There’s a point in motherhood where life seems to revolve around everyone else’s needs but your own. Between the early morning wakeups, the countless meals, school pickups, work demands, and somehow managing to keep everything afloat, the idea of taking time for a personal hobby seems like a dream. But here’s the truth: motherhood, while deeply rewarding, shouldn’t eclipse the person you were before your children came along or the person you’re still becoming. Finding time to nurture passions and pursue hobbies outside of parenting can actually bring a fresh energy to your life and enrich the moments you spend with your family.
Why Having a Hobby Matters as a Mom
Think of hobbies as little pockets of time where you’re free to explore, create, or unwind. They’re moments when you’re not “mom,” but just yourself—someone with dreams, talents, and interests that deserve attention. Whether it’s painting, baking, gardening, writing, learning a new skill, or engaging in activities outside of your parenting role can be a reminder that you’re a multifaceted person. And guess what? That fulfillment spills over to make you a more patient, balanced, and joyful mom.
The reality is, when you do something just for you, you’re refilling your own well. It’s like hitting the reset button on stress, even if it’s just for 30 minutes or an hour. These moments can give you clarity, a sense of accomplishment, and a kind of joy that brings a fresh perspective when you step back into the whirlwind of family life.
Finding Time for Your Passions
The biggest challenge for most moms is finding the time. But here’s the thing: if it’s important to you, you can make it happen—even in small ways. It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment to have an impact.
- Start Small
Begin with tiny pockets of time—10 or 15 minutes here and there. You don’t need hours to start doing something you love. If you enjoy reading, bring a book with you during school pickups and read a few pages while you wait. If painting is your thing, set up a little corner with your supplies so that you can grab a brush whenever you have a spare moment. The idea is to start somewhere, however small. - Schedule It
The same way you schedule doctor’s appointments and school activities, try setting aside time for yourself. Pick a slot in the day, even if it’s once a week, and dedicate it to your hobby. When it’s on your calendar, it feels more official. Treat it like an appointment you wouldn’t cancel because, let’s be honest, this is an appointment with yourself—a version of you that needs nurturing, too. - Get the Family Involved
One of the beautiful things about exploring hobbies is that it can also inspire your family. Let your kids see you pursuing something you love, and talk to them about why it’s important. They might even want to join in. If you’re gardening, hand them a little spade. If you’re learning an instrument, let them strum along. Making them a part of your journey not only enriches your experience but also teaches them the value of following one’s passions. - Combine Hobbies with Self-Care
Sometimes, you can pursue a hobby in ways that overlap with self-care. If you love nature, go for a walk and bring your camera to capture moments. If you’re interested in writing, consider journaling as a way to both record memories and express your thoughts. Combining hobbies with activities that also relax you can give double benefits and make it easier to stick with them. - Embrace the Imperfection
In the beginning, it’s natural to feel rusty or “not good enough” at the things you used to enjoy. But that’s okay. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about rediscovering and embracing parts of yourself that might have taken a backseat. Let go of the need to be flawless—this is purely for joy, for growth, and for reconnecting with yourself.
Why Your Passions Matter Beyond Motherhood
In pursuing a hobby, you’re not taking time away from your family; you’re bringing more of yourself to them. When you feel fulfilled, you become a source of inspiration and joy, and that energy naturally benefits everyone around you. Your children see you embracing who you are, and that teaches them a powerful lesson about self-worth and individuality. They learn that it’s okay to have interests and dreams, that it’s okay to say, “This is something I do for me.”
One day, your children will grow up, and they’ll need to find their own identities beyond the roles they’ll play. By modeling how to nurture your own interests, you’re giving them the tools to build fulfilling lives of their own.
Finding Joy in Every Small Victory
Remember, pursuing hobbies doesn’t have to mean huge accomplishments. Sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that bring the most joy. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of finishing a chapter of a book you love, planting a flower that blooms beautifully, or baking a pan of cake just because you enjoy it. These little victories matter. They bring you back to yourself in the gentlest, most fulfilling way possible.
Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being you. Finding time to do what you love can bring a new sense of joy into your routine, giving you that extra bit of energy that makes everything feel a little lighter. So go ahead—open that recipe you’ve been waiting to try, take those few minutes to dance, or grab that book you’ve been meaning to read. You’re doing this not just for yourself but for everyone around you who looks up to you. When you’re happy and fulfilled, that light shines on everyone in your life.
Balancing motherhood with your own passions fills your life with joy, strength, and even a little adventure. Take it step by step, and let your interests and hobbies remind you of the amazing woman you are, beyond all the beautiful roles you play every day.