How to Get Alone Time as a Mom | |
Apr 08, 2020 | |
You probably began to laugh when you saw the title. You don't even remember what alone time is anymore. Honestly, you can't even use the bathroom without a child knocking on the door or simply screaming "MOM!!" at the top of their lungs. Your kids are constantly demanding your attention - begging for snacks, asking for help, or simply wanting to play. But we need to remember that even moms need a breather sometimes. The key to getting a few quiet moments every day is helping your child learn to work and play on their own. Here are three simple steps to help your child learn to enjoy alone time so that you can as well. 1. Find something your child(ren) can do on their own. Depending on the age of the child, the activity might vary. Some suggestions are coloring pictures, doing puzzles, reading books, or playing outside. The key is to find something specific (and preferably quiet) that your child enjoys. 2. Use a timer to mark a space for your child to work/play without you. It's a good idea to start with a short amount of time (10 minutes or less). Make it clear to your child that he or she must do the activity without asking for help until the timer goes off. Make it a game: "Do you think you can color this picture quietly until you hear the timer? Let's see if you can!" 3. Slowly increase the amount of time that your child spends on the activity. As your child gets used to doing things for him or herself, they will be able to work for longer stretches of time without your assistance. Eventually, you may be able to lay out several activities and let them go from one to the other by themselves. This will give you a much needed break, and help your child learn to figure things out by themselves. It's a win-win situation! With a little practice, getting alone time with become easier and easier for you and your child. Just take it slow and don't give up! |