Being a parent is a demanding role and a full-time job in its own right. When you then add the additional pressures such as an actual job, maintaining the household, life admin, and such like it is easy to see how parents are often left with very little time for themselves. This can have real negative consequences such as burnout, exhaustion, frustration, and even a negative impact on mental and physical wellbeing. To help busy parents avoid this here are some tips to help you carve out more time for yourself and to put your wellbeing first. 

Create a flex room 

No doubt you will be wondering, what is a flex room? Well, a flex room is simply a room, den, or space that has multi-purpose use. It could be a spare room for guests during the holidays, a playroom for the children during the school break, and importantly, it could be where you base yourself for some much-needed me-time. Perhaps it could be a peaceful and serene den to practice yoga, a hobby room to support your love of crafts, or just a tranquil space you can sit in comfort uninterrupted with a book and cup of tea. Create a flex room that doesn’t just serve other members of the family but that meets your needs too. 

Share the load

If you feel like you are carrying the lion’s share of the burden when it comes to parenting, working, housework, whatever it may be then do not suffer in silence. Failure to communicate your struggle will lead to resentment and ultimately tension and arguments that could affect the overall health of your relationship. If you need help seek it from your partner, co-parent, or spouse. Don’t forget that the division of the workload should be equal and no one person should be overburdened.

Relinquish control  

Naturally as a parent you may feel as though you want to be in control at all times. That you have every aspect of parenting, adulting, and working life sussed. However, it may be that you need to accept that you cannot do everything and that you need to relinquish control of some of your responsibilities. Do you really need to be on the PTA? Is it imperative you help out at the next fundraiser? While letting go of some commitments may not sit well with you take solace in the fact it is a temporary adjustment until you are able to take on a little bit more. What is more, if you are not able to fully give your time and presence then you may be causing more of a hindrance than a help. 

 

Encourage independence in your children

Persuading your children to dress themselves, brush their teeth without asking, and clear their plates after dinner may not happen overnight. It may take a lot of nagging and eye-rolling to get there but it will be a move that pays dividends. Encouraging independence will not only help to free up your time (and stress levels) but it will provide them with the tools they need as they age and have to face the world by themselves.