No parent can be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is not healthy for the parent, and it is not healthy for the child. While you know your baby better than anyone else, you need some breaks to recharge your energy and sometimes to reevaluate how to best approach challenges. Make a plan so that you have the little breaks that you need.

A Schedule That Works

It's possible to plan a realistic schedule that includes time for breaks. Think about the things that have to happen: meals, baths, relaxation, sleep, housework, necessary appointments, etc. Create a schedule with time for the necessary things.

Keep your child's physical needs and stamina in mind as you plan. Look for the times in the schedule that your child will be resting or away from home. Use some of this time for your breaks. Taking a needed break is much more important than adding another task to your schedule.

Schooltime

Because early childhood programs (special education for preschoolers) begin at age three, school time is an especially important break time. Plan your appointments, part-time work, and errands during this time. Even with a packed schedule (the days go quickly), schedule a little break for yourself. If might mean 15 minutes at a park with a cup of coffee before you head off to work … Do it! You need a break like everyone else.

Parent Tradeoffs

Parents need two kinds of breaks. They need breaks together to stay close and plan for the future. They also need breaks individually. Parent tradeoffs are one way to set up little breaks from the responsibility of all of the children.

If you are the parent on break, make sure you are taking a break for yourself and not just rushing to get things done for the family. You could:

• Read a book.

• Take a nap.

• Chat on the phone or the Internet.

• Take a walk.

• Have a cup of coffee and do nothing.

• Enjoy a hobby.

• Shop.

• Go to lunch with your friends.

Parent tradeoff breaks can happen while one parent is on kitchen detail or watching a movie with the kids. It can happen for a longer period of time such as a whole evening or weekend.

Remember that you can even take a break in another room of the house. Work with your spouse and your children to respect the time that you need. It is a healthy habit for them to learn from you.

Friends and Family

Friends and family can offer small breaks. Sometimes, they might be the child care providers for you when you are not at home. They can provide the same in-house breaks for you that your spouse does. If there is a dire need for you, then you are under the same roof. Chances are, though, that everyone will get along just fine.