Sometimes, life gets so hectic that the thought of a weekend without plans feels like a distant dream. Recently, my son Jake joined a local ski club that meets on Friday nights. While I was thrilled that he was pursuing a passion, it meant late nights and tired mornings. By the time Saturday rolled around, I was dragging myself out of bed before dawn to prepare for his early basketball game—the next item on our busy weekend agenda.
As I tried to rally the troops, urging Jake to find his water bottle and jump into the car so we wouldn’t be late, he was on the floor in a dramatic display, insisting that “it’s too early for my body to work.” Trust me, I get it, kid. Mornings can be brutal, especially when you’ve had a late night. Yet, here we were, all of us half-asleep and grumbling about how unfair life was, while I attempted to present a façade of enthusiasm for our day of family fun.
If you’ve ever felt the weight of too many commitments, you know that when Mom reaches her limit, things can spiral out of control. I dreamed of lounging in my robe with cake crumbs scattered at the kitchen sink, but instead, I was wrestling a tantrum-prone nine-year-old while two other kids mumbled their complaints in the backseat.
However, there’s a different bliss that comes with slow weekends—those glorious days when there’s absolutely nothing on the agenda. When we find ourselves with a free day, it can feel strange at first. We often feel the tug of responsibility, as if we should be doing something productive. But soon enough, that feeling fades, replaced by a sense of freedom. You can lounge around with your pets, enjoy a shower without racing against the clock, and savor snacks without worrying about meal prep.
We often hear ourselves saying, “I’m too busy.” It’s a common refrain that many families can relate to. In the whirlwind of life, it’s easy to forget the value of unstructured time. Imagine spontaneously deciding to catch a movie or inviting friends over for dinner without the constraints of a packed schedule. A commitment-free day spent in pajamas, perhaps indulging in microwave popcorn, can be just the recharge we all need.
Both parents and children benefit from this downtime. Despite their boundless energy, kids can feel overwhelmed by an overscheduled life. They, too, need moments to decompress and simply be. Listening to that inner voice urging you to slow down can be a game changer, allowing space for creativity and connection.
On those days when you decide to stay in, consider stocking up on your favorite snacks (I highly recommend soft pretzels and Cheez Whiz). You can tackle the to-do list tomorrow. These days of relaxation often lead to the best memories, and it’s during these quiet moments at home that I find the most joy.
If you’re looking for more insights on how to navigate family life, check out our other post on creating a peaceful home environment. And for those considering at-home insemination, be sure to visit Make a Mom for quality syringe kits, or refer to Healthline for excellent pregnancy resources.
Embrace those slow weekends; they might just become your favorite part of family life.