Nina's Blog

Dear Parent: It’s Okay to Need Time for Yourself

Parents and child

We get it. As a parent, you love your child more than words can express. You’d do anything for them. But sometimes, you just need a moment to breathe. And not because you’re super busy, drowning in work, or running endless errands—sometimes you just need you time.

Maybe you’ve been feeling a bit guilty for wanting that space, thinking that because you’re not overbooked or juggling 10 things at once, you shouldn’t need it. After all, shouldn’t parents want to spend every waking minute with their kids? Isn’t that what “good” parents do?

Let’s pause right there.

The truth is, wanting time for yourself doesn’t mean you don’t want to be with your child. It doesn’t make you a bad parent, and it doesn’t mean you love your little one any less. It means you’re human. Parenting is beautiful, but it’s also constant. It’s okay to step back and recharge.

Needing Time for Yourself Is Not Selfish—It’s Healthy

There’s this myth floating around that to be a good parent, you have to sacrifice every single second of your day, always putting your child first, even when you’re exhausted. But here’s the reality: parenting is about balance. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family.

Maybe it’s as simple as wanting an uninterrupted hour to read a book, soak in the bath, or just sit in peace and enjoy a cup of coffee while it’s still hot. Whatever it is, those moments are essential to your mental health and happiness. When you take care of yourself, you’re able to show up as the best version of yourself for your child.

But What Will My Child Think?

Let’s squash another common fear: the idea that taking time for yourself will somehow harm your relationship with your child. The opposite is true. When your child sees that you value self-care, they learn that it’s okay to prioritize their own needs too.

Children benefit from seeing their parents practice balance. It teaches them that it’s normal to have different roles—sometimes you’re the caregiver, and sometimes you’re just you. And let’s face it, your child loves the recharged, refreshed version of you just as much as you do. Taking that little bit of time for yourself can make all the difference in your energy and patience when you’re back in the parenting role.

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Asking for help, whether that’s from a partner, family member, or babysitter, doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable. It means you’re being realistic. We all need help sometimes, and it’s not a reflection of how much you love your child—it’s a reflection of how much you understand your own needs.

If you’ve never considered hiring a babysitter because you’re not “busy” enough to justify it, let us tell you this: You don’t need to be swamped with tasks to deserve a break. You don’t need to have a packed schedule to need an hour (or more) to yourself. Sometimes, you just need a babysitter so you can press pause on the constant motion of parenting.

A Friendly Hand When You Need It

Here at Nina’s Sitters, we totally understand that parenting is a 24/7 job, and that sometimes, you just need a breather. Maybe you’re not prepping for a big meeting or running to the grocery store for the third time this week. Maybe you just need some quiet to sit, think, and be with yourself. And that’s okay.

We’re not here to tell you that hiring a babysitter should be your go-to fix every time you need a break (though we’ll always be here if you do!). We’re here as a friend, ready to step in whenever you need it, without judgment or pressure.

Our sitters aren’t just about taking care of your child so you can tick items off your to-do list. They’re here to give you the time you need to be the best parent and person you can be. Even if that means simply stepping out for a walk or taking a nap in your own home while someone else plays with the Legos for a while.

You Deserve to Feel Like You Again

Remember, parenting isn’t about being everything to everyone at all times. It’s about showing up for your child in the best way you can, and sometimes, that requires taking a step back to take care of yourself. So, if you’re feeling like you need a moment—whether it’s five minutes of peace or an entire afternoon—know that it’s okay to take that time.

We’re here for you when you’re ready. And in the meantime, we just want to remind you that needing time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s self-care. It’s balance. It’s what will make you a better parent in the long run.

We see you, we understand you, and we’re here for you—because being a parent is hard work, and sometimes you just need a break. And that’s perfectly okay.

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