5 Ways How To Make Time For Yourself With A Toddler

5 Ways How To Make Time For Yourself With A Toddler : When you have small children at home it can seem like you’re never alone. Even your husband’s company is not welcome once you hit the point of overload and need to get away. You are not alone, we’ve all been there at some point or another, but that doesn’t mean you can’t carve out a little extra time for yourself.

Hiding out in the bathroom for a few extra minutes of you-time or flying off the handle because you haven’t had any time to yourself, is not good for your mind. This kind of stress can have a negative effect on the relationship you have with your children so it’s important to look after yourself. This begins with making some real time for you.

Even Mommy needs a timeout now and then, so here are a few ideas of how to get the me-time you need.

How To Make Time For Yourself With A Toddler

Get Some Help

Whether you bring in a nanny from Melbourne or ask a relative to stop by for a bit we can all use a little help. With a little assistance, you can quickly feel re-energised, de-stressed and generally be in a more positive mood.

You don’t even have to leave the house, just having someone else there to keep the kids entertained for a while so you can read a few chapters of your favourite book or take a walk around the block can make all the difference in the world. If they throw in a load of laundry or wash some dishes that’s even better.

Community Resources

Look around your area for fun and preferably free activities that will keep your toddler occupied. When is story time at the library? Is there an age-appropriate class nearby? While someone else takes the lead for an hour you can catch a quick gym class, pop in your headphones to catch up on your favourite podcast or do whatever else helps you relax.

Swap With A Friend

They say it takes a village to raise a child, so reach out to your village and find someone who needs a break as much as you do. Take turns watching each other’s children for an hour to give you both a break, plus the kids will have someone to play with.

Get Up Earlier or Stay Up Later

If your day is already jam-packed and you don’t feel like you can squeeze anything else in, extend your day a little in one direction or the other. Mornings are a magical time and your chance to greet the day before anyone else is up. Write in a journal, exercise, stretch or do yoga, whatever gets you off to a good start.

Alternatively, after the kids are in bed you may feel the need to clean up or do chores. Instead, take a few minutes for yourself while it’s quiet and still. You’ll enjoy this extra time more than that extra 30 minutes of sleep you’ll miss out on.

Avoid Black Hole Behaviour

“Black hole” behaviour refers to things that you lose time to without feeling refreshed afterwards. Screens are a common culprit, so think about how you feel after different activities. When you find yourself with some precious time to yourself choose to do things that will improve your mood, not just eat up your time.

Make It Part of Your Routine

Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to make it part of your routine. Let that helper know you’d like her there on a regular basis. Make a schedule that revolves around community activities during the week that gives you a break.

Focusing on yourself for even a short time each day will bring your energy up and improve your mood, making you a better parent.