Tapping Out {The Adult Time Out}

Ever have one of those days? You know what I’m talking about. Nothing went right at work and as soon as you picked up the kids and got home, all hell broke loose? Or maybe you’re a WAHM or SAHM and “witching hour” has been going on since 8 AM. And all you want is 15 to 30 minutes of quiet time to decompress. If you are anything like me (and most moms out there), you handle 99.9% of the responsibilities when it comes to child care and home. It’s normal to need a few minutes to yourself each day to balance out everything you are doing for everyone else.

In the ring of mommy hood, sometimes you just need to tap out and take some time for yourself.

This is one thing I can say my husband is much better at than me. In fact, you should probably emulate your husband’s expert level tap out skills. Husbands can disappear to the bathroom for 30 minutes or turn a “quick” store run into a two hour excursion – sans kids. Our husbands seem to be able to “tap out” from active parenting so easily, why can’t we? I’ve started mimicking the hubby’s tap-out behavior. Some nights, I do this by going out for a walk or run (by myself) after our son is finished eating dinner. A fifteen or twenty minute sunset walk/jog is amazingly replenishing for my soul. And I darn sure am not going to feel guilty for it.

Tapping out is essential to good parenting. Think of it as an adult time out.

Taking some quality, quiet time just for you is good for your soul and your stress levels. Whether it’s completing a quick workout routine at home, sneaking out to have a glass of wine with a neighborhood momma, or reading a book while soaking in the bath, find what works for you. I know some moms who jump in their car and head to the gym as soon as their husband walks through the door at night. Others are able to leave their kids with a nanny or neighborhood babysitter and go to a class or grab coffee with a friend. One recent evening, I ate dinner on my bedroom floor while drinking a glass of wine and watching This Is Us. My husband kept our toddler occupied in another room. I know after tapping out, I can wade back in with a better attitude and more patience than I had twenty minutes before. The bottom line is you have to find the tap out activity that is right for you and feel no guilt for doing it.

What do you do when you tap out? Comment below with your favorite “tap out” activity!

Amy Craft-Peltier
Amy was born and raised in Lafayette, LA. She attended UL Lafayette and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management. Amy works remotely for a healthcare company based out of Lafayette, LA. She and her husband Toby have two children - a rambunctious, loving boy and a sweet baby girl - and one dog. When she isn't working or spending time with her family, Amy enjoys quiet trips to Target, good food and, depending on the time of the day, coffee or wine.