5 ways to make time for yourself as a parent

Raising children is no easy task, which is why it's important to make time to relax and enjoy yourself so you can be an even better parent to your kids. Here are a few ways for busy parents to find time for themselves.

There are many stores you can head to that keep your kids busy while you shop or just relax.

• Many grocery stores and large department stores have supervised playrooms where kids can have fun playing while you sit and have a coffee or get your shopping done without any stress.

Your schedule is probably packed with all kinds of errands, appointments and meetings that have to do with your kids.

• Do yourself a favour and schedule a firm date with yourself every week.
• Put it on the calendar and take it as seriously as you do all your other commitments.
• Even 30 minutes of quiet meditation can be enough to help you recharge.

Parents often find they have little lulls in their daily schedule while waiting to pick up kids, sitting at doctor's appointments or waiting through a piano lesson. You can bring along a book for moments like these so you can relax and enjoy a little light reading.

If you are friends with other parents in the neighbourhood, you can always join forces and help to give each other little breaks during the week.

• One week you could take on another family's kids and give mom or dad the day off, and the next week they could take care of your kids for a few hours so you can focus on doing something you like with no noise or distraction.

You are probably used to multitasking already, but why not do it with things that you like?

• Put on your favourite TV show while you are cooking dinner, or play music that you love while you are showering or bathing the kids.
• Incorporate your own interests into your daily routine to bring you happiness without taking up too much of your time.

As a parent, you know that your life is no longer about just taking care of yourself. It's now necessary to devote your time and attention to help your children grow well. But being the best parent you can be also means taking care of yourself, so be sure to try and carve out a little time for yourself whenever you can.