It is possible to be a good parent and get things done…

As parents, we have a zillion responsibilities. We have to work, cook, clean, pay bills, chauffeur, volunteer, help with homework – and that is just the tip of the iceberg! Add a child into the mix and we are lucky to get anything done. So how are we supposed to be a good parent who get things done, while giving our children the attention they need?

Get off your hamster wheel and listen to some of these tips!

You are still a good parent if you foster independent play

For some reason, our generation feels the need to over schedule and entertain our children at a level that far surpasses previous generations. I am guilty of this for sure! We pack our children’s days with outings, play dates and classes.

Some parents feel consumed with guilt when they are busy doing household responsibilities, while their children just sit around bored.

Throw your guilt out the window. Kids need down time. They need time to pretend. They need time to come up with creative, imaginative ways to entertain themselves. When we give them space and opportunity to do this, we are helping them grow and develop.

Kids also blossom when we foster their independence. To do this, you can have a reachable cabinet full of child-friendly art supplies ready to go. You can have toys sorted in accessible bins that encourage creative play. You can have stools conveniently located in child-friendly areas your child struggles to reach. The more your home is set up safely for independence, the more independent your children will become.

Feel like a good parent by scheduling quality time

You are human. You can’t do everything at once. Don’t get dizzy trying to give your child quality time all the while trying to be productive with other responsibilities.

Take breaks during your day where you spend quality time with your child. Stop what you are doing for a quick game of Candy Land. Take fifteen minutes to slow down and read a story.

Once your activity is over, set them up with an independent activity. Put play dough out, start them on an art project or take out their favorite toys. You will be surprised at how content your children will be when you fill them up with some quick quality time and then set them up with an independent activity.

Have Reasonable Daily Expectations

This may seem obvious, but set realistic expectations for yourself. You only have so many hours in the day. The more you try to cram into your schedule, the more stressed you are going to get. Your kids will feel your stress as well. You can help prevent this by spreading your responsibilities out throughout the week. Maybe you vacuum on Mondays or do shopping on Fridays. Whatever you do, don’t overload yourself.

Parenting is a constant balancing act. Hopefully, with these simple tips, you can start to feel more balanced!

What are your trick to keep your head above water? Leave a comment and share with the rest of us sinking parents!

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