Redefining “Me Time” with My Kids

As a mother of three young children, all under six and unschoolers, I spend the majority of my time with my kids. Often, I hear people say, “Oh, I could never spend so much time with kids like that. I need a break.” I confess, I had the same fears when I had just one child. However, over time, I learned a few tricks that have changed everything.

Embracing Motherhood

Before diving into the tricks, it’s important to understand that we were raised in a society that taught us to disconnect. We were told that we need a “break,” that kids are not pleasant company, that they should go to school so we can get back to our lives, and that we need time away from them to maintain our sanity. My first trick is to always embrace motherhood. It will be challenging at first, but when you fully embrace it and realize there is no other choice but to have your kids around, you will find that it is actually what you want instead of feeling disconnected.

My Tricks:

1. Don’t Have a Child-Centered Life

I often hear people say they don’t have the energy to play with their kids for hours on end. There’s a common misconception that spending time with your kids means everything must revolve around them and their playtime. However, I have found that it doesn’t have to be this way. Instead of having a child-centered life where everything revolves around entertaining the kids, I incorporate them into the daily activities that our whole family enjoys. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or simply hanging out, these activities don’t always favor one person. By involving the children in the real world, you not only teach them valuable skills but also make them feel included. They begin to appreciate everyday tasks and find joy in them.

2. Do Things with Them, Not for Them

A mentality that makes parenting harder is doing everything “for the kids” instead of “with the kids.” When you approach activities with the mindset that you are there solely “for the kids,” it becomes a chore. For example, at the park, if you see yourself as being there just for them, you end up following them around, clapping for them, or sitting bored while they play. This mindset can be exhausting and unfulfilling. Conversely, doing things “with them” transforms the experience. When you play with your kids, you do it happily because you enjoy it. When you sit calmly while they…