So, you’re an artist juggling the whirlwind of motherhood. Sound familiar? Your little ones seem to consume every drop of your time and energy, leaving you yearning for a moment to breathe—let alone create. Fear not! To keep your sanity (and bank account) intact, you need some uninterrupted time to dive back into your art. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help you reclaim that creative space.
1. Embrace Simplicity in the Kitchen
Let’s face it: gourmet meals are not in the cards right now. Adjust your family’s expectations about what constitutes dinner. Think simple—carrots and salami, nachos, or even a can of clam chowder can all be dinner options. And if you find yourself serving burritos two nights in a row, just rename the second night’s meal as “wraps.” Get your kids in on the action by teaching them how to use a can opener as soon as they can reach the kitchen drawer. Assign them a “family cooking night”—you’ll be surprised how much they’ll enjoy it!
2. The Laundry Dilemma
Let’s dial back on the laundry obsession. Just because you wore a shirt once doesn’t mean it deserves a trip to the hamper. As long as it smells decent and isn’t visibly dirty (toothpaste stains? No biggie!), it can hang around for a bit longer. Your sanity will thank you.
3. Rethink Vacation
Forget about extravagant getaways. A night in a hotel with a pool? That’s a vacation! A quirky road trip to the Museum of Medical Oddities? Totally a vacation! Even a stroll to the grocery store can be a little adventure in your busy life.
4. Introduce Binge-Worthy TV
Depending on their age, your kids can dive into binge-worthy shows that keep them occupied for hours. Think classics like “Malcolm in the Middle” or “The Wonder Years.” These shows feature kids who are often left to explore on their own, providing you with some much-needed creative time!
5. Consider a Temporary Doggie Vacation
Dogs are bundles of joy, but they also require attention and care. If you have a family member, like Grandma, who’s missing some furry company, consider letting her borrow your pup for a while. Scrappy will get some love, and you’ll get a little more breathing room to finish that manuscript or series of block prints.
6. Build Your Support Network
Connect with fellow parent artists or understanding friends. You can trade favors—maybe you take their kids to the park while they whip up a double batch of lasagna for you. Teamwork makes the dream work!
7. Show Off Your Artistic Side
Let your kids see you in your element. They should know you’re not just a burrito-making machine! Involve them in your creative process. If you’re a theater artist, enlist their help with set-up and take-down. If you’re a sculptor, let them pose for you or help with cleanup. They’ll see you as a cool creator, and you’ll create lasting memories together.
Remember, this phase of your life is temporary. One day, you’ll return to a more productive routine—maybe after your kids head off to college! Until then, think of your children as your most beautiful creations. They’re unique in their own right, and they’ll inspire your art in ways you never imagined.
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In summary, being a mom and an artist is definitely possible with a few adjustments and creative solutions. Embrace the chaos, simplify where you can, and involve your kids in your artistic journey.