My youngest son recently joined the local ski club, which means his Friday nights are now filled with late-night ski sessions. This has him arriving home well past 9 p.m., which is quite late for a 9-year-old. But since it was something he was enthusiastic about, I decided to let him give it a shot. The next morning, however, he had an early basketball game—another one of his passions. I found myself awake before dawn, trying to get everyone ready for a day packed with family fun.
As I attempted to herd everyone out the door (or perhaps I was just pleading with my son to grab his water bottle and get into the car so we wouldn’t be late), he was sprawled on the floor, throwing a fit about how “it’s too early for my body to function.” I totally get it, kiddo. I feel the same way. Yet here we were, already awake, and there was no turning back; we were going.
It became clear that this was too much for him—and for me, too. When Mom reaches her breaking point, we all know chaos ensues. I didn’t need to explain that; you know it well.
On that beautiful morning, I would have preferred to be in my robe, indulging in cake over the kitchen sink. Honestly, I would have settled for being turned upside down by my toenails instead of wrestling with a tantruming child while his sleepy siblings grumbled about their miserable lives. All the while, I was insisting that we were going to have a lovely family day, whether they liked it or not.
Weekends without plans? Now that’s a different story. I absolutely know what to do: nothing at all. And it’s absolutely wonderful.
There’s something magical about having an unstructured day when life usually feels like a constant whirlwind. Initially, you might feel a nagging sense of needing to be somewhere or forgetting something important. But soon, that feeling fades, and you breathe a sigh of relief, realizing you can finally follow your own rhythm for the day. You can lounge around with your dog, pants are optional, and you can actually enjoy a long shower without rushing out the door with damp hair.
We often find ourselves saying, “We’re just too busy.” “I can’t remember my own name because I’m so busy.” “I wish I could do that, but my schedule is packed.” Most families would gladly exchange a hectic Saturday for a relaxing day free of obligations, allowing for spontaneous adventures. Imagine throwing the kids in the car for a leisurely movie outing without trying to squeeze it between sports practices, grocery runs, and other errands. And how delightful would it be to invite that couple you’ve wanted to connect with over for dinner, simply because you have the time? Perhaps lounging in pajamas all day and enjoying microwave meals will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the upcoming week.
Adults need moments to slow down and reflect. We often get overwhelmed by the endless hustle, forgetting important things amid our busy lives. Kids need this slowdown, too. Despite their seemingly boundless energy, children can feel just as overscheduled and exhausted as we do. Before we know it, they can break down right before our eyes. While some kids might thrive on a packed schedule, it’s crucial to listen to that inner voice urging you to take a breather. Listen, and then act on it!
And while you’re enjoying those slower moments, I highly recommend stocking up on soft pretzels and Cheez Whiz. The errands can wait until tomorrow. Give yourself the gift of a commitment-free day at home. The memories you create on these lazy days often bring the deepest joy.
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In summary, embracing the joy of slow weekends at home with family can create cherished memories amidst the chaos of daily life. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle, even for just a day, allows everyone to rejuvenate and reconnect.