How to Find Time Alone as a Stay-At-Home Mum | Mum In The Madhouse

How to Find Time Alone as a Stay-At-Home Mum

As a stay-at-home mum, finding time alone can be difficult. As the kids are so used to being with you 24/7, getting any alone time can be a chore in itself. We all need time alone, and this includes your kids and partner too. Having alone time can help you to reset and get things done. If you need some help, here are a few tips on finding that precious alone time when you are a stay-at-home mum.

The Importance of Alone Time

We cannot spend every hour with our kids. Although we may love them to pieces, there comes a time where mummy needs some peace and quiet and some time alone with her thoughts. This is not a selfish thing to think; it is not normal to never have a moment alone. When you stay at home, it can be even harder to find this alone time.

Alone time should not consist of doing the dishes, cleaning the house, or ironing clothes. Alone time should be about doing something for you and you alone. This may be reading a book, starting a hobby, doing some yoga, or even having a nap. For your own mental health and to be able to give your very best to your kids, you need alone time.

Create a Schedule

Whilst anyone with kids understands that a schedule doesn’t always go to plan, trying to schedule your days as much as possible can help with finding alone time. Creating a schedule where your kids have their own play time, nap time, or time playing outdoors with the neighbours can offer you the chance to spend some time with yourself. Finding alone time in your schedule is essential, so make sure to make time every day.

Speak to Your Partner

If you have a partner that works outside of the house, chances are they want to come in from a day at work and relax too. From the outside, it can seem as though staying at home all day is an easier job, but it certainly isn’t. Talk to your partner if you have any concerns or if you need them to help out a little more when they come in. You don’t have to ask for every night alone, but even just having your partner take the kids to the park for an hour after work can give you some time alone.

Let them know your concerns about having alone time – they will understand. It may be that they also want their alone time and once the kids are in bed, you can hang out in different rooms for a night, doing your own thing. Although you may not get to see each other much, alone time, even from each other, is the key to a lasting relationship

Don’t Waste Your Alone Time

Once you get alone time, be sure not to waste it. Many mums get those few minutes, or hours of peace, and don’t know what to do with it. Your alone time should be just that, and this also means staying away from social media apps. Even if you are scrolling alone, you will likely not feel fulfilled once the time is over, and you won’t have had time with your thoughts. Screen time and alone time don’t need to be one and the same, although it’s okay to incorporate a screen if you are doing something you enjoy.

If you aren’t sure what to do with your alone time, think about what you used to do before the kids. This could be joining an online yoga class, getting into knitting or painting, or even meditation. If you enjoy playing games, you might want to visit an online casino. Online Casinos have a list of the 10 best UK online casinos you can check out if you aren’t sure where to start. Here you can find the best welcome bonuses and extra spins, so you can spend some of your alone time having some fun and trying to win big. Visit the following link for more info: https://www.onlinecasinos.co.uk/.

Lock the Door

Sometimes when we have our alone time, it can help to simply lock the doors. This may not be wise if you are the only adult in the house, but if your partner is watching the kids downstairs, simply locking the door can stop any interruptions. Even if you tell your child or your partner that you having some time alone, this may not stop them coming into the room. If you need time to find a relaxing space, locking the door is a warning to your kids that you are not to be disturbed. This is definitely something to bear in mind if you want a relaxing bath without constant interruptions.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries for yourself and your kids can help them to know when you are available and when you aren’t. Whilst we want to be there for our kids, they can wait a few minutes if you are in the middle of doing something for you. Not everything needs to be constant, and from day one your kids need to know you are not there to meet every small need. You will always be there for them but they need to understand the importance of alone time for themselves too. This will promote their independence from an early age.

This also means setting boundaries for yourself and giving yourself a break. The dishes need to be done, the kids are asking what’s for dinner and you haven’t had a moment’s peace since 6am. Order that takeaway, cook some freezer food, have toast and cereal for tea! Sometimes it’s okay to let something else slide if we need a break. Don’t beat yourself up for it, as alone time can be just as important as a homecooked meal.  

Finding alone time as a stay-at-home mum is vital to keeping yourself sane and teaching your kids boundaries. Schedule your days, as it can help a lot to have a plan of action. If you need help, speak to your partner. Once you do get your time alone, lock the door and do something just for you. Nobody said it was easy, but alone time is possible, even as a stay-at-home mum.