Just this week, one of my clients and I were discussing “Time Out.” What do the words “time out” remind you of? Parents telling kids to stay put? Punishment?

If “time out” makes you think of something negative, allow me to explain how you can put a positive spin on it. Most women feel overwhelmed with being home makers, cooks, chauffeurs, moms, wives, daughters, caretakers, career women, dog walkers, and who knows what else. And somewhere in the midst of all this, they must make time to get their hair done, shop, exercise to stay fit, and look good for their husband – maybe even keep up with the Joneses.

If women also happen to be stay-at-home moms, they spend all day with children if their husband is off at work, making their life’s focal point the kids, the home, and chores. There arises a need forme- time. But when they finally have a chance to take a few hours to go out and make the most of me-time, a lot of women cannot enjoy themselves because of guilt: guilt for leaving the kids with their parents or a nanny. Many women therefore stop giving themselves Time Out – and what I really mean is Time to Self.

So if you are a mom, why not turn “time outs” (for your kids and for yourself) into something positive? Starting today, begin giving kids Time to Self, so they are free to do as they wish and play. Tell them that they have 30 minutes to themselves and Mommy has the same time to herself. Perhaps you can start with 15 minutes at a time. Either way, start today.

Honor yourself and use your alone time to relax, read a magazine, or take a stroll for no reason. If you teach children that you need time to yourself, they will eventually understand that “time out” is not a negative thing. That in, in fact, can be a good thing for the entire household. It can validate your needs and wants. In the long run, it will make you more patient, more relaxed when yourhusband gets home, and allow you to let go of the guilt of having free time in the first place.

You can always increase your “time to self” upon establishing a loving and positive scenario. A win-win!