The Balancing Act: Juggling Parenting and Personal Time

Have you been to the circus, Its magical. Magical and intense but when you see the way it all comes together it’s something you never forget.

Parenting, is called a balancing act for a reason, and those kids are said to be part of your circus for a reason. Why? Because the great balancing act, when the trapeze of parenting and the tightrope of personal time meet in a spectacular display of aerial artistry, it’s once again….magical. If you've ever felt like the ringmaster of your own chaotic circus, trying to keep all the balls in the air while sneaking in a moment for yourself, then welcome to the club—the one where coffee is the unofficial sponsor, and the motto is "I'll sleep when I'm old."

Image Credit: @beckyphan

All circus’ are ultimately the same though. You have different ways to get it all done but there is usually going to be a simlar enouhg performance that you get the isea of what to expect no matter what version your seeing. Which is why, is is a bit of a formula to help create that perfect balance even in the midst of chaos.

Heres how…

Let's kick things off with a standing ovation for acceptance. Recognizing that perfection in balancing is as mythical as a unicorn who's good at doing taxes is step one. Sometimes, the dishes will play Jenga in the sink, and that's okay. Accepting the ebb and flow of chaos and calm is crucial. It's about embracing the beautifully imperfect performance that is parenting and personal time, without expecting a flawless show every night.

Next up is my favorite to forget….boundaries. You know…the invisible lines that are as vital to your sanity as the safety net is to the acrobat. Establishing boundaries is akin to telling the world, "This is my act, and here's when it's on pause." It might mean designated quiet hours at home, where everyone respects solo time, or it could be as simple as a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the bathroom door (because sometimes, you just need to pee in peace).

In the grand circus of life, not all balls are created equal. Some are rubber; they'll bounce back if you drop them. Others are glass, and those are the ones you can't afford to let fall. Figuring out which is which—prioritizing—is the heart of the act. Maybe today, playing with your kids is a glass ball, and folding laundry is rubber. Tomorrow, they might swap. The trick is to keep your eye on the balls that matter most at that moment.

Here comes the high-wire act—finding time for yourself amidst the demands of parenting. It might seem as likely as spotting a flying pig, but with a little creativity, it's possible. Wake up a half-hour early to enjoy a cup of coffee in silence, or turn your grocery shopping trip into a solo adventure with a podcast in your ears. It's about stealing moments of solitude where you can, turning mundane tasks into opportunities for me-time.

Every great performer knows the value of their support crew. Whether it's a partner, family, or your mom squad, don't be afraid to tag someone else in for a bit. Swap playdates with a friend so each of you gets a breather, or embrace the beauty of a babysitter for a night off. Remember, it takes a village (or a circus troupe) to raise a child, and there's strength in numbers.

At the end of the day, the balancing act of parenting and personal time is less about achieving perfect equilibrium and more about embracing the controlled chaos. It's a performance that's as unpredictable as it is rewarding, filled with laughter, love, and a bit of lunacy. That being said, one thing we're all capable of mastering with a little bit of grace, a lot of love, and perhaps a clown nose for those days when all you can do is laugh at the madness.

Here's to finding your balance, enjoying the show, and remembering to take a bow—because, in this act, you're always the headliner.