Finding the Balance Between Being a Parent and Being Yourself 

Your children are your pride and joy, but they aren’t your entire identity. That is why you need to find a balance. This balance, for many, can be hard to achieve. That is why you need to compound at-home duties, share the responsibility, and remember that it is okay to leave your children with a babysitter or with your family members for a few hours. Helicopter parenting, where you hover over your children and don’t let them explore and develop their independence and individuality in fear of them getting hurt, is detrimental to their development. To be a great mother and still make time for yourself, follow this guide:

As a Parent:

Have your children help with chores

One of the ways that you can make your life easier, and teach your children responsibility and the skills needed in life, is to get them to help you with chores. The earlier you start these habits, the more they will become ingrained and second nature. Examples of this include simple things, like putting away their toys every time they use them, or making their own bed. As they get older, you can get them to help you with the laundry and other cleaning tasks as well.

Have Them Help with Cooking

You can teach your children to help you with cooking, you will all enjoy it and you will be teaching your children valuable life skill lessons. Too many young people go off to college or university who don’t know how to cook, and nor do they know how to ensure they have a balanced diet. Have your children help with the cooking; it will help you out now, and give them a key skill they need later in life.

For Yourself:

Have a Monthly Date Night

You and your partner should be splitting the responsibilities of parenthood equally, which means that you both deserve a break. A monthly date night will also give you and your partner the chance to reconnect as a couple, not just as mum and dad, but as individuals in a relationship.

Date nights can take many forms. You could make a reservation at a London restaurant and enjoy a quiet evening over good food and conversation, free from the usual distractions. Alternatively, take a stroll somewhere scenic, visit a late-night museum exhibition, or unwind at a cosy cocktail bar. You might even try something a little different – a couples’ painting class, wine tasting, or a board game cafe. The key is to do something that feels intentional and refreshing – something that reminds you why you enjoy each other’s company beyond the daily routines.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more lively, you can also pick up event tickets at Ticketsales.com and catch a concert, comedy show, or theatre performance. Whatever you choose, let date night be a regular time to recharge together and have fun as adults.

See Your Friends Regularly

Just as you should have a date night, you should also spend time with your friends. Arrange to meet up for lunch, have a girl’s night out, or, if they have children, set up regular play-dates so that everyone benefits. Your friends have no domestic expectations of you, and you can truly relax and be yourself. Date night is there for you two to have fun as adults. One great date night idea is a paint and sip session with Pinot & Picasso. Unwind with a glass of red and get creative.

Make more time for yourself by having your children help around the house. Bring them in and let them learn responsibility, key skills, and great habits. With this extra time, you should be able to have more alone time and be able to find time to meet up with your friends. If push comes to shove, let your parents or a babysitter take care of your kids for a few hours. As a parent you have to wear several hats, and juggle several balls, but you also have to be able to be just you.

*** This is a collaborative post ***