Parenting is one of the toughest jobs on the planet (and probably beyond). It's a round-the-clock, 24/7 job that requires your utmost attention every single day. As such, parents barely ever have the time to regain their physical and emotional fitness - which, ironically, is still required to adequately care for the kids. So, how can parents carve out even just a little time to recharge amid all the chaos?
How to Make Time for Yourself as a Parent
Outsource Tasks
One way to create some time for yourself is by letting go of tasks that can be outsourced. You cannot do everything by yourself. Sometimes, you might benefit from outside help - even if it is once in a while for major tasks like deep cleaning your home.
Lucky for you, platforms like Wecasa offer convenient at-home cleaning services so that the little free time you have can be spent on yourself. Even better, Wecasa also provides beauty treatments like haircuts and massages - meaning you do not need to spend most of your spare time rushing to the salon; they bring the services right to your doorstep.
Make Chores a Family Affair
Another way to make some time for yourself is to include your kids in simple chores. Of course, this depends on how old they are. This works best if they are at toddler age or older.
A good example of this is asking them to take dishes to the sink once they are done. Or ask them to pick up their toys before bedtime. At this age, most kids feel like such chores are a fun game. Also, it is a lovely way to spend time with them.
Ask for Help
It is important to ask and take all the help you can get from people around you. Your support system primarily consists of your partner, immediate family members and even friends.
For example, you could ask your partner to babysit while you go to a dentist appointment. Or, see if your parents can take the kids for a day while you go on a date with your partner.
Friends can be a little tricky to rely on because you don't want to come across as imposing. However, simple favours - like school pick-up and drop-off when they are collecting their kids - may not feel like a burden.
Set Boundaries
Learn to say no, even to your kids. Of course, it also comes down to age. If they are old enough, you can explain to them that you need some time for yourself. And for younger kids, use nap times and playdates to create a few minutes or hours for yourself.
But it doesn't stop with your kids. Learn to cancel plans you feel you do not have the energy to go to. And cut down on work that creeps past regular work hours.
Making time for yourself as a parent is not selfish - it is essential. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. So, it is essential to take some time to regain your emotional and physical fitness. With these few changes, you might just be able to carve out a few hours every week to rest and recharge.
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