I now have 4 small kids and most days are chaos. My oldest is 5 and my youngest is a newborn. I’m an introvert and all the kids can really drain me so I try my best to take time for myself so that I have energy to give them. My oldest is definitely extroverted and he struggles to let me have time to myself. Here are my tips to get you time when you have small kids.
Related: What It’s Like Having 3 Kids
Nap time
As a parent, nap time is sacred. It’s necessary for me to take that time for myself so that I have the energy to endure the rest of the day. I can tell when I’ve done a bad job using my nap time. I will be snippy with the kids 2 minutes after they have gotten up. My oldest very rarely naps anymore, but when his sisters are sleeping I make sure that he takes some time to be by himself and I get time by myself too.
After bed time
Do whatever chores you can do when your kids are awake. Laundry, dishes, floors, and counters, can all be accomplished when your kids are awake. If you have an infant who is Velcroed to you- get a baby carrier and accomplish the chores while they are “awake” – or at least not sleeping on their own bed. That time after your kids go to bed at night is yours. All those chores can wait. Those tasks aren’t for the evening. Make sure you take the time that you are by yourself for yourself.
Outside exploration
When I take my kids outside it almost feels like a break. They can play by themselves and love finding rocks and sticks. I try my best to let them go do their thing while I breathe for a bit and not worry about the dirt, rocks, and sticks that they will get into.
Friends & family
Ask friends and family to watch your kids for 1 hour once a week. If you don’t have any friends or family in the area hire a babysitter. Trust me, your sanity is worth the cost and you will be glad you chose to take time for yourself. During this time make sure you don’t do errands. Do something for yourself. Go for a walk, take a nap, go get something tasty to eat. Just do something that makes you feel like a human and not only the caretaker of smaller humans.
