Mummy Milli

Often when Monkey is napping I try to take time for myself, now that he is a bit older I have that luxury. When he was little, it was the only chance I had to clean up or start dinner so I was always working. That’s why I find this time so valuable right now. 

Monkey is great at playing by himself, without the option of TV he has had to get creative and he currently has an attention span long enough for me to at least start or sometimes complete a task. Books will often keep him occupied for 10 – 20 minutes.

I had the thought recently that because I often take this whole time for myself, and by ‘for myself’ I mean showering while listening to the Hypnobirthing tracks, working on the blog and occasionally I will sit down for 20 minutes with a book, I have less quality time with Monkey. 

I use the time he is awake to do the dishes, organise dinner and in general tidy the house. He doesn’t suffer through this, he has lots to do around the house and often helps with dinner as he has his own knife and chopping board along with it being easy enough to include him in other tasks like putting all the vegetables I chopped up in a bowl, helping pour the spices, and chopping up the soft vegetables or fruits. 

However, today I decided to do those tasks, and just spend some time playing with Monkey when he woke up. He loved it. Having my undivided attention for an extended period of time. I do find toddler games a little tedious after a while but I am lucky, as Monkey has a wonderful vocabulary and so on top of the games we can have a conversation that interests me enough. When its time for a break we just read books, Monkey loves books so this is almost always a great choice for both of us. 

Parenting, for me, is about balance and making sure you have what you need to show up well for yourself, your partner and your family. Sometimes it is worthwhile stopping and just giving your whole to whatever activity the child wants. This is often the time I realise just how much Monkey is learning, how his language is developing but also the role playing games really show off the emotional development happening. These things can be hard to see when we get caught up in the basic stress of life. 

I am so glad I have the opportunity to be at home with Monkey two days a week and get to have some time to myself in his naps, and I will continue to take that time for myself as it is precious and fleeting. The occasional times I do the chores in that break are really worth it though.

How do you balance your life? Parenting, chores, work, self and relationships, there is just so much to do, how do you find the time?