A little explorer who joins the family becomes the absolute protagonist of every day. Especially at the beginning, children need everything—we know this well—and we parents fall into a routine completely focused on their needs. But children grow up, and even moms and dads start to feel the need to take their lives back into their own hands.

A coffee with friends without talking about children, a walk downtown without having to push a stroller: they may seem like simple, perhaps superfluous things, yet sometimes they become more necessary than ever. But how do you do it? Because simply deciding to do it isn't enough to take some time for oneself . It must be organized; you certainly can't improvise, and above all, you need to break out of the stereotype of the “bad parent”: no, good mothers are not bad if they feel the need to take a little break from family commitments.

Why is it important to take time for oneself

Becoming a parent is a big change: suddenly, your attention is no longer focused on your needs but on those of your baby. Your daily routine is suddenly marked by many duties, and everything you used to do in a normal day before the birth is no longer taken for granted.

Doing sports or pursuing your hobbies suddenly becomes a challenge. But that doesn't mean you have to give them up altogether. Moving away from your child can be very helpful, for many reasons : first of all, it allows you to recharge your batteries and to dedicate time to yourself, because taking care of a child is wonderful, but it is also a job—and it also allows you to switch off mentally. You need to understand that even though you have become a mother (or a father! It applies to both parents), you are still a person with your own interests and needs.

A run, a chat with a friend, or a bit of shopping can help you relax—and when you're relaxed, you'll feel even better with your child. A happy mom or dad makes for happy parents. Personal fulfillment is essential for passing on a sense of serenity to your child, but not only. By following your example, when your child is a little older, they will understand that they should not neglect themselves in order to become a fulfilled and accomplished individual tomorrow, in every aspect of life.

How to carve out time for yourself

Whether you are a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, it doesn't really matter—we know, because being a parent is a very demanding job. But we also said that this doesn't mean you shouldn't have some time for yourself, right? Well, finding it is certainly not easy, but it's not impossible either. How? Let's try together, step by step.

1. Listen First of all, take a moment to pause and listen to yourself to understand what activities you truly want to do in your free time: what do you need right now? Sleep? A walk? A manicure? Think about it—this will help you set a goal. In the time you decide to dedicate, do something that truly makes you feel free, something that allows you to clear your mind. This is the right way to truly give meaning to this space that you will take entirely for yourself.
   

2. Get organized. Organization is everything for a parent, but we know well that we parents are capable of fitting in commitments and appointments like the best magicians. Can't find an hour free? Come on, we know you can. Choose a day when you're slightly less busy, write down all the things to do on a piece of paper, and then identify the best moment for you to “leave the ship,” at least for an hour.
   

3. Ask for help. Whether it's your partner, grandma, grandpa, uncles, friends, or a nanny, find someone who can take care of your child during the time you've decided to dedicate to yourself.
   

4. Don't be a Wonder Woman. Some things can wait, at least for once. Are you afraid that the laundry will pile up? Patience—it won't be that hour that changes your life, and your peace of mind matters more than that pile of dirty clothes.
   

5. Trust. No one knows your child better than you do, we know, but in that hour or two that they will spend away from you, no irreparable tragedy will happen. Will they get hungry? If you breastfeed, express some milk; otherwise, leave a snack. In any case, remember that the person you asked for help was chosen by you, and at the very least, you must trust them.
   

But in the meantime, what will the child do?

Of course, a lot depends on the age of your little one and the amount of time you spend away, but rest assured that your little one won't get bored. The grandparents will definitely shower them with cuddles, and if they spoil them a little, don't worry—it's part of the joy of being pampered by grandparents. If you'll be away a bit longer, you can leave your little explorer's favorite toys, a fairy tale book to read together, or a nice box of colored pencils with some sheets of paper for them. Don't forget the stroller: the best remedy for a crying little explorer is always a nice walk outdoors. And you'll see—before you know it, they'll be back in your arms again.