Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and the maker of Angel Soft®. However, all opinions expressed are my own.
Now that my children are older, finding ME time is never a second thought. But I did go through stages where I felt like my live was always about my kids. That’s not a bad thing, but having some Mommy only time is very important. I had to learn to let the little things go. By that I mean, taking a bubble bath while the kids are awake is possible. Fortunately I have a great support system. But how can you find ME time throughout the day when the kid are home and awake?
1. Teaching Self Play
Teaching your child to entertain themselves quietly is beneficial especially if utilize early on. I love to play with my children, but learning to occupy themselves and promote self-play will come in handy especially when they hit school age years.
2. Activity Boxes
I used to create themed activity boxes that would keep my children busy and allow them to explore each box on their own. I would sit with them and explain each item in the themed box and allow them to entertain themselves while I take 10 minutes to recharge my batteries. I may have read the newspaper, read my mail or watch a few minutes of tv while my children were entertained. I would change the theme boxes throughout the year and utilized the holidays as well.
3. Nap Time is not Cleaning Time.
Don’t, do not use nap time to clean your house. You can clean while the kids are awake. It may take a little longer but you need to rest as well. If you feel you need to clean during nap time, take 2 days a week to rest while the kids nap.
4. Early Bird Gets the Worm.
One thing I continue to do as my children get older is wake up earlier to get more accomplished. This is not for everyone. Since I am a blogger and have a 9-5 day job, I wake up a few hours earlier than needed to get my blogging work complete. When I do this, I can devote my evenings to my family. If the toilets need cleaning then why not start first thing in the morning so you can rest during nap time.
5. Host a Play Date
The best person to keep your little occupied while you have some ME time is another little one. Bring a friend over who also has a little one the same age as your little one. Enjoy a light lunch, up of hot tea and a great conversation. Take turns hosting a play date to change environments and keep things fresh.
Speaking of fresh and toilets, Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender Scent has asked me to share my tips on finding ME time and introduce you to their new product. Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender Scent currently comes is available in 4 different – 4 DOUBLE, 12 BIG and 12 DOUBLE and new for May 2014 is the 24 DOUBLE. You can find Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender Scent locally in select Walmart, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar, HEB, Winco and Kroger. One thing I look for in toilet tissue is if it septic safe? Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender scent is also septic safe in well maintained standard septic and sewer systems.
To learn more about Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender, visit our Web site at angelsoft.com. The site is in both English and Spanish. You can also access coupons and more info on social media. You can “like” Angel Soft on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AngelSoftLatino or www.facebook.com/AngelSoft
Did you enter my recent Angel Soft® with Fresh Lavender Scent giveaway? If you didn’t, you still have time to enter. Believe me, you need that gift card! You can keep your bathroom fresh and minimize your midweek cleaning as well.
Bella Vida Letty says
These are really great tips. I really like the theme box idea. I never thought of this.
Maggie C says
I love your ideas! Nap time is precious – enjoy it with something you love.
Christine M says
Number 3 for sure! I made that mistake with my first child.
Michele says
Lavender scented toilet paper-sounds good to me. I haven’t seen it yet in the stores but will keep an eye out for it.
Lisa Weidknecht says
Parents cannot be good parents if they don’t take time for themselves. I’m a huge advocate for teaching children to play independently!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
I haven’t seen the lavender scented Angel Soft yet. I bet my friend will love it, she loves lavender!
Rebecca Swenor says
Lavender is scent is for relaxing. Thanks for sharing.