11-05-2025
Mom's Clever Trick to Getting 'Me Time' While Raising a Toddler Goes Viral (Exclusive)
Jess Sharp is the proud mom of 2-year-old daughter Amelia
She taught Amelia how to ask her dad for one-on-one time, giving Sharp some much-needed "me time"
Sharp tells PEOPLE the alone time allows her "to relax and reconnect" with herselfFor stay-at-home parents, carving out proper "me time" can be very challenging, especially with a baby or toddler in the house.
Each phase of parenthood brings its own set of challenges and needs, making it feel like there is rarely ever time to truly relax.
However, one mother went viral on TikTok for training her 2-year-old to specifically ask for father-daughter dates so she can finally have some moments to herself.
'It's not always easy to make it happen, but I've found that even a few minutes of peace can make a big difference and help me feel more recharged to take on the day,' Jess Sharp tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Whether it's getting lost in a book, discovering a new love for baking, or taking the time to garden, she finds that the simplest of things can be extremely therapeutic as a stay-at-home parent.
'It's not about doing anything extravagant, but more about finding joy in the simple moments that allow me to relax and reconnect with myself,' Sharp says. After giving birth to her daughter, Amelia, she says her "me time" looks very different.
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'My approach has changed a lot since becoming a mom,' she admits. 'Before, I only thought of myself and did anything I pleased…The things I took for granted before, like sleep, long showers – these little things I appreciate in a way I didn't before.'
Sharp believes she is also more creative, focused, and energized when she can carve out some time for herself. By making this a priority, stay-at-home parents can make a huge difference in how they feel and how they connect with the people they love.
'As a mom, it's easy to put everyone else's needs before our own, but you can't pour from an empty cup,' Sharp emphasizes. 'By prioritizing me, I'm not only helping myself but also helping my family. Self-care doesn't have to be luxurious or time-consuming. It's about finding small moments that make me happy and making them a part of my routine.'
Nevertheless, juggling the responsibilities of being a mom while maintaining her own sense of self is difficult, but Sharp says she's working on it by setting boundaries and realizing when she needs a break.
'I truly believe it's crucial for moms to prioritize our well-being. When we take care of ourselves, we're in a much better place to care for our families,' she explains. 'I've learned to remind myself that it's not selfish to take time for myself, it's actually necessary for my mental and physical health.'
Thankfully, Sharp's husband completely understands the importance of self-care. She says he knows what makes her happy and that their communication is key to helping themselves be better partners and parents.
'Even with his busy schedule, he notices when I need a break and checks in, reminding me to take it easy,' Sharp says. 'He's always so supportive, stepping in to baby duty, even after a long day at work.'
Raising a child is a team effort, and she really appreciates how her husband always makes sure she gets the "me time" she deserves – just as she does for him.
As parents they try to teach their daughter the importance of listening to one's body. 'For example, when we feel tired, we try to rest, and when we're hungry, we eat. It's all about teaching her to care for herself from an early age,' Sharp explains. 'By modeling these positive habits, I hope she'll grow up with a solid understanding of the balance between caring for others and making sure to take care of herself, too.'
Whether it's asking for an ice cream date with dad or simply letting them know when she needs some space, Sharp and her husband encourage their toddler to express her feelings.
'My husband and I always think Amelia is such an old soul,' Sharp reveals. 'Even though she may not grasp all the details now, I think she can definitely pick up on my tone of voice and the energy I put into my messages. She's incredibly smart, and we have such a good way of communicating with each other.'
Despite the video's silliness, the intention behind it has resonated with many stay-at-home parents. Sharp says it's all about 'finding those pockets of time in between the chaos.'
Read the original article on People
