Relaxation Day for Parents: Making Space to Breathe (Even in a Busy Life)

Monarch
Aug 15
5 min read

Let’s start with the obvious: Parenting is exhausting.

Rewarding? Absolutely. Filled with joy, pride, laughter, and love? Of course. But also—draining, noisy, chaotic, unpredictable, and relentless. Whether you're caring for toddlers or teens, neurotypical or neurodivergent kids, one thing is certain: parents rarely get a break. And that’s why Relaxation Day—celebrated every year on August 15—matters more than ever. This isn’t a post about pampering yourself into oblivion (though that sounds nice too). It’s about redefining relaxation in a way that fits your actual, real-world life. We’ll explore what relaxation can look like as a parent, how to make it more accessible, and why it’s not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

What Is National Relaxation Day?

National Relaxation Day was created in 1985 by a 9-year-old boy named Sean Moeller, who had the wisdom to point out something many adults forget: everyone needs a break sometimes. It’s not a fancy holiday. There are no cards or balloons. Just a gentle reminder to pause, unplug, and care for yourself. For parents, that invitation often feels impossible. You’re busy solving sibling arguments, getting dinner on the table, managing school schedules, and trying to remember what it was like to have two hands free. But taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your family.

Why Relaxation Feels Out of Reach for Parents

Let’s be honest—relaxing as a parent can feel like trying to nap in the middle of a carnival. Your time isn’t your own. Your needs often come second (or third… or eighth). Even if you technically could take a break, the mental load—the lists, reminders, emotions, and responsibilities—follows you. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Relaxation doesn’t mean escaping your family or pretending you don’t have responsibilities. It means giving your mind and body a chance to reset, so you can continue to be the parent your kids need—with more energy, more patience, and more joy.

What Relaxation Can Look Like for Parents (It’s Not What You Think)

Forget the spa brochures and wellness influencers. Most parents aren’t scheduling weekly massages or weekend getaways. Instead, relaxation shows up in quieter, messier, more doable ways.

Your version of relaxation might be:

Sitting in the car for five quiet minutes before picking up your child from practice
Drinking your coffee while it’s still warm (or at least lukewarm)
Letting the laundry wait while you read a chapter of a book
Saying “no” to a plan that drains you
Listening to music while cooking dinner
Watching your child play, without trying to multitask
Turning your phone off for 10 minutes to just… be

Relaxation doesn’t need to be long. It doesn’t need to be quiet. It just needs to offer a pause.

Relaxation With Kids: Making It a Family Affair

Of course, your kids aren’t going to magically disappear every time you want to relax. So why not invite them into the experience? Relaxation can be a shared value in your home—one that helps your children learn to slow down, be present, and take care of themselves, too.

Here are a few family-friendly relaxation ideas:

1. Stretch or Move Together

A short family yoga video, a dance party, or even gentle stretching can be fun and calming. Try YouTube channels like Cosmic Kids Yoga or GoNoodle.

2. Create a “Chill Zone”

Set up a cozy corner with pillows, books, blankets, or soft lights. Teach your kids that it's okay to take breaks there when they feel overwhelmed—or just tired.

3. Coloring or Drawing Time

Coloring isn't just for kids. Sit down with your child and color side by side. It’s a screen-free, low-pressure way to relax together.

4. Go Outside

A short walk, some backyard cloud-watching, or just sitting on the porch can reset everyone’s mood. Nature is one of the best (and easiest) ways to unwind.

5. Mindful Breathing

Try a simple breathing exercise with your child: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 6. You can do this during car rides, before bedtime, or anytime stress creeps in.

The Hidden Power of Small Moments

You may not have a whole day to relax. You may not even have an hour. But small moments—stacked together—can change how you feel.

Here are a few ideas for micro-relaxation moments:

Light a candle before dinner
Step outside and feel the sun on your face
Take a shower without rushing
Send a funny meme to a friend
Close your eyes for 60 seconds and breathe
Put on your favorite playlist while cleaning

These moments may seem small, but they remind your body and brain that it’s okay to slow down.

Relaxation Is a Skill—And Kids Learn It From You

One of the most powerful lessons you can give your child is this: it’s okay to rest.

We live in a go-go-go culture that glorifies over-scheduling and non-stop activity. But rest is just as important as action. Kids who grow up seeing their parents take breaks, care for themselves, and manage stress in healthy ways are more likely to do the same.

Let your children see you say things like:

“I need a few minutes to rest. Then I’ll help you.”
“I’m feeling overwhelmed. Let’s both take a break.”
“I’m going to sit and breathe for a bit. Want to join me?”

When they see you model balance, they learn that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s smart.

Self-Compassion: The Most Important Kind of Rest

True relaxation doesn’t always come from what you do. Often, it comes from how you treat yourself. So many parents carry guilt—guilt for working too much, for not doing enough, for losing patience, for feeling tired. But guilt is heavy. It gets in the way of healing.

This Relaxation Day, give yourself a break. Not just physically—but emotionally.

Try saying this out loud: “I’m doing my best. I deserve rest. I don’t have to earn it—I’m already enough.” Even if you don’t fully believe it yet, repeat it anyway. Let it sink in. You’re not failing. You’re human. And you are worthy of peace.

A Quick List: 10 Simple Ways to Relax Today

Take 5 deep breaths while your child watches TV
Text a friend and share something funny
Say “no” to one unnecessary task
Light a candle while making dinner
Play music that makes you feel good
Sit outside for 3 minutes and do nothing
Say one kind thing to yourself
Take a slow shower with no distractions
Stretch your arms up and breathe
Cuddle your child, just because

Conclusion: Rest Isn’t a Luxury—It’s Love

Parenting is a beautiful, exhausting, life-changing job. You give so much of yourself every day. But you don’t need to wait for the perfect moment—or the perfect day—to recharge.

Even in the middle of the chaos, you can carve out a few breaths of peace. Even when things feel messy, you can soften into the moment. Even when your to-do list is screaming, you can choose to pause. Because when you care for yourself, you care for your whole family. So today, on National Relaxation Day, remember: You deserve rest. You deserve ease. You deserve a moment to just be.

Happy Relaxation Day, parents. You’re doing better than you think.

ADHD - Autism - Executive Functioning - Learning Disorders