1. Separate Child And Adult Areas

You’re trying to chill out in your home but there are toys all over the sofa, toys all over the floor, toys in the bathroom when you want to take a bath and toys all over your bed. The play room or toy corner can quickly take over infiltrating all areas in the home. I think it’s important for parents to have at least a small space in the home that they can feel relatively ‘normal’ and peaceful. You’ve worked hard and deserve to chill on a nice clear sofa watching your TV shows or whatever you like to do. Having a designated toy room or corner with organisation tubs that toys must be placed in at the end of the day can really help to contain the toy clutter from entering adult areas. If you find that you’re always surrounded by the kid’s things it may be time to do a sort out of old toys, toys they don’t play with anymore or toys you just don’t have room for. Limiting the clutter is one way of creating adult spaces but another way is to start implementing a toy clearing routine into your days. At the end of the day before TV time etc, children should make sure their toys are back in the kids section.

2. Boundaries At Bedtime

When it’s past the kids bedtime, that is time for YOU. Clear boundaries are important. This is especially true with older children and teenagers who push the bedtime boundary and stay up later. This is not the time for their music, or their presence in your space (unless you want it of course!). It’s helpful to get your child into a routine of recognising your need for time at the end of a day to unwind. During this time they can read books in bed or go on their phones.

3. Don’t Forget Your Friends

Remember those old school friends or the mates you made in university? The friends you said you would meet up with but never got round to it? Reach out to them! Having friends round is a great way to de-stress your life momentarily. It gives you a release where you can laugh about problems, share experiences and have a good old catch up with familiar faces that are actual adults rather than children! Don’t fall into the trap of cutting yourself off from the external world because your sole focus is on your family. Humans are social creatures and one day when your kids are all grown up and flying the nest, you’ll wish you kept in contact more with some of those friends.

4. You Time

Whatever your preference is for your ‘you’ time, do it. Some days you may want to stay in snuggle up watch TV shows and others you’ll be looking for a babysitter like me to have an evening out. You can’t be there for your family if you’re not there for yourself. Lord knows that if I’m over working myself, burnt out and overthinking then I become moody and SO resentful of the people around me. Incorporate ‘you’ time into your day and make it a non-negotiable! Mums and Dads need a break, let yourselves rest.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or topics you would like me to discuss in future blogs please send an email to: nannyemmyquestions@gmail.com