How to Balance Creativity and Parenting
Balancing creativity and parenting is no easy feat but carving out time to draw, paint, sew or even learn a new creative skill can enhance your life tenfold.
I recently returned to painting with a course near my home, which helped remind me of my passions pre children. Rediscovering your former interests, helps boost your confidence and is a form of self-care in my book!
As parents, we are admittedly busy 24/7 and while our prime goal is to raise our children, honoring ourselves and our interests is important too. It helps us show up as our happiest selves.
Plus there are clever ways to nurture both parts of life – whether that’s picking up creative hobbies or finding accessible platforms that fit into tight schedules.
Ever felt like there’s no room for you in your daily routine? Yes? Then tag along as I share some quick ideas that could help.
Setting Aside Moments for Creativity in a Busy Household
Time is always short in this house! Caring for the family often takes center stage, as it should, leaving personal aspirations sidelined but you deserve to be happy too. A happy mum equals a happy family.
Finding small, deliberate pockets of time dedicated to your own pursuits be it writing, reading or learning, can totally transform your life. Even 10-minute windows while the kids play quietly or nap can open up a whole new world of creativity for you.
Consider Tools That Simplify Creative Pursuits at Home
Tech can be your friend.
Platforms like Canva simplify graphic design while those drawn to fashion or crafts, have many options. Being a dress maker online for example is now more accessible than ever, thanks to intuitive tools that allow you to design stunning outfits from the comfort of your home. These innovations bridge creativity with convenience in ways unthinkable just a decade ago.
Collaborate With Your Kids on Artistic Projects
Nothing is literally more satisfying to a parent than making something awesome from scratch together with your child. It’s the perfect bonding time, and being creative together nurtures young imaginations too.
Painting murals, crafting DIY holiday ornaments, or even baking uniquely designed cookies or cakes, transform regular days into shared artistic adventures.
What are hands-on activities? Well, think of building model towns out of recycled materials or creating storyboards for imagined tales. Perhaps putting together a family photo book? My children all love to paint and draw so we dedicate time to do that together as much as possible. We even visited a pottery shop to paint our own pottery figurines and homeware.
Tips for Reclaiming Your Passion Without Parental Guilt
Turn off the guilt. At times, you might feel caught between being present for your kids and pursuing the things that bring you joy but finding balance is possible with small adjustments:
- Combine creativity with caregiving: turn playtime into shared imaginative experiences. Painting together or building crafts ensures you’re engaged with your kids while exploring your own passion. I love drawing fairytales for my daughter that she colours in with her crayons.
- Set boundaries around personal time: block out short periods daily where creativity is prioritised, even if it’s just 15 minutes during quiet hours. Consistency keeps guilt at bay.
- Celebrate small victories: completing even a tiny project brings fulfillment and builds confidence over time.
- Remind yourself of benefits to kids: watching parents chase dreams teaches children persistence and value for personal passions – a lesson worth passing on!
Try Turning Everyday Tasks into Creative Opportunities
Everyday routines might seem ordinary, but they hold untapped creative potential. Why not reimagine dinner prep as an art project by designing themed plates or experimenting with food presentation? These moments can be more than just chores – they’re chances to create something memorable.
Home organization is another great outlet. Painting shelves or decorating storage bins transforms functionality into meaningful art décor for your living space. Even folding laundry creatively can add flair, like turning towels into fun shapes. Our favourites are swan towels!
Creativity and parenting doesn’t have to compete, they can complement one another. With small, intentional efforts, you can nurture both your artistic passions and familial bonds, proving that balance is possible even when life is busy! There’s also no shame in escaping to focus on your creativity be that an art class or learning a new skill. You deserve time out too!
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My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home and offers insight into how to create a digital business or return to work with confidence.
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