Why Moms Need Guilt-Free Time to Themselves
Why Moms Need Guilt-Free Time to Themselves
Being a parent is a big responsibility. It’s up to you to raise the next generation and ensure that all their needs are met.
Some parents believe that they need to be dedicated to their children all the time, no matter what.
So when they think about taking some time for themselves, they feel intense pangs of guilt. Obviously, they are terrible parents, they tell themselves.
Having time alone, though, is essential. We all need it – even the most extroverted among us – because it gives us time to recharge.
If we have to deal with the same situations for years on end without a break, we eventually go mad.
It Gives You Time To Recharge
Perhaps the most difficult part of parenting, though, is telling people, including your children, that you need time alone.
Solitude is valuable in itself, no matter how much you love your family. But communicating this is often an issue. People may see it as a form of rejection or a parent shirking their responsibilities.
The best way to explain it is to say that it is something that will actually help make you a better parent.
Once people understand your motivations, it makes the process easier for everyone.
It Allows You To Get Your Priorities Straight
Being alone and having time to yourself also gives you time to get your priorities straight.
Everyone, even mothers, need to know where their lives are heading.
They want to know that they are making progress and moving forward. But if you are continually meeting your children’s needs, you don’t ever have this conversation with yourself.
Use local daycare for your child in preschool, toddlers, infants, and kindergarten, and then just take the day off.
Go and do something that you would never usually have time to do, like going for a long walk or starting a new project.
Then wait and see how you feel.
By the time the next day rolls around, you are usually refreshed and happy, and better able to serve your kids once more.
It Prevents Exhaustion
Some parents can feel exhausted in the role of being a parent. It’s a tough job and children can be exceptionally demanding sometimes. So, again, taking a break for yourself can help.
Remember, kids don’t want exhausted parents. It’s not fun for them either. And many of them really sympathise with you. They can see how hard you’re working and that sometimes, you need a rest, just like them.
Taking a break from time to time, therefore, can improve family life overall.
It Makes You A Better Partner
If you and a partner or spouse look after your children, having some guilt-free time to yourself can also improve your relationship with them.
You have more energy and spontaneity.
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And you feel less weighed down by the weight of responsibility and raising kids. It’s a win for everyone.
In summary, therefore, having guilt-free time for yourself is essential. Without it, you could risk doing your kids a disservice.
Do you agree moms need guilt-free time for themselves?
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
