About Our Cover Model: Presley is 7 years old and took the top spot with the most votes in our 2019 Cover Kid Contest! She takes piano lessons, swim lessons and is a cheerleader at Maumelle Gymnastics and Cheer.

Growing up, I never realized how much work parenting is. I mean, does any kid? I don’t think so.

Even now, before having any kids of my own, I probably still haven’t fully grasped the amount of time, stress and money that’s poured into raising little humans. But I do have a decent idea, as I watch my parents continue to raise my younger siblings, my friends experience their first pregnancies and my coworkers balance between careers and kids on a daily basis.

That teetering balance between job and children is especially evident during the summer months, as those elementary-aged kids no longer have seven hours a day of government-mandated supervision — otherwise known as school. All summer long, moms and dads have to figure out a new plan.

Stay-at-home parents get to be the chief entertainers, while working parents pack in camps, visits to grandparents and work-from-home days to make the summer puzzle fit together.

But now, September is here, and school is fully back in swing. It’s bittersweet — saying “goodbye” to dripping popsicles on Tuesday afternoons and “hello” to a quiet house (for a few hours a day).

And now, my suggestion for you: a Treat Yo’ Self day. In the spirit of “Parks and Recreation," it’s time to fully embrace the back-to-school spirit and take a day just for you.

I asked a few moms who are part of the Little Rock Family team how they would spend their solo day. Here’s what they said.

“I would sit by the pool and read in quiet, enjoy Taziki's for lunch and then go get a massage or pedicure at Rejuvenation Clinic.” - Bethany Johnson, advertising coordinator

“I love heading out to the Promenade! What's better than grabbing a tea at The Healthy Hangout, getting a pedicure at Luxury Nail Spa, and then spending kid-free time at Home Goods and Anthropologie looking for treasure?” - Kristen Heldenbrand, executive assistant

“Start with Full Out Barre class, and head back home with Starbucks in hand. Then I’m hopping in the bath — just me and a podcast and my Moulton Brown Fiery Pink Pepper products from Belle & Blush. I’d meet my girlfriends at The Pantry for lunch, follow it up with a mani/pedi in The Heights. My last hour alone would be spent getting a hydrafacial with my girl Chotsie at Advanced Aesthetics.” - Mandy Richardson, publisher

Hopefully their ideas get your wheels turning. Now go Treat Yo’Self!

Cover model Presley and her sister Payton (left) have participated in the Young Athletes Special Olympics program together.