Sundays might symbolize the start of the week, but parents know all too well that Monday marks the beginning of the madness. That’s when you’re scrambling to find your kid’s shoes, check that homework was done, and ensure that you get in the drop-off line before the school bell rings. So when Saturday morning rolls around, you might still be in go mode — but you shouldn’t be. These are the ways to enjoy the weekend with your family that provide a much-needed reset for everyone.
Don’t Make Plans
Sure, sports can suck up most of your weekend, but you should try to find a way to catch a break between basketball games. And that means one thing: don’t add anything else to your overflowing schedule. There are pockets of time that are perfect for doing nothing. Think about it: even if your child is on a travel team or has their Girl Scouts meeting, these aren’t 24-hour a day, all-consuming activities. Map out your weekend ahead of time, look for the moments when your crew can catch a break, and put it in the calendar so nothing else can creep in.
Give Yourself Breaks
Yes, yes, your family needs breaks. Thing is, the most important person who requires them is not your kiddos, but you. It’s impossible to go full speed ahead during the week, only to find that things ramp up come the weekend. Look for times when you can get away and do something just for yourself. It might be a Target run (which is always restorative for the soul), a quick drive thru run to get some fries that you don’t share with your kids, or even 10 minutes alone in your bedroom. You’ll come back restored and ready to resume whatever the weekend throws at you.
Don’t Wait Until Sunday
It can be hard to enjoy those two days off when you know that you or your child still have stuff that must get done, like homework or preparing for that work presentation. Skip the Sunday Scaries and try to get those must-dos done beforehand. It will help clear your mind to know that it’s already accomplished, so you can truly have fun on the weekend sans worries.
Keep Chores To A Minimum
If you’re able to manage the household mess during the workweek, well, you’re saluted for your efforts. Still, dishes and laundry do pile up, and weekends are typically the time that these chores get done. That said, look at your household to-do list and scale it back to the basics if possible. For example, do you really need to wash every window in your house when you’re on chauffeur duty during the weekend? Probably not. It’s great to have a list of things you’d like to do on the weekend — and then there’s the things that have to get done. If you have a weekend that’s a lot calmer, then you can tackle organizing the garage. Until then, if your car can clear the mess so it’s possible to park it inside, you’re already a winner.
Get Outside…
One of the biggest resets you can experience is being outside in nature. It doesn’t even take too long to feel calmer and more aligned — even a few minutes inhaling fresh air can work wonders. Chalk it up to the change of scenery (and a break from your routine) and you’ll find that a walk through the park will help you to better enjoy the weekend with your family. So lace up those sneakers, pack some water bottles, and take a stroll that just might make everyone feel more relaxed.
…Or Stay At Home
Unless you’ve got a sick kid at home (which is another animal entirely), Monday – Friday is an endless experience of entering and exiting your house, whether it’s going to school, work, or just changing clothes to herd your kid out the door and to their piano lesson. In short, getting your kids ready to leave the house on the weekend might just feel like any other day. Soak up the gloriousness of going nowhere, stay in pajamas, and sink into the couch to watch movies all (or at least most) of the day. Not having to get everyone out on time can be all that it takes to enjoy the weekend with your family.
Do Something Different
During the week, routines are incredibly important. But that strict schedule can get boring, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. That’s why doing something different can help you enjoy the weekend with your family. That might mean having a carpet picnic in your living room or checking out that new museum exhibit. Whatever it is, make sure that it doesn’t mimic an activity that you typically do during the week.
Let’s face it: you’re never not going to have something (or somethings) to do on a weekend. But when you try to find a way to slow your schedules down on Saturdays and Sundays, you might discover that the weekends will give you that time to enjoy being with your babes.