The secret to being a happier parent and how that boosts your child's well-being

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a sunny spring afternoon, just days after I had given birth to my third baby. The adrenaline of bringing a newborn home was starting to fade, and in its place came the overwhelm of sleep deprivation, endless cluster feeds, and the utter lack of time for myself.

I stood staring at my reflection in the mirror, the question “Who am I now?” looping over and over in my mind. Three kids in the house is full-on — full of love, yes, but also just… full-on.

On one of her visits, my midwife said something that has stayed with me ever since:

“Mags, remember, you need ‘Me-time,’ ‘Two-time,’ and ‘Family-time.’”

I was intrigued. Could it really be that simple? Could these three kinds of time be the answer to my struggles?

So I started digging — and to my surprise, I discovered that research actually backs it up. In fact, one of these “times” has been shown to have the greatest impact on parental happiness and wellbeing.

Want to guess which one?

Researchers have looked closely at how different types of time — me-time, couple-time, family-time, and parent-child alone time — affect parents’ happiness. And the results are fascinating.

• Me-time (time for yourself) is essential for rest, recharging, and maintaining your identity outside of parenting. Parents who rarely get time for themselves often report higher stress and lower life satisfaction.
  

• Family-time (time with your partner and children) builds connection, creates a sense of belonging, and strengthens shared memories. Even everyday activities — shared meals, walks, or reading together — contribute to happiness. As one UCL study notes:

  “Even just being together as a family is significantly associated with daily well-being.”
  

• Parent-child alone time (time spent exclusively with your child) is another powerful contributor to well-being. Researchers highlight that quality one-on-one time — reading, playing, exploring — strengthens both parental happiness and children’s emotional wellbeing. From the UK “From Me to You” study: “Time alone with children contributes significantly to mothers’ and fathers’ well-being.”

...and the type of "time" that has the biggest impact on your parental happiness is ...

...Drumroll...

• Couple-time (just you and your partner, no kids). It has been shown that Couple Time actually has the largest impact on parental happiness (!). According to the UCL study: “Couple time spent without the children has the most positive effect on parents’ daily happiness.” Even short periods of uninterrupted time with your partner can dramatically boost mood and energy — which, in turn, benefits your children.

How You Can Create These “Times” in Your Week

Balancing me-time, family-time, parent-child time and couple-time can feel impossible. But even small, intentional moments make a big difference.

Me-Time

• Take a short walk on your own.

• Enjoy a coffee or read a book during a nap.

• Swap childcare with your partner so you each get solo downtime.
  

Family-Time

• Shared meals, weekend walks, or simple rituals like Pizza Fridays or Pancake Breakfasts.

• Family events: like the ones we host at Academicus: Family Storytime & Ballet Workshops, Family Parties and Family Concerts on the weekends— structured, joyful spaces where you can connect as a family without needing to plan everything yourself.
  

Parent-Child Time

• One-on-one time with each child — reading, playing, exploring - doing Special Time and following your child's lead.

• Parent-child classes: like Sensory for Babies and Sensory for Toddlers activities provide developmentally rich experiences and meaningful bonding moments.

Couple-Time

• Schedule “at-home dates” after bedtime — a dessert, a board game, or a quiet chat.

• Trade babysitting nights with friends to get a night out.

• Even 20 uninterrupted minutes together can boost your mood.

…and you know what? After six months of having a newborn at home, my husband and I finally did it. We arranged childcare for our three kids and went on a date.

We laughed through a brilliant performance by the comedian Michael McIntyre, then strolled home slowly — hand in hand — catching up on life, dreams, and hopes. It was exciting. It was refreshing. It reminded us how good it feels to truly connect. It made us happy. It made me happy.

When parents feel happier and more balanced, children benefit too. Research shows that parental wellbeing directly influences children’s emotional health, behavior, and resilience. In other words: when you invest in yourself, your kids thrive too.

So, next time you feel guilty for wanting a few minutes alone, or a coffee date with your partner, remember: you’re not being selfish. You’re filling your cup — and your children’s cups along with it.

If you’re wondering how to start building these kinds of time in a practical, joyful way, consider trying one of Academicus’ weekend events or parent-child classes. They’re designed to give you meaningful connection — as a couple, as a family, or one-on-one with your child — while supporting your child’s development.

Because happy parents truly do make happier children.

Here's to happier us!

Mags Salton

MA Applied Linguistics & Education

AMI Certified Montessori Assistant to Infancy

Founder of Academicus

Photo Credit: Kati Schneider