Making Time for Creativity: An Overlooked Form of Self-Care for Parents

30 May 2025

Parenting is a beautiful, chaotic, and exhausting adventure. Between meal preps, diaper changes, school runs, and bedtime battles, it’s easy to forget that parents are also humans with personal interests, dreams, and—dare I say it—creative passions.

But here’s the thing: creativity isn’t just about painting a masterpiece or writing the next bestseller. It’s a powerful form of self-care that can recharge your soul, help you reconnect with yourself, and make you a more patient and present parent. So, let’s talk about why making time for creativity is essential and how you can fit it into your jam-packed schedule (yes, even with kids yelling in the background).

Why Creativity is a Form of Self-Care

1. Creativity Helps You De-Stress (Without Leaving the House)

Parenting is stressful—no shock there. But did you know that engaging in a creative activity, even for just 15 minutes, can significantly lower your stress levels? Whether you’re doodling, writing, knitting, or strumming a guitar, creative expression allows your brain to shift focus away from the chaos and into a state of flow. It’s like giving your mind a mini-vacation without spending a dime on airfare.

2. It Gives You a Sense of Identity Beyond "Mom" or "Dad"

Don't get me wrong—being a parent is an incredible part of who you are. But before kids, you were also a person with unique interests and talents (remember those?). Tapping into creative hobbies helps you reclaim that sense of identity beyond just being the snack provider and official boo-boo kisser.

3. It Sets an Example for Your Kids

Kids are little sponges—they absorb what they see. When they watch you prioritize creative expression, they learn that creativity is valuable. You’re not just indulging yourself; you’re teaching your children that self-care and personal growth are important. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool if your kid grew up thinking, “Wow, my mom/dad is an amazing artist/musician/writer”?

How to Make Time for Creativity as a Busy Parent

We get it—time is tight. But here’s the good news: you don’t need hours of uninterrupted silence and a fancy art studio to embrace creativity. Here’s how you can sneak creative moments into your daily routine:

1. Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier (Or Stay Up 15 Minutes Later)

Sacrificing a little bit of sleep may sound painful, but if it means carving out a peaceful moment to do something you love, it’s worth it. Whether it’s writing in a journal, sketching, or practicing calligraphy, those few minutes can set a positive tone for the day or help you unwind before bed.

2. Turn Mundane Tasks Into Creative Opportunities

Who says grocery lists need to be boring? Make them colorful, add doodles, or turn them into poems. Even cooking can be an outlet—experiment with new recipes and plate your food like a five-star chef. Laundry-folding dance-offs? Yep, that counts as creative expression!

3. Embrace "Messy" Creativity with Your Kids

If alone time feels impossible, why not involve the little ones? Set up a craft table and paint alongside them, write silly short stories together, or have a spontaneous kitchen dance party. This way, you’re nurturing their creativity while getting your own creative fix.

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Your phone isn’t just for texting and doomscrolling—you can use it for creativity too! Try a digital sketching app, record voice memos of story ideas, or even start a video diary. And if you enjoy writing, you can draft short stories or poetry in your notes app while waiting in the school pickup line.

5. Join a Creative Community

Sometimes, the best motivation comes from others who share your interests. Look for local or virtual groups related to your favorite creative hobby—whether it’s a book club, writing group, or knitting circle. A little accountability and encouragement can go a long way in keeping your creative fire alive.

The Mental Health Benefits of Creative Expression

Engaging in creative activities isn’t just fun—it’s scientifically proven to boost mental wellness. Here’s how:

- Reduces Anxiety – Focusing on a creative task helps quiet the mind, reducing feelings of overwhelm. It’s like a mental deep breath.
- Improves Mood – Creating something, even if it’s just a doodle on a napkin, triggers dopamine (the brain’s “feel-good” chemical).
- Enhances Problem-Solving Skills – Creative thinking can help you approach parenting challenges with flexibility and innovation.
- Boosts Confidence – Finishing a creative project, no matter how small, gives you a sense of accomplishment.

So basically, creativity is like therapy, but cheaper and more fun.

Let Go of Perfectionism

One of the biggest creativity killers? The belief that everything you make has to be perfect. Newsflash: It doesn’t! Whether you’re doodling for five minutes or writing poetry that only your cat will read, the point is to enjoy the process, not strive for perfection.

Think about how kids create—they don’t overanalyze, they just do it. They scribble with wild abandon, make up ridiculous songs, and build wobbly LEGO towers without worrying about structural integrity. Take a page from their book and embrace imperfection—it’s part of the magic.

Creativity as a Form of Self-Love

At its core, making space for creativity is a way of showing yourself love and care. It reminds you that your needs matter too, not just your kids’ needs. When you nurture your own passions, you’re not taking time away from your family—you’re refueling yourself so you can show up as a happier, more fulfilled parent.

So, grab that sketchbook, dust off that keyboard, or whip out that old guitar. Your creative spark is still there—you just need to make a little time for it. And trust me, your future, more inspired self will thank you.