I set an alarm this morning, then I turned it off. No painting today! Small amounts of time are great. If you can squeeze in a little here and there. Simetimes there is “hidden” time you didn’t know about. These will be different for everyone’s life. Mine are at doctor’s appointments, sitting in the carpool line, waiting at practices. I even sketched on the beach last week. You can’t always be buried in a sketch book with kids, but sometimes is fine. Those are great for sketching or exercises. Keep a running note on your phone for ideas and brainstorming.
Block out a complete evening to creating. Get a friend or your partner to take over parent responsibilies and lock yourself in your art room. Once a week or once a month, whatever. You can’t do it all the time, but sometimes a long stretch to complete a project is needed.
On your calendar jot down when you got to create. This Helped me realize that I was getting more art time in than I realize. I tend to resent daily chaos for not allowing me to get art time in.
My sister in law said I needed the shirt that said “I paint so i don’t choke someone.” I told her that about summed it up!
Good luck and fill that bank account with stories and pictures! Those kids make the best muses!