Get "Me Time" by Giving Them Free Time

What You Need to Know

Moms need time to themselves and children need to learn to play independently. Here are guidelines, by age, from the National Association of Social Workers, to help you make the most of this time.

• Age One: Safety needs must be met.
• Age Two: The age of the child, and the child’s interests, must be taken into account.
• Age Three: The number of children must be considered.
• Age Four: Mom must put her guilt and some expectations aside.
• Age Five: Mom may have to lower her neatness standard.
• Age Six: Kids can be taught. Explain things to the kids when they are old enough to understand Mom’s need for some time.

For your child’s independent play time, you need to create a safe play area full of interesting things to do. Make sure your child understands the rules and the consequences for breaking those rules. 

• Fill it with books. If you’re creating a special place for your kids, you might as well encourage them to read at the same time! Spend some time looking through their books and have them pick which ones they’d like to keep there for independent play time.
• Ask for their input. If you’re preparing a spot in the kitchen for them to play while you work, ask which toys they’d like to keep in a special cabinet. If you’re making an area in the living room that will be just for the kids, have them help you name it and decorate it. “Let’s put some of your artwork on the wall. Which one would you like to put up?” “What should we call this comfy little spot?”

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