How to Get More Free Time as a Parent

23 December 2025

If you're a parent, chances are "free time" sounds about as mythical as unicorns or self-cleaning kitchens. Between diaper changes, school runs, meal preps, tantrums (both kid and adult versions), and laundry mountains that could rival Everest, finding even five minutes to yourself can feel like a win. But here's the thing—it’s totally possible to reclaim pockets of peace in the chaos.

Let’s dig deep and figure out how to carve out more free time as a parent without feeling guilty, sacrificing sleep, or growing an extra pair of hands (though that would be nice, wouldn’t it?).

The Mindset Shift: You Deserve Free Time

Before we dive into hacks and strategies, let’s tackle the mental roadblock. A lot of parents feel this weird guilt when taking time for themselves. But here's a truth bomb: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your mental health, sanity, and happiness matter. When you feel good, you parent better. So, free time? It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

1. Prioritize Like a Pro

Okay, so not everything on your to-do list is mission-critical. Some tasks can wait. Others? Maybe they didn’t even belong on your list in the first place.

Try This:

- Write down everything you think you need to do.
- Highlight the top 3 that actually matter today.
- If something’s been on your list for weeks and no one’s noticed, maybe it’s not that important.

Give yourself permission to focus only on what really moves the needle.

2. Embrace the Power of Routines

Routines aren’t just for toddlers—they’re secret weapons for parents, too.

Why They Work:

- They reduce decision fatigue (you’re not reinventing the wheel every day).
- Kids thrive on them. When they know what's coming, there's less resistance.
- You can automate parts of your day, freeing up mental space and actual time.

Think: meal routines, bedtime rituals, chore charts. Once the wheels are turning, you can step back a little. Maybe even sip your coffee while it’s still hot.

3. Say “No” (And Mean It)

Let’s be real for a second. A lot of our time gets eaten up by things we didn’t really want to do in the first place.

Sound Familiar?

- Volunteering for yet another PTA event.
- Hosting a playdate when you're exhausted.
- Signing up for that weekend class because “it’ll be good for the kids.”

It's okay to say no. You’re not a bad parent for protecting your time. You’re just human.

4. Teach Your Kids to Be (A Little) Independent

No, we’re not talking about sending them off to live in the woods at age five. But even toddlers can start learning how to do things on their own.

Age-Appropriate Independence:

- Toddlers can pick up toys.
- Preschoolers can dress themselves.
- School-aged kids can pack their own lunches or make simple breakfasts.

It may take more time upfront, but teaching independence is like planting seeds. It grows over time—and pays off big.

5. Strategic Screen Time (Gasp!)

Ah yes, the ever-controversial screen time. Look, we’re not talking about parking kids in front of a tablet all day. But used wisely? Screens can buy you a sanity-saving moment.

Smart Screen Time Rules:

- Educational shows during your work call.
- A game while you prep dinner.
- A movie during your rare date night at home.

You’re not a bad parent—you’re a smart one.

6. Outsource, Delegate, Automate

You don’t have to do it all. Seriously.

Outsource What You Can:

- Grocery delivery can save hours.
- Hire a local teen to help with yard work or babysitting.
- Use laundry or cleaning services if your budget allows.

Delegate Inside the Home:

- Don’t be the only adult doing everything.
- Your partner can help with bedtime or school prep.
- Kids can pitch in, too—chores are character-building, after all.

Automate Like a Boss:

- Set up recurring grocery orders.
- Use auto-pay on bills.
- Program reminders on your phone instead of keeping mental checklists.

Little changes add up big over time.

7. Plan Downtime Like an Appointment

You plan doctor visits, school events, and Zoom meetings—why not schedule time for yourself just as seriously?

Try This:

- Block out 30 minutes a day on your calendar for YOU.
- Use it for reading, walking, journaling, or even a nap (no judgment).
- Treat it like an unmissable meeting—you owe it to yourself.

If you don’t protect your time, no one else will.

8. Wake Up Earlier... or Stay Up Later (But Not Both)

This one's controversial. Sleep is sacred, and we’re not here to mess with it. But if your current routine isn’t giving you breathing room, you might need to shake it up.

Morning People:

Waking up 30 minutes before the house stirs? Gold. You can sip coffee in silence, stretch, read, or just exist without someone calling your name every 3 seconds.

Night Owls:

Put the kids down and treat yourself to your own wind-down routine. Maybe it’s Netflix, maybe it’s puzzles—whatever fills your cup.

Pick one, not both. You’re not a superhero (and even they rest).

9. Use The “Two-Minute Rule”

Got stuff piling up? Here’s a time-saving gem: If something will take less than two minutes to do, do it now.

Examples:
- Putting shoes away.
- Replying to that short text.
- Wiping the counter.

These little tasks take up mental real estate. Knock ’em out quick and move on.

10. Group Tasks Together (AKA Batch Working)

Trying to switch between tasks all day is a major time-suck. Instead, try batching.

What’s That?

Do similar things together in one go:
- Meal prep all lunches for the week on Sunday.
- Pay all your bills at once.
- Make all your phone calls during nap time.

You’ll be shocked how much faster things get done when your brain stays in one lane.

11. Let Go of Perfectionism

This one's tough, especially if you're the type who needs things "just so." But guess what? Done is better than perfect.

- The house doesn’t have to be spotless.
- Dinner doesn’t need six sides.
- Your kid’s project doesn’t need to win a Pinterest award.

Cut yourself some slack. Your time is better spent on connection and rest than chasing Pinterest-level perfection.

12. Take Advantage of “In-Between” Moments

You don’t always need a whole hour to feel recharged. Sometimes, five intentional minutes can shift your whole mood.

Ideas for Micro-Free Time:

- Listen to a podcast during school pickup.
- Meditate while the pasta boils.
- Journal for 3 minutes before bed.
- Stretch with your toddler crawling on you (bonus bonding!).

It’s not about the quantity of free time—it’s the quality.

13. Make Parenting a Team Sport

Trying to do it all alone? That’s a recipe for burnout.

Lean on Others:

- Find a co-parenting rhythm with your partner.
- Swap babysitting time with a friend.
- Join a parenting Facebook group for support and ideas.

You’re not in this alone, even if it feels that way sometimes.

14. Encourage Quiet Time (Even If They Don’t Nap)

When nap time fades, sadness sets in (we’ve been there). But you can still implement quiet time.

How It Works:

- Set a timer (start short and build up).
- Let kids play independently with quiet toys, books, or puzzles.
- Stay consistent—it becomes a habit.

Use this time for YOU, not laundry. That’s non-negotiable.

15. Reevaluate Regularly

Life with kids changes fast. What worked last month might totally flop today.

Be Flexible:

- Revisit your routines every few weeks.
- What’s working? What’s draining you?
- Adjust accordingly—no guilt required.

Parenting is an evolving dance. Give yourself permission to re-choreograph when needed.

Final Thoughts

Getting more free time as a parent isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, cutting out the noise, and giving yourself the grace to breathe. You won’t get it perfect, but you can make progress. And sometimes, progress looks like a hot cup of coffee, a five-minute break, or hearing your own thoughts again.

You’ve got this. And you totally deserve it.