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Take Time for Yourself by Spending Time with a Friend or Planning Your Future

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 19-20 Month Old Toddler

Taking care of a toddler can leave you feeling like you never have a moment for yourself. If you’re feeling stressed out, give yourself a gift, some time just for you. Trade babysitting with another parent, or trade a service like cooking a meal in return for a few hours of baby- sitting. You’ve earned it, you deserve it, and you don’t need to be embarrassed to ask for it.

Here are some suggestions for spending time on yourself:

  • Take a long bubble bath, a walk, or a swim, see a movie, or read a book.
  • Plan your future. Look for classes you might take, jobs you might like, things you would enjoy.
  • Spend time with a friend, without children.
  • Talk to someone about the stress you feel and what you might do to reduce it.

The time you take just for yourself will help you feel better and ready to face your child again.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 19-20 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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