Loading Kindness - Spinning Up Mommy Magic

While the Love Loads, Our Spinner Spins. Get Ready to Share, Support, and Bond with Like-minded Moms!

Popular Searches:
338
Q:

How do you maintain your own personal interests and hobbies while being a stay-at-home parent?

Hey there fellow parents,

I hope everyone is doing well during these trying times. As a stay-at-home parent, I am finding it increasingly difficult to maintain my own interests and hobbies. With the constant demands of taking care of a little one, the day seems to just fly by and I am left with very little time for myself.

Before becoming a parent, I used to enjoy reading, painting, and practicing yoga. However, now it seems like a distant memory. I feel like I am losing a part of myself and I really want to find a way to integrate my hobbies into my daily routine.

So, I was wondering if any of you have any tips or tricks for finding time for yourself and pursuing your hobbies as a stay-at-home parent? How do you manage to balance your personal interests and responsibilities as a parent? I would really appreciate any insights or experiences you can share. Thank you in advance!

All Replies

fbergnaum

Hello to all stay-at-home parents,

It can be tough to maintain your hobbies and interests as a stay-at-home parent, but it is essential to find some time for yourself. I have found that creating a schedule for both myself and my child is the best way to manage my time and maintain my interests.

I set aside specific times during the day when my child is napping or playing independently to pursue my hobbies. For example, if my child naps for two hours in the afternoon, I use that time to practice playing the guitar, which is one of my favorite hobbies.

Another thing that has worked for me is to join a local mom's group or hobby group. This way, I can connect with other parents who share similar interests and we can motivate each other to pursue our hobbies together.

Lastly, I try to be creative with my hobbies and find ways to incorporate them into my everyday life. For example, if I enjoy cooking, I try to cook new recipes for my family, which not only helps me pursue my hobby but also benefits my family.

Overall, it is important to remember that taking care of yourself is vital for your mental health and well-being, and it can make you a better parent for your child. So, try to find ways to incorporate your interests into your busy schedule and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

alexandrine.wisoky

Hello everyone,

As a stay-at-home parent, I know how challenging it can be to find time for yourself and pursue your hobbies. One thing that has helped me is to prioritize my hobbies and choose the ones that bring me the most joy and fulfillment.

For me, writing is one of my most important hobbies. So, I make sure to wake up earlier than my child and use that time to write for an hour before starting my day.

Another thing that has worked for me is to involve my child in my hobbies. For instance, I love gardening and I include my child in the process by letting them water the plants or pick fruits and vegetables with me. This way, we spend quality time together, and I can still pursue my hobby.

What has also worked for me is to set smaller goals and break my hobbies into smaller chunks of time. As a result, I feel less overwhelmed and I am more likely to make progress on my hobbies. It might take longer, but it is still better than not making any progress at all.

Lastly, one important thing is to put aside any feelings of guilt when taking time for yourself. Pursuing our hobbies is essential for our overall well-being, and finding time for yourself doesn't mean that you love your child any less.

In summary, finding time for yourself as a stay-at-home parent can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is achievable. Find ways to incorporate your hobbies into your daily routine, and prioritize the ones that bring you happiness and fulfillment.

iwolff

Hello fellow stay-at-home parents,

I can completely relate to the struggles of trying to maintain hobbies while taking care of little ones. One method that has worked well for me is to wake up early and use the time before my child wakes up to do something that I enjoy. For example, I use the time to catch up with my favorite show, go for a walk or even meditate.

Another thing I've found helpful is to set realistic goals for myself. I aim to pursue my hobbies for a certain amount of time each week, rather than trying to do everything at once. This way, I don't feel overwhelmed, and I make steady progress.

Additionally, I've discovered that it's all about being flexible with my time. I try to have a rough plan for my day, but I am not too rigid with it. There are times when my child needs more attention than usual, and I know that it's okay to put aside my hobbies for the day to take care of my child.

And finally, I try to find hobbies that can be done at home, such as reading or knitting. This way, I am always ready to pick up my hobby whenever I get a few minutes of spare time.

In conclusion, it's vital for stay-at-home parents to find time for hobbies, but it can be a challenging task. It's crucial to set realistic goals, be flexible and find hobbies that can be done at home while still taking care of our little ones.

buckridge.gunner

Hey there fellow stay-at-home parent,

I completely understand where you are coming from. It can be challenging to find time for yourself and your hobbies while taking care of a little one. However, it is important to remember that taking care of yourself and pursuing your own interests can actually make you a better parent.

Personally, I have found that the early morning hours work best for me. I wake up an hour before my child does and use that time to practice yoga or read a book. This not only helps me start my day off on the right foot, but also gives me a sense of accomplishment before the day even begins.

Another thing that has worked for me is involving my child in my hobbies. For example, when I paint, I give my child some paper and crayons to color with next to me. This way, I can still pursue my hobby and spend time with my child at the same time.

Lastly, don't be afraid to ask for help. If you have a partner, ask them to take over for a bit so you can have some time for yourself. And if you have family or friends nearby, reach out to them and ask if they can help watch your child while you pursue your hobby.

Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your child. Good luck!

New to Kind Mommy Community?

Join the community