Three Things You Can Get Done While Your Kids Nap

Those magical words… it’s naptime.

We love our kids, seeing the world through their eyes, watching them learn, grow and change but there’s no denying that they are exhausting. When naptime comes around every day, you’ll catch yourself thinking that they look better sleeping, so peacefully and quietly!

When our kids are asleep it’s often our first chance of the day to check something off our ever-growing to-do lists or just to take a minute for ourselves (which is equally important) because as we all know, a happy parent is a better parent.

So here are three things you can get done while your kids nap!

Make yourself a proper meal.

How often do you find yourself making a meal from the leftovers on your kid’s plates? We know it’s in the nature of motherhood to be self-sacrificing but, crusts and half-chewed veggies do not make a meal! So, while your kids are napping, make yourself a proper meal. Eat the stuff they don’t like, order a spicey take-away, eat a full piece of cake without a toddler demanding that you share. Being a parent is hard so make sure you take some time to treat yourself.

Check-in on your personal finances.

When you have kids they become your number one priority and other things tend to slip your mind for example, when was the last time you thought about your credit card? You’ve probably had it for a while and you’d use it without even thinking about it. You probably don’t even remember why you chose it. Even if you meticulously researched the card before you applied for it chances are your needs have changed over the years. So what card best suits your current needs? A low-rate card, a balance transfer card, a card that offers low annual fees or one that offers rewards or frequent flyer points? If you’re looking to learn more about the specifics of individual card you can read more here.

De-clutter your space.

It’s practically an unwritten rule of motherhood that state’s you have to trip over your kids crap on the floors at least three times a day. You know what I’m talking about, that shin-height dolls house, that tiny toy tow truck you’re constantly slipping on. We express our love for our kids in a multitude of ways but, if you’re anything like the mums in my life, you might find yourself expressing it far too often by clicking ‘add to cart.’ The fact of the matter is we are totally responsible for the absolute embarrassment of plastic toys that choke every single thoroughfare in our homes.

I’m saying it’s time to get your kids to throw away some toys. I know, I know – you can hear the tears already but it’s time to do what mum’s do best, break out the parenting trifecta of education, tough love and bribery. Have your kids go through their toys and choose 15, 20, hell maybe even 30 toys that they don’t play with anymore to donate. Teach your kids about charity and giving back, tell them that the toys will go to other kids who may not have toys of their own and will be so excited to get to play with them. If that doesn’t fully sell them on the task, go for good old fashioned bribery and tell your kids that if they choose a certain number of old toys to give away you will buy them one new toy that they’ve had their eye on. If you’re looking for a place to donate these unneeded toys or kids clothes you can head here or here to learn about Australian charities looking for these kinds of donations.