Ok, so I see a lot of people around and even talk to a few of them and I always wonder if my family is different? I have small children and they always seem to know when I am about to get on a work call, talk to another parent or just need some time to myself. I am a very hands on mom and I will play with my children when they ask me, but when do I get a chance to play?

The answer is as always the good old balance of life, children and time for yourself. I recently spoke on stress and asked the audience the amount of time you should devote to yourself, most people especially parents say the most 25% but actually it should be 50% and I think I need to clarify that the 50% need to waking hours!

So, how is this done! One of the first things I ever learned in my Master’s program or one of the first things I remember is that you need to always work on yourself, then your relationship, then your children. Hello, how is that possible? I think so. Lets work on the steps.

1. Remove the guilt that is involved in parenting and stop feeling guilty all the time for either just taking time for yourself or even
spending money on yourself. Remember the guilt means you are a good parent!

2. Find someone else to watch your children. No, they will not be the same as you, you will need to let go and remember that it is good for
them and you to be with others.

3. Ask someone on a date! Find another parent that you connect with and hang out.

And remember that you are a better person when you are a calmer person! Be calm and be a good parent at the same time. Get away from your children so you can work on yourself and develop friendships that will make you happy.