Whether you’re currently in the throws of early parenthood with young babies, or you’ve moved past that stage but can remember it all too clearly, you know that it can be tricky to find time for yourself with kids. Even though being a mother or father is an honored role, those jobs sometimes feel like they take over your whole identity.

If that’s your experience, the good news is that it’s very normal to feel that way. Having a baby is a beautiful, incredible, blessing that also completely turns your life upside down. You learn right off the bat that your kids lead the show. Their schedules dictate your routine, their smiling faces are the ones grandma can’t wait to see, and their silly habits and quirks fill your entire camera roll.

Pretty quickly, you may find that your kids become the focus of all of your precious free time as well. Though none of these things seem inherently bad, they all tend to leave you feeling lost in your kids world. It’s important for you to still be an individual, while also being a parent. Don’t miss out on your chance to live with your kids instead of living for them.

Taking time for yourself doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you a well-rounded parent. When your own needs are met, you have a greater capacity to meet the needs of your kids in a kind and loving way.

Prioritizing yourself can be as simple or time-consuming as you want it to be. I’ve compiled a few ideas to get you thinking in the right direction:

Set Intentional Morning Routines

Start your day with something you love before your kids get up. This could include something like reading with your morning coffee, listening to birdsong, or writing a gratitude journal. Be intentional about the time you spend in the mornings and try to stick to a routine.

Keep Your Self-Care Commitments

Taking time away from your busy schedule to do things like go to the gym every day or make regular hair appointments can feel like a big deal. If it helps you to feel rejuvenated and prioritized, you shouldn’t feel guilty about dedicating time to it.

Involve Your Children in Your Hobbies

Instead of putting off learning something new because you don’t have the free time for it, try involving your children in your pursuits. Pick up a hobby that you can all enjoy together, like yoga, gardening, or pasta making.

Document Your Family

Don’t make the mistake of putting off documenting this special time with your children. Your kids are growing quickly and each phase of their childhood flies by in a flash. Let me help you capture a snapshot of your life right now, so you can always remember the beauty of your life right now.

I love to work with my clients to customize their sessions as much as possible. The two session options I offer include the Signature Session, where you’re treated to the full photo experience, including hair and makeup coordination and access to my studio wardrobe. Alternatively, I also offer Petite Celebration Sessions, which are short and sweet portrait sessions that are perfect for celebrating birthdays or milestones.

Whether you’ve been a parent for a few months or a few years, it’s vital to your health and happiness to cultivate your own hobbies. You can be a better parent by taking some time to remember the things that make you unique. It may take some creative planning, but committing to prioritizing yourself will make a huge difference for you and your children.