As homeschool moms, we rarely get time away. “Me time” is desired, but not frequent. The kids need to be driven to activities, taught how to read, and comforted when life doesn’t go their way.
That doesn’t mean we don’t need time to ourselves. We need the time to regroup, recharge, and prevent homeschool burnout.
Ways to Get “Me Time” As a Homeschool Mom
Hire a Teen to Babysit
Check to see if there’s a teenager in your area who babysits. Hire the teen to drop by after school so you can snag a bit of time to yourself.
Many homeschooled teens are willing to babysit as well. Ask your friends to find out who they recommend.
Exchange Play Dates
Exchange play dates with a homeschooling friend. One day the kids go to your friend’s house to play while you disappear for a few hours to shop and enjoy time by yourself out of the house.
The next day all the kids descend upon you while your friend has an opportunity to run errands alone.
Take Kids to the Park
Taking toddlers to the park tends to turn into a wonderful way to exercise as you chase them all over the park.
However, older children can play for several hours with light supervision. They’ll swing, climb, and run. You have time to catch up on that book you keep meaning to read.
Turn on the Television
There are times you desperately need time to yourself. But there’s no one you can exchange a play date with. The weather is horrid and not conducive to time at the park. Quiet time is long over. Don’t worry, turn on your child’s favorite television show and enjoy a cup of coffee in the kitchen by yourself.
Leave Kids with Their Dad
Don’t feel guilty about leaving your children with your husband for an afternoon. Kids and dads enjoy spending time together.
This will give you a chance to get out of the house and prevent homeschool burnout.
Quiet Time
Schedule a quiet time every day. This is a time for the children to go and spend time by themselves in their room.
They can play and read to their hearts’ content. It also gives you a few minutes to relax, enjoy a cup of tea, and read a good book. Don’t spend the time on chores, spend it on yourself!
Mommy’s Helper
Older children may not be up to watching the younger children without an adult in the house, but often they are wonderful about keeping young kids out of trouble.
Ask an older child to come over as a mommy’s helper and give them some activities to do while you curl up and relax in another room, read a book, and enjoy yourself.
Early Bedtime
Put the children to bed early! Since young children need plenty of time to sleep at night, this will give you some time in the evening to relax and enjoy a movie. It’s a great chance to spend time with your spouse.
Late Bedtime
The other option which works well for many families is to put the children to bed late. It allows a long family time in the evening. In addition, the kids will sleep late and you can have time to yourself first thing in the morning.
Special Toys
Pulling out special toys that you reserve only for times you need the kids entertained so you can get some personal time works very well. Kids love to see toys they haven’t seen in months.
Keep a box of toys for emergencies only. You never know when you could use a few minutes to yourself.
Whichever method you choose, plan the time into your regular daily or weekly routine. After all, if you don’t plan it, it won’t happen.
