Finding “Me Time” When Juggling Parenting and Work

15 August 2025

Let’s be honest—when you're a parent and also trying to maintain your career, "me time" often feels like an elusive unicorn. You blink, and it’s 10 p.m. You’ve cleaned up dinner, helped with homework, soothed a meltdown, checked work emails, and somewhere in all that, forgot to eat your own dinner. Sound familiar?

So how do you find time for yourself when your to-do list is longer than a CVS receipt? You don’t need a time machine or a personal assistant (although both would be amazing). What you need is a shift in mindset, a few clever strategies, and a whole lot of grace.

In this post, we’re diving into realistic, guilt-free ways to carve out “me time” while balancing parenting and work. You deserve it. And more importantly, you need it.

Why “Me Time” Isn’t Just a Luxury—It’s Survival

Let’s clear something up right away: “Me time” isn’t selfish. It’s self-preservation. Think of it like charging your phone. When the battery runs out, nothing works, right? The same goes for you. When you're drained, parenting feels harder, work feels more exhausting, and your relationships can suffer.

Taking time for yourself isn't about escaping the chaos—it's about showing up as your best self in the middle of it.

The Guilt Trip: Why Parents Struggle to Prioritize Themselves

The guilt is real. Even when the kids are happily occupied, and work is under control, many parents still struggle with that nagging feeling: “Shouldn’t I be doing something more productive?”

Here’s a truth bomb: Rest is productive. So is joy. So is reading a book, drinking coffee alone, or taking a relaxing shower without someone yelling “MOMMMMM!”

The more you fill your own cup, the better you can pour into others'.

So, how do you actually make “me time” happen?

1. Redefine What “Me Time” Looks Like

If your idea of self-care is a week-long spa retreat, that sounds amazing—but also impossible right now. So let’s get practical. “Me time” doesn’t have to be long, lavish, or complex. It can be five minutes.

Yep, five glorious, uninterrupted minutes just for you.

Here are some bite-sized ideas:

- A hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up
- A walk around the block during lunch break
- Dancing in the kitchen to your favorite 90's hit
- Flipping through a magazine in the car (while parked!)

The key is being intentional. Carve out time—even tiny increments—and treat it like gold.

2. Wake Up Earlier (Yes, Really)

Okay, I know this one’s tough, especially if you already run on fumes. But hear me out: Waking up just 20 minutes earlier than everyone else can feel like a mini-vacation.

Use that time for anything that brings you peace. A quiet coffee. Gentle stretching. Journaling. Listening to a podcast that doesn’t involve kids songs or work topics.

It’s amazing how a few calm minutes in the morning can set the tone for a more grounded day.

3. Use Pockets of Time Wisely

Let’s bust another myth: You don’t need an entire free day to recharge. Most of us parents are running on snippets of time—so let’s use them wisely.

Waiting in the school pickup line? Listen to an audiobook.
Kids watching a cartoon? Do a quick meditation or power nap.
Work meeting wrapped up early? Take a walk instead of diving into the next task.

Time management as a parent looks a lot like time hunting. You find the little cracks in your day, and you slip in some self-care. Ninja-style.

4. Set Boundaries Like a Boss

This one's not always easy, especially if you're a people-pleaser. But setting boundaries is key to protecting your energy.

That might mean:

- Saying “no” to extra work when your plate is already full
- Being firm about bedtime routines so you get your evenings back
- Telling your partner you need 30 minutes without interruptions

Remember: Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re bridges to better relationships—with yourself and others.

5. Ask for Help (And Actually Accept It)

You aren’t meant to do everything alone. Ask your partner, a family member, or a trusted friend to step in so you can step out.

Even just one hour alone can feel like heaven if you haven’t had it in a while. No shame in needing a break—and definitely no guilt in taking it.

Pro tip: Create a regular swap with fellow parent friends. You watch their kids for an hour this week, they return the favor next week. Everyone wins.

6. Turn Chores Into “Me Time” Moments

I know, chores and fun don’t usually belong in the same sentence. But sometimes it’s about perspective. Throw on your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook while folding laundry or doing the dishes. Use the time to reconnect—with yourself.

Laundry can be mindless, sure. But that’s the perfect time to let your mind wander. You might get a great idea or simply enjoy not being yelled at for snacks.

7. Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time

There’s never going to be a perfect time. The house will always need cleaning. The emails will keep coming. The kids will always want something.

So don’t wait for everything to calm down to start taking care of YOU. Start small. Start now.

Even if it’s just locking the bathroom door and scrolling TikTok in peace for a few minutes (hey, no judgment here).

8. Schedule It In—Just Like Everything Else

If it’s not on the calendar, it probably won’t happen. So treat your “me time” like any other appointment. Block it off. Set a reminder. Add a recurring event each week.

When you schedule it, you’re saying: “This matters.” And it does.

9. Let Go of Perfection

Here’s a little truth bomb: You don’t have to be the perfect parent, employee, partner, or friend. You just have to be present—and being present starts with being well-rested, emotionally grounded, and mentally sane.

Spoiler alert: That doesn’t happen when you’re running on empty.

Give yourself permission to do less, rest more, and not feel guilty about it. You’re human, not a robot.

10. Create a “Me Time” Toolkit

Sometimes when you finally get a moment to yourself, you freeze. What should I do? Sleep? Read? Start that project?

It helps to have a go-to list of things that fill you up. Keep it simple and ready to go. Include relaxing and fun things.

Here are a few ideas for your toolkit:

- Favorite candle and cozy blanket for instant calm
- A good book or saved podcast episodes
- A quick yoga or breathwork video
- Snack stash or herbal tea
- Journal and a pen
- Coloring book (yes, really—it’s oddly soothing)

Having a pre-planned set of options makes it easier to jump into “me time” without overthinking it.

Final Thoughts: You're Worth It

Being a parent and juggling work is no small feat. You have a lot on your shoulders—and taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for your well-being.

It's not about having hours of solitude every day. It's about carving out intentional, nourishing moments whenever you can. Whether it’s five minutes or fifty, that time matters.

So promise yourself this: You’ll stop pushing your needs to the bottom of the list. You’ll say yes to things that bring you joy, and no to things that drain you. You’ll be your own best advocate.

Because when you take care of you, the whole house feels it.