5 Parent Minutes A Day

Posted on Jul 6, 2014 | 0 comments

Whether you are a mommy or a daddy or a step parent, guardian, grandparent or foster parent it is so important to remember that you are a person too. As parents we are pulled in many different directions 24/7 and can easily forget to take some time for ourselves.

Claim Your 5 Parent Minutes A Day!!!

No one is going to give you even just 5 minutes. So you will have to TAKE them! And once you do, yes, even just 5 minutes a day, you will see how much more connected and together you feel.

I like to do to this after I put my kiddos in bed and they have been quiet for at least 20 minutes. I light a little candle, sit criss cross on the floor, hold my back and my head up straight (posture is very important here), close my eyes and just let my mind go for a blissful 5 parent minutes. I use this time to think about the day I’ve had, or the day I would like to have tomorrow and any changes I can make to better myself or my choices. Or any major issues going on. I use the candle as a signal to my brain that it is time to sit and meditate.

Other options are:

If you are an early riser, take 5 minutes before the kids or spouse gets up. Don’t pack lunch or get breakfast ready. Just give yourself 5 minutes, set a timer!
During nap. I am officially giving you permission – no I am insisting – that you drop that mop (or whatever you pick up to get done during your nuggets nap time)! Light a candle (this will help give your brain the message that it is time to meditate) set a timer for 5 minutes and let your mind go.
After you get the kids in bed (this is when I do it). As soon as everything is quiet, I light my candle, and give myself 5 minutes to think about what I want to think about.

If you happen to have kids who sleep only when you sleep I have a few ideas:

In my house we have a 1 hour a day tv or video game rule. If you have a similar one, as soon as they begin their one hour – TAKE YOUR 5 MINUTES!!!
If you don’t allow tv or video games at all (which is fine), set them up with their favorite independent game or if old enough have them do 15 minutes of reading. Set the timer for them and GO TAKE YOUR 5 MINUTES!!!
If none of the above applies to you, message me your situation and I will come up with a solution for you. I promise you, it can be done.

I think it best to try and work it in either in the morning or in the evening (or both if you can swing it!) instead of in the middle of a busy day. I find if you try to do this in the middle of the day, the focus is on what you need to do next or your long list for the day instead of on yourself – which is the whole point of the 5 minutes!

That being said, do what you have to do to get your 5 minutes!!

Breath deep, appreciate what you have and who you are. It will boost your happiness levels significantly and is a very simple lifestyle addition.

Cheers!
Malibu Mama Loves Xx