When my son, Ethan, decided to join the local ski club, our Fridays turned into late nights. He wouldn’t be home and snuggled into bed until after 9 p.m., which is a bit late for a 9-year-old. But since it mattered so much to him, I let him give it a shot. However, come Saturday morning, with a basketball game looming bright and early (another passion of his), I found myself up before dawn, frantically trying to get everyone ready for a day packed with family fun.
As I tried to usher everyone out the door in some semblance of order—let’s just say I may have been yelling at Ethan to grab his water bottle and get in the car before we were late—he was sprawled on the floor throwing a fit, claiming it was “too early for my body to work.” I get it, kiddo. I feel you. But we were already awake, so we were going—no excuses.
This chaos was overwhelming for him, and truthfully, it was for me too. And we all know that when Mom’s at her wit’s end, things can spiral quickly. I would have preferred to be in my robe, devouring cake over the kitchen sink, but on this particular morning, I’d have settled for being turned upside down by my toenails rather than navigating this delightful disaster. Nothing like trying to manage a tantrum in the car while the other two kids are half-asleep, moaning about their miserable lives, all while I’m insisting we’re going to have a lovely family day filled with joy… so they better start acting like it—like, right now.
When the weekend rolls around with no obligations, I often feel a bit lost. But wait, I absolutely know what to do: nothing. And let me tell you, it’s magnificent.
There’s something incredibly liberating about a free day when you’re usually racing around like a headless chicken. At first, there might be a nagging urge to be productive or a fear of forgetting something crucial, but soon enough, that feeling fades. You can breathe in relief and enjoy a day on your terms. You can lounge with your dog, ditch the pants, and savor a long shower without rushing out the door with wet hair.
We often lament about our hectic lives: “We’re just too busy. We can’t.” “I’m so busy I can’t remember my own name.” “I wish I could do that, but I’m too busy.” Most families would gladly swap a jam-packed Saturday for a leisurely day with no commitments, allowing them to make spontaneous plans. Imagine throwing the kids in the car for an impromptu movie outing without cramming it between sports, grocery shopping, and errands. Or inviting that couple over for dinner you’ve been wanting to connect with, only to discover they’re free too!
And let’s not forget the joy of lounging in pajamas all day while feasting on microwave meals—who says you can’t recharge like that? Adults need time to slow down and ponder their thoughts. After a while, the constant rush wears us down, and we forget things because there’s simply too much on our plates.
Our kids need that downtime too. While we think they have endless energy, they can also feel over-scheduled and drained, even if we don’t realize it. Before long, they might just crumble right in front of us. What may feel like a packed schedule to one person can be overwhelming for another, so listen to that inner voice urging you to take a break now and then.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to stock up on soft pretzels and Cheez Whiz. You can tackle the to-do list tomorrow. Embrace a day of no commitments at home. An added perk? You’ll create lasting memories, and it’s those slow, cozy days that often bring the most joy.
If you’re curious about exploring more on this topic, check out this blog post for insights. For couples on their fertility journey, Make a Mom is a great resource. And if you’re looking for additional information regarding donor insemination, American Pregnancy offers an excellent overview.
Summary:
Laid-back weekends at home can be a much-needed respite from the chaos of modern family life. They allow us to recharge, spend quality time together, and create cherished memories without the pressure of commitments. Taking time to slow down benefits both parents and children, fostering a sense of peace and joy.