Being a new parent is an incredible experience but can also be incredibly demanding on your time and energy. Finding time to write can seem impossible with the constant care and attention a new baby requires. However, it’s important to remember that writing can be a form of self-care and a way to maintain your identity.

Writing Tips for New Parents

Here are a few tips on how to find time to write as a new parent.

Establish a Routine

Establishing a routine is one of the best ways to find time to write. Whether it’s early in the morning before your baby wakes up, during nap time, or in the evenings after your baby has gone to bed, having a consistent time to write can help you stay focused and motivated. Try to set aside a specific time each day or week to write, and make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule.

Consider setting a specific goal for each writing session to make your routine more effective. This could be a word count, a specific scene or chapter to complete, or a writing prompt to explore. Having a clear objective in mind will motivate you to make the most of your writing time.

Get Creative With Your Writing Space

When you have a new baby, finding a quiet and distraction-free writing space can be challenging. However, you don’t need a dedicated writing studio to be productive. Instead, get creative with your writing space.

If you have a partner or family member who can watch your baby for a while, consider heading to a local coffee shop or library to write. Many libraries offer study rooms or quiet areas where you can work without distraction.

If you need to stay at home, try to find a space that’s separate from your baby’s sleeping area or play space. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a desk in the living room, or even a space in the garage or attic.

When creating your writing space, set yourself up for success. Invest in a comfortable chair, a desk or table with the right height, and good lighting. You may also want to consider noise-canceling headphones or a white noise machine to block out any distractions.

Be Realistic About Your Goals

As a new parent, your time and energy are limited, so it’s important to be realistic about your writing goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by aiming to write a novel in a week. Start with small and achievable goals, such as writing for 15 minutes a day or completing a short story in a month. Celebrate each small accomplishment and use them as motivation to keep going.

Another way to stay motivated and accountable is to join a writing group or community. This could be an online group or a local writers’ circle. By connecting with other writers, you’ll have a support system to cheer you on and hold you accountable for meeting your goals.

Take Care of Yourself

Remember to take care of yourself. Writing can be a form of self-care, but it’s important to also prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Make sure to take breaks when needed, get enough sleep, and ask for help when you need it.

As a new parent, you may feel like your entire life revolves around your baby, but taking care of yourself is important too. Writing can be a great way to decompress and process your emotions, but it’s not a substitute for self-care.

Make sure to take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, or do something else that relaxes you. Taking breaks can improve your productivity in the long run by giving your mind and body a chance to recharge.

Getting enough sleep is also crucial for your physical and emotional well-being. While staying up late to write can be tempting, sacrificing sleep can hinder your writing in the long run. Make sure to prioritize sleep and rest when you can, even if it means cutting back on your writing time.

Finally, and I’ll say it again, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s asking a partner, family member, or friend to watch your baby for a few hours so you can write or hiring a babysitter or nanny, if you can, there are many options for getting support as a new parent. Don’t feel like you have to do it all alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary for being a happy and healthy parent and will ultimately make you a better writer.

Prioritize Your Writing Time

As a new parent, you have a lot of demands on your time and attention. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks of caring for your baby and forget to make time for yourself and your writing. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your writing time and make it a non-negotiable part of your schedule. This might mean waking up early, staying up late (but not too late!), or carving out time during nap or playtime.

Whatever it takes, make sure that you’re setting aside dedicated time to write and sticking to it as much as possible.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are many technological tools available that can help you find time to write. For example, you can use speech-to-text software to dictate your writing while doing other tasks, such as folding laundry or cooking dinner. You can also use writing apps with features like timed writing sessions and word count trackers to help you stay motivated and on track.

Additionally, some apps and websites allow you to connect with other writers for support, feedback, and motivation.

Write With Your Partner

If you have a partner who is also a writer or supportive of your writing goals, consider setting aside time to write together. This can be a great way to share your passion for writing and motivate each other to stay focused and productive. You can even set up a system where one watches the baby while the other writes and then switches off.

This can help you both find time to write without sacrificing time with your baby or other responsibilities.

Join a Writing Group or Community

Joining a writing group or community can be a great way to find support and accountability as a new parent writer. You can find writing groups online or in person, and they can provide a valuable source of feedback, encouragement, and motivation.

Many writing groups also offer regular writing prompts or challenges that can help you stay inspired and engaged with your writing.

Be Flexible

As a new parent, being flexible and adapting to your changing schedule and priorities is important. If your baby has a difficult day or night and you don’t have time to write, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, try to make up for it later or adjust your schedule for the next day.

Finding time to write is a journey, not a destination. Keep going even if you don’t meet your goals every day or every week. Just keep moving forward and adjusting as needed.

Remember Why You’re Writing

Finally, it’s important to know why you’re writing in the first place. Whether expressing yourself creatively, exploring your thoughts and feelings, or pursuing a writing career, writing can be a powerful way to connect with yourself and the world around you. So, even when it feels like you don’t have time to write, remind yourself of the benefits and keep pushing forward.

Remember, even if you only write for a few minutes a day, that’s still progress and something to be proud of. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and keep your passion for writing alive.

Carving Out Time

Finding time to write as a new parent can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Using these tips and strategies, you can make writing a part of your life as a new parent and continue pursuing your passion for writing. Remember, the journey of writing is as important as the destination, so enjoy the process and celebrate your successes along the way.

Have any advice on carving out writing time for other parents? Leave a comment below and let us know how you get your writing done!