Mama, you deserve to rest too

When my boys were little, our evenings followed a simple but sacred rule: everyone went to their rooms at 8 PM. They didn’t have to go to sleep — they could read, build Lego masterpieces, or just quietly unwind — but from 8 to 9 PM, that hour belonged to me.

It wasn’t about neglecting them or needing to “escape.” It was about survival — and sanity. That one quiet hour gave me the space to exhale after a full day of noise, questions, and chaos. I could pick up my journal, work on a small project, or pour a glass of wine and just be. That little pocket of peace reminded me that before I was “Mom,” I was a person with thoughts, dreams, and energy that needed to be recharged.

As parents, we often talk about rest like it’s a luxury, something we’ll get “someday” when the kids are older. But the truth is, rest is a form of self-care — and it’s one of the most important ones. Without it, our patience runs thin, our creativity dims, and our joy starts to feel out of reach.

Self-care doesn’t have to mean bubble baths or weekend getaways (though those are wonderful). Sometimes it’s as simple as giving yourself permission to stop for a moment — to rest, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. For me, that one hour a night became a boundary that protected not just my peace, but my ability to show up as a better, calmer mom the next day.

If you’re a parent struggling to find balance, start small. Create a window of quiet time — even 15 or 30 minutes — where the world can wait. Maybe your kids play independently, maybe you trade off with your partner, or maybe you simply declare that bedtime is also your time. Whatever it looks like, make it non-negotiable.

The truth is, our kids are watching. When we prioritize our own rest, we’re teaching them something powerful: that it’s okay to slow down. That taking care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s responsible. It’s what allows us to keep giving from a place of love, not exhaustion.

So tonight, after the dishes are done and the house is quiet, take a moment just for you. Pour that glass of wine, open that book, sit in silence — whatever your version of rest looks like. You deserve it, and your future self will thank you for it.

Because when you rest, you’re not stepping away from your family — you’re refilling the energy it takes to love them well.