Parenting is a job that does not offer paid personal days.  Heck, you can’t even get an unpaid day off.  Realistically, every parent needs to make time for a little “Me Time.” 

Most moms and dads think they are being good parents, because they never take time off.  They spend every waking moment working to provide for their kids, thinking about their kids, spending quality time with their kids, and doing things for their kids.  Doing so definitely makes for an overtired, stressed out parent, but not necessarily a good one.

Parents have to take time for themselves in order to rest, stay healthy, and rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and spirits.  A refreshed parent is more likely to give his or her children true quality time.  The refreshed parent is more relaxed and can cope better with daily demands and even inconveniences or annoyances. 

The stressed parent is always tightly wound and ready to snap like a broken rubber band.  We don’t do ourselves or our children any good when we are that uptight. 

So, now you have permission.  Take some “Me Time.”  Visit a friend, take a bath, go for a walk, touch base with a long distance relative, go out for lunch or coffee, go shopping, or read a great book.  Do whatever it is you like to do, as long as it’s something just for you and it has nothing to do with parenting. 

You’re worth it, and your children will definitely thank you for it.