5 Ways to Have Down Time as Parents

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Having a family is a full-time job. Coordinating everyone’s work, school and extracurricular schedules makes it easy to forget spending time for yourself. However, it’s important to make proper downtime a priority. It will make your relationships better, make you a better parent, and after all—you deserve it.

Down time doesn’t need to be a big fuss, simple activities can be fun and fulfilling and your library is a great resource.

“The library offers a variety of adult programming to help adults learn new hobbies or skills, find new interests, get important information or simply be entertained,” says Christine Brantley, the Community Relations and Development Coordinator at the Virginia Beach Public Library in Virginia.

Here are five quick tips to get you started!

1. Get Artistic

   Release your inner creativity by participating in one of the many art programs your library may offer. For example, Virginia Beach Public Library offers diverse classes such as “Fun with Photos,” which teaches fun things to do with digital photos. Contact your local library to find out the programs they offer.

2. Read Books on the Go

   Read that book you’ve always wanted to read without actually reading. Take advantage of time driving kids to and from school or clubs as time for you. See if your local library has the book you’ve been dying to read on tape!

3. Spend Time with a Magazine

   Sometimes you just want to sit down and flip through beautiful magazines, or get the latest insights, but why waste the money? Visit your local library for shelves after shelves of magazines. You can also get away from your house and enjoy the serenity that libraries offer.

4. Get Social: Join a Club

    

   Enjoy adult conversation and discussion by joining a club. Whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, your local library will surely have a club to meet your needs. For a hands-on experience, see if your library offers a class like “Farmer’s Market 101,” offered at Delafield Public Library in Wisconsin. The class teaches recipes that use seasonal, fresh food. You’ll not only get to meet new people, but you’ll also get to learn a healthy skill that will benefit your whole family.

5. Get Your Groove On

   Is your idea of relaxation breaking out a good sweat? If so, you may be able to dance away at your local library. Moore Public Library in Oklahoma offers programs teaching Celtic dances. Or if you are in the mood for a more relaxing form of exercise, Virginia Beach Public Library offers Tai-chi programs. These are just some of the programs offered at libraries; visit your local library to find out more!

Mandy Swygart-Hobaugh, director of adult services at Delafield Public Library in Wisconsin, thinks that most adults don’t realize all the resources that libraries have to offer.

“I think when a lot of people think of a library, they automatically think of kids, and we want to reach as many people in the community as possible,” she says. “We’re here for everybody.”

So take time out for yourself and take advantage of all the resources your local library offers. If your local library doesn’t have the resource or program you are looking for, speak with a librarian; he or she may be able to point you to a similar resource or help you form a program to meet your needs!