Let’s be real, when you’re in the thick of raising young kids, the idea of self-care can feel laughable. Bubble baths? Spa days? Quiet mornings? These sound great but not happening right now.

Here’s the truth: self-care doesn’t have to be fancy or time-consuming. In fact, the most powerful self-care often comes in small, doable moments woven into your everyday life. Here are some simple ideas that actually work for tired, busy parents:

• Redefine Self-Care – Self-care isn’t always alone time. It’s anything that refuels you. A hot cup of coffee before the house wakes up. Five deep breaths in the bathroom. A song that makes you smile in the car. Keep it simple, keep it yours.

• Take a Mini (Guilt-Free) Break – It’s okay to let your child watch a short show while you sit down and do nothing. Or scroll your phone, or stare out the window. Mental breaks are part of survival and it doesn’t make you a “bad” parent.

• Say Yes to Something Just for You- Read a few pages of a book, stretch for 3 minutes, text a friend, paint your nails, anything that reminds you you’re more than just someone’s snack-fetcher. Even 10 minutes counts.

• Turn Daily Tasks Into Mini Rituals- Turn a shower into a moment of peace. Light a candle while you clean up the kitchen. Play your favorite podcast while folding laundry. Ordinary things can be grounding when you treat them as a pause, not just a chore.

• Ask for Help (And Accept It)- You’re not meant to do this all alone. Swap childcare with a friend. Let your partner take over bedtime. Accept the meal, the ride, the help. You’re human—and you deserve care, too.

Self-care with little ones in tow won’t always be quiet or picture-perfect but it can be real, consistent, and life-giving. Take what you need, let go of the guilt, and remember: when you care for yourself, you’re modeling something powerful for your kids, too.