From watching your toddler become more independent to hearing him or her say, "I love you too," at the end of a day, parenting is filled with blessings.
But having time to yourself isn't one of them. In fact, the demands of being a parent can be so consuming that—unless you're careful—it's all too easy to neglect caring for yourself.
But if you're running on empty, you're not doing yourself—or your child—a favor. Look at it like this: How can you truly nurture your youngster if you yourself are emotionally or physically depleted?
To recharge, consider these tips from the American Academy of Family Physicians and other leading experts:
Take breaks. Every mom and dad needs time off from parenting once in a while. So give yourself some downtime by hiring a babysitter. Or swap child care responsibilities with your partner, and take turns sleeping late on weekends. Visit a friend while your partner watches your youngster, and then return the favor. You get the idea.
If you're a single parent, don't be bashful about asking another adult to step in and relieve you. It could be a relative, friend or another solo parent. Show your appreciation by helping out your helper at a later time.
Relax a little at work too. If you're employed, take breaks at work. For example, spend a few minutes every now and then doing some deep breathing or relaxation exercises. You'll feel more refreshed when you return home. And you'll be better able to focus on your child. Short breaks can also make you more efficient on the job.
Move. Exercise may be the best recharger of all. If you have child care, exercise on your own. If not, do something active with your child. Take a walk, kick a soccer ball together or explore a park. You might also look for a fitness or community center that provides child care.
Take time to connect with others. Make playdates for your child and use the time to visit with other parents. Parks, libraries, organized playgroups and other community programs are also great places for kids to meet. And they can be great for you too. You’ll need to be nearby to supervise, of course, but you’ll have some time to relax a bit. Chat with other parents, read a book, or just enjoy a few minutes off your feet.
Have the whole family pitch in at home. Your child is now old enough to help put away toys or bring dirty plates to the sink after dinner. Yes, most of the work will still fall to the adults and any older siblings in your family. But you're teaching your child to be responsible. That will lighten your load—especially in the long run.
Reviewed 10/7/2025