Parents NEED to spend time away from their children, how much is enough?

Question

Does anyone agree with this statement?

How much time is needed away from the kids?

Does working full-time mean you're already taking the time or do you deserve additional time away?

Answer 1

I work full time and I actually do get some "relief" at work. I get grown up time, I don't have to wipe anyone's butt (not literally anyway) and I get to fill my hours chatting with you nice folks...so yes I think time at work is time away...



However, every now and then (and I mean every couple of months) I'll take an afternoon off and scrapbook or deep clean my house or take care of some of the nagging chores that I haven't been able to get off my plate that are really bugging me....and I can't even put into words the relaxation and sense of accomplishment that comes from that.



The "me" time for me doesn't even really mean relaxy girly stuff like a spa day or a hair appointment...for me it's the stuff that has been back burnered because I'm busy with my little ray of sunshine..and sometimes "nap time" just isn't enough time to get it all done...so to be able to knock out stuff that's been nagging me and needing to be done is great...and taking care of that type of stuff isn't always possible with baby around or when I'm at work.



So yes I think sometimes you do need to take a day or an afternoon even ....just to reset...whatever that means for you.

Answer 2

I am a SAHM. I feel like my time is in the evenings after my kids are in bed. They all go down at 8 pm and that gives me at least 2 hours do relax and enjoy the quiet. My husband and I go out without our kids maybe every two months or so for dinner. I occasionally get to go to the grocery store by myself, which is a huge treat for me lol! If my husband is home or I have someone watching the kids, I usually end up taking at least one with me though. It gives us some one on one time and I thoroughly enjoy it!



I think it depends on the mom, each person has their own set of limits and knows how much time they need away.

Answer 3

My husband and I have a 3 year old daughter, and she is FABULOUS! She's very laid back, and content. That being said, there are times I do need time for me. I work full-time, 40+ hours a week. This does not count as time for yourself.



If you feel like you need time, take it. It does not make you a "bad" parent; in fact, chances are, you'll feel recharged and refreshed.



As for how much is enough, that's probably up to you. I like to read a book or just take a nap. Sometimes that's enough. Other times, my parents will come get her for the weekend. By the time she gets back, I miss her SO much! Time away definitely works for us.



Good luck!

Answer 4

I think if your work full time than that's a pretty good amount of time away from them. I do think you deserve an occasional night out. I however have my kids all the time. Grandparents are usually to busy to watch them, the other grandparents have their own life and could care less. I would like a little time even if it was a couple of hours just to go eat a quiet dinner with my husband. we all need a little time to ourselves.

Answer 5

Parents don't NEED to spend time away from the kids but it is good to do it, just because some one has kids does not mean their life stops, time away from the kids is good for the adult.



I go to movies by myself every now and then, well that is more because I am tired of missing the last 10 minutes of every movie because my daughter has to go to the bathroom!! LOL

Answer 6

I think it depends on the person. I work part time, and the weeks that I'm mostly home I do sometimes feel like I need a couple of hours away to re-charge. I feel less that way when I'm working more. It doesn't happen all that often, but I do try to get out for a couple of hours on the weekend when I'm feeling burned out.

Answer 7

I agree. I'm writing back to this one too.



However much time you need, but you still need time to satisfy your childs needs, such as feed them, give them proper shelter, and love , before you put time in for yourself. You should love your children enough to put them in front of you, which you probobly do. You should take time for yourself over the weekend, go out on a saturday,but also do something with them. Working full tie isnt taking time , you deserve additional time , deffinetly !

Answer 8

It honestly depends upon the person and the job or career that the said person has...if you have a "stress free" job that you really like then some may view it as spending some time alone away from kids because that is the only time they actually get to do so....

I do believe that it is important to keep mommy time and "amber" time separate...my kids know mommy...they don't know "amber"

Answer 9

Yes, I agree.

Parents need time away from their kids and work doesn't count.

Each parent also needs time away from the the other parent.

Once per week, the Dad should be allowed to go spend the evening with his male friends shooting basketball or playing cards and the Mom needs at least once per week where her evening is spent with her lady friends having some fun. It's important for your kids to see that your life doesn't revolve around them. It's also good for the kids to see each parent getting their emotional needs met by their adult friends rather than from their kids. It's also good for the kids to see their parents having friends and fun because it teaches the kids that having friends and fun is okay.

Answer 10

I think the only time you need away from the kids is natural time, like school time, bed time, or their playtime if they play away from you and any other natural away time, but to artificially manufacture away time does not seem wrong, try this site for more professional advice http://blogit4me.com/

Answer 11

usually i get 3 days a month. and id say at work is a break. but then again i dont have a job lol. yet

Answer 12

Who says parents need to spend time away from their kids? I haven't yet.