Finding Balance as a Mom and an Artist

Absolutely, being a mom and an artist is totally doable! Here’s how you can find that balance.

So, you’re juggling motherhood and your creative passions. Sound familiar? Your kiddos seem to take up every bit of your time and energy, leaving your art supplies untouched for what feels like ages. To keep your sanity intact and your creativity flowing, you need some uninterrupted time. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies to help you carve out space for your art.

Lower the Bar on Dinner

First off, let’s talk about dinner. It’s time to lower the bar a bit. Who says every meal has to be gourmet? Embrace the simplicity of meals like carrots and salami, or even canned soup. If you serve burritos two nights in a row, just call the second round “wraps” for a little flair! Get your kids involved too—teach them to use the can opener and assign them a dinner night.

Relax Your Laundry Standards

Then there’s laundry. It’s okay to relax the definition of “clean.” If it smells decent and isn’t visibly filthy, it can probably stay out of the hamper for a while. Toothpaste stains? No problem!

Redefine Vacations

Now, let’s redefine vacations. A night in a hotel with a pool? That counts! A trip to a quirky museum? Vacation. Even a quick stroll to the store can feel like an adventure.

Introduce Binge-Watching

Introduce your kids to binge-watching! There are loads of age-appropriate shows with multiple seasons that can keep them entertained for hours. Think shows like “Malcolm in the Middle” or “The Wonder Years,” where kids are often left to their own devices.

Consider Temporary Pet Care

If you have a dog, consider temporarily giving them to a family member—like your mother-in-law—just until you finish that art project or manuscript. Dogs are wonderful but they do require a lot of attention!

Connect with Other Parent-Artists

Connect with other parent-artists for support. Maybe you can swap favors, like driving their kids to soccer in exchange for a homemade lasagna.

Show Your Kids Your Creative Side

Most importantly, let your kids see your creative side. Show them your art! They should know you do more than just the daily grind of parenting. Get them involved in your projects too. Whether it’s helping with a theater setup or posing for your sculptures, it’s a great way to bond.

Remember, you’ll eventually return to your most productive self, but it might take some time—like until the kids head off to college. Until then, cherish the unique and beautiful creations that are your children.

Additional Resources

For more insights on parenting and creativity, you might want to check out some related posts and resources. For instance, exploring home insemination options can be helpful if you’re considering expanding your family. You can find valuable information at Intracervical Insemination or learn more about artificial insemination at Make A Mom. The UCSF Center also provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.

In summary, being a mother and an artist is all about adjusting expectations and finding creative solutions. You can do both, even if it means lowering the bar on certain household tasks. Just remember to involve your kids in your artistic journey and take a breather every now and then!