are great for this – kids get to use the headphones.
I’m Bored Jar
Gather your kids to brainstorm ideas to write on slips of paper. Store the slips of paper in a jar labeled “I’m Bored.” Declare “I’m Bored” time and let your kids choose a slip from the jar. Make sure everyone is set up for the activity and start on your relaxation time. You may want to even create a “Free Time for Mom” jar or a “Nurture Mom Time” jar for yourself to use when your kids are engaged in “I’m Bored” activities.
Rotate Your Kids’ Toys
Those toys your kids haven’t played with in a while – store them in the attic, basement or covered up on a high shelf in the garage. So, when you need some time for yourself, bring out a few of the stored toys and watch how the kids are engaged with toys they haven’t seen in a while. Make sure to put some toys away each time you take some out of storage, so you’ll always have some toys to pull out for the next time.
Use Kids’ Nap Time for You (instead of cleaning)
When kids nap, take some time to do something you’d like to do rather than something you’re telling yourself you need to do. Toss out any guilt you feel about the dirty dishes or carpets. Fill your cup up so you’re excited to see your child when he or she wakes up from a nap.
Swap Babysitting
Do you know a friend who could also use some “me time?” Keep her kids one evening and then drop your kids off with her the next week. Each of you will enjoy some alone time, time with friends or date time with your significant other.
What to do with Me Time – Planning Ahead
Not sure what to do once you get your me time? Has it been so long since you’ve taken time for yourself that you’ve forgotten what you enjoyed before becoming a parent? Maybe you’d like to:
- Get lost inside a good book
- Drink a whole cup of tea or coffee without interruptions
- Rediscover an old hobby – knitting, scrapbooking, painting furniture
- Write in a journal
- Yoga
Contributed by: Kelly P.