YouAsk Kim
Four friends of different ages walking arm in arm along a stone street at dusk, one carrying flowers

Together · 20 min

A break you can count on

Set up one short, regular break for yourself each day, with someone else holding the baby.

20 minutesFrom the library, free to readFour steps
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Caring for a baby can mean days without a moment to yourself. A shower, a hot drink, a meal eaten sitting down can start to feel like luxuries. One small break, at the same time each day, with someone else on duty, can make a real difference.

The steps

Four small steps,in your own time.

  1. Choose a time when another adult is usually around: in the morning before they leave, in the evening when they get home, or on a weekend.

  2. Agree that for twenty minutes they are fully in charge of the baby, and you are off duty.

  3. Use the time for something that restores you: a shower, a meal, a walk, a nap, a call with a friend.

  4. Swap the other way too if there is another parent, so you both get a break.

The reason

Why it helps

A break you know is coming can make the hard stretches easier to get through. Being fully off duty, even briefly, is more restful than half-watching. Taking turns protects both adults and shares the care.

A gentle variation

If you are parenting alone, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to come for an hour a week, and plan your break for that time. If you also care for someone else, ask whether a respite or support service can help cover both.

One hand resting over another on a wooden table

WE · TRIBE

Try itwith someone.

Ask your partner or a helper to choose one regular time in the week to be in charge, and write it on the calendar.

Make it a plan in HIVELIVE, with WE

Try it today

This week, agree one twenty-minute break each day with another adult, and take it.

Add it to your day

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