Tips for Finding Free Time as a New Dad
With a new baby in the house, you’re expected to do it all. Diapers, feeding, cleaning; all of these things can be exhausting. And when you finally think you’re about to get a bit of rest, the crying begins. A recent study found that new dads get only about 26 minutes of “me time” per day, which is barely enough to catch the latest episode of your favorite show
Hopefully your partner shares the responsibility, but chances are that you’re doing a hell of a lot more. While it’s no doubt that you enjoy your baby (hopefully) you also need time to yourself, just to keep your sanity. Check out these tips on how to stay sane and get some time for yourself.
Hire a Helper
Is there a kid that lives down the street from you that isn’t old enough to babysit your newborn on their own, but old enough for a little bit of responsibility? Have that kid come over and work as a fathers’s helper, which is essentially a babysitter that comes over when you’re home.
Even if this father's helper comes over after school for an hour twice a week, it’s free time you can look forward to. And you won’t have the stress of worrying about leaving your baby alone, since you’ll be there the whole time. Use that hour or two to sleep, read, or design your entry for the baby on board contest. Whatever you do, do it for yourself, and relax.
Try and set a schedule and keep to it, so you can plan for your free time each week. This won’t cost you much, and it’s absolutely worth every penny if you’re able to get some R&R.
Use Your Weekends
If your partner doesn’t work on the weekends, take advantage of it. Make them understand that you essentially work full time and more during the week with all your responsibilities as a new mother. Demand (although do it nicely) that your partner watches the baby, while you do whatever it is you want.
Don’t feel guilty about taking me time on the weekend, and try and get as much of it as you can. Whether that means shopping alone or getting some drinks with your friends, make sure you get time each weekend just for yourself to relax.
Weekly Date Night
In order to not go crazy and maintain a strong relationship with your partner, designate a weekly date night for the both of you to go out. Do your best to keep to it each week, so you two can enjoy peace and quiet in each other’s company.
Even if this means ordering a pizza after the baby has gone down for the night, make sure you stick to it every week. Even a walk down to the ice cream shop while your neighbor watches the sleeping baby for a few minutes can do wonders for a stressed relationship.
Image credit: adventuresinmommyhood.net
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