10 ways to enjoy child free time without feeling guilty
Guilty as charged. Not really. Why do we feel guilty whenever we contemplate leaving our child to do something that we want to do. We really shouldn’t. When you’ve been pregnant for 9 months or so, and then had a baby stuck to you for a further six months, there is nothing wrong from wanting a little time away.
As much as we love them and want to spend every minute with them. We all need a little break away to regain some sanity and to remember who we once were before children. I’m not saying days away, or even a full day, just a few hours away to avoid that guilty feeling. If you’re breastfeeding it’s not always possible to take a full day away, as much as you might want to. So I wanted to share 10 ideas with you for taking a couple of hours away from the children guilt-free.
Enjoy a few hours in a spa
This doesn’t need to be anything extravagant involving fancy treatments or massages. It could just be spending time in a steam room or sauna, or having a manicure or pedicure. This will take a couple of hours, and hopefully leave you glowing or give you painted nails that you well and truly deserve.
Go shopping
It’s really hard to go shopping with a baby or toddler. I found there was always a small window when they weren’t crying or wanted feeding. Or if they are of toddler age, going to the shops is a no-no. Whether you have money to spend or not, spend a few hours browsing the rails and trying on the latest fashion trends.
Have your haircut
If you’re like me and have highlights you will know that a good half day is required at the hairdressers. It’s something that we must do, to keep that barnet under control and to prevent feeling like you’re letting yourself go. So, ask the hubby or a friend to look after the baby for a few hours whilst you let yourself be pampered with a quiet cup of tea.
Go to the cinema
There is something I find a little weird about going to the cinema by yourself, but the more I think about it, the more I like the sound of it. When was the last time you went to the cinema? Can you remember? I can’t, unless it was to “It’s a scream” with a 4-month old. Watching a film is a great way to take time out from the little one and your phone.
Enjoy afternoon tea with friends
This will take some organisation, and it could be something you do with your NCT group or toddler group Mums. It’s always nice to have something in the diary, and what could be better than afternoon tea. It’s a great change to catch up in a lovely setting without having to worry about feeding a baby, or a toddler running around.
Go for a long walk
There is nothing better than a long walk to clear the mind, and to have a little escape from the house. It doesn’t need to be miles and miles, but just a few hours to have some time for yourself. You could find a nice coffee shop enroute, or stop in a park to read a book in the sunshine.
Attend a conference
When we become Mums there’s a stigmatism that we stop using our brains. Maternity leave is a brilliant time to learn something new, or to boost your skills that you can take back to the workplace on your return. There are so many conferences that you can attend from leadership to photography. It’s also a brilliant confidence booster, plus you might meet a few like minded individuals too.
Go to the gym or for a run
This might seem like a chore to some, but if you loved going to the gym before having a baby, then arrange with your partner that on a certain night of the week, it’s your gym or running night. It will give you something to look forward to during the day, and make you feel great afterwards.
Have an afternoon with the girls drinking cocktails or cocktail making
Just like afternoon tea why not arrange an afternoon with the girls at a cocktail bar. It’s great to unwind and de-stress, and let your hair down a little. I’m not condoning drinking here at all in the afternoon, but a cocktail or two will be ok. Or make it an evening activity. Or if someone is not able to leave their house, then why not bring the cocktails to them.
Enjoy a long bubble bath
Last but not least this is the ultimate way to chill out and enjoy some time away from the children. Just make sure your partner is on duty, and that “Do Not Disturb” sign is on the door. It’s all well and good that you haven’t left the house, just in case there’s a mega meltdown, but your partner needs to realise that you are having your time. Make sure to take a book, a candle and some bubbles with you.
So those are 10 ways to enjoy child free time without feeling guilty. They should only take a couple of hours (or less) and really there is nothing wrong with taking time out away from the children.
When was the last time you stole a couple hours away, and what did you do?
Claire x
2 Comments
Karen, the next best thing to mummy
I think parents always feel guilty, no matter what we do, which is why I have written a post on why parents shouldn’t feel guilty about using child care
The Pramshed
I know it’s bad that we feel that way, I felt the same. We shouldn’t feel bad about it, childcare is so good for them x