Drop off kids, Work all day, Pick up kids, Feed kids, Drive kids around/Play, Put kids to bed
Repeat.
Ever feel like this cycle leaves zero “you” time? That’s because it’s true. We “go go go” all day long and it’s not till maybe 9pm that we even have time to think about ourselves. And by that that point, we are too tired and too tormented by the pile of laundry staring at us to even remember to repaint a chipped nail or iron clothes for the next day (Note: I actually don’t even know how to iron).
I have only known motherhood as a full-time working mom. Speaking from that, I know that we often feel guilty for wanting “me” time when we have already been at work all day. But work is not “me” time!
- Running an errand/hitting the gym/getting a mani/pedi after work before picking up the kids at daycare. Yes, I have picked up my kids in those pedicure sandals before. It screams “Hey I just had a pedicure while my kids were left at daycare an extra 45 minutes!” Did I feel guilty? Maybe a little, but my feet felt amazing.
- Make school/daycare pick up and drop off even between you and your spouse/partner. If you drop off, then your spouse can pick up. This. Is. Fair. Both roles should not always fall on one person. On days my husband drops off, I go into work by 6am so I can (on a perfect no late meeting day) leave about 3. This gives me that bit of guilt free time to do something before I then pick them up!
- Drop the kids with a friend! Drop your kid(s) off with another mom while you go have some me time/get errands done. Your child will have fun doing something that mixes up an otherwise routine evening at home. Then next time it’s your turn so your friend can do the same!
- Take advantage of moments where your kids are occupied. I often use bath time to paint my nails or clean out my bathroom drawers. The bummer is when your nails are still wet and one of the kids insists on getting out!
- Take a mid day coffee break. As working professionals we too often forego breaks and end up eating at our desks. Twice a week, aim to get out and move during a break! Even if it’s just 10 minutes. Maybe walk to a coffee shop to not only get some steps in but also get a mid-day pick me up. (This is my challenge to you!).
- Bring your kids with you (and then drop them off!) Fred Meyer has a kids play land so you can shop in peace. Brilliant idea– Some Fred Meyer stores have a Tully’s inside. You can drop your kids and meet a friend for coffee! I bring my kids to the gym so they can play while I work out. Church feels like a break to me each Sunday since my kids are having fun while my husband and I attend service.
- Bring your kids to play while you chill! Some of my friends bring their daughters to pedicures. There are places like Village Bean at Country Village in Bothell and Play Happy Café in Lynnwood where your kids can play while you chill out and have a cup of coffee. The kids have so much fun that you get credit for playing with them (they won’t even notice that you are on the sidelines).
- Schedule it! My husband and I are very routine people. We honestly live by a weekly agenda that I send out each Monday (I know, I know…but it works for us). I often have to get over feeling guilty for scheduling something that I want to do. If I schedule something for a Saturday, chances are I am going to go through with it. An hour or two away on a weekend isn’t going to make you a bad mom, I promise!
What tricks do you have to get some “me” time in or even time for chores in each week? I’d love to hear from you!
