Do you ever find that the weekdays feel less challenging than the weekends? From Monday to Friday, the responsibilities are clearly defined by the work and school schedules: Mark handles the morning routines while I take care of the evenings. Breakfast seamlessly transitions into brushing teeth, which leads to getting dressed and packing lunches. School pick-up is followed by snacks, playtime, dinner, and the bedtime routine. While it can be exhausting, everyone knows the routine, and unless there’s an unexpected incident, things generally go smoothly.
However, weekends can present a different set of challenges. For one, there’s a lot more negotiation involved. Who will take care of the kids, or how do we split the responsibilities? Is it possible to create a grocery list while two energetic children are yelling and play-fighting? Which task is more daunting: grocery shopping with the kids or vacuuming with a malfunctioning appliance that emits a terrible odor? Laundry is similar; while most items can simply be tumble-dried, certain delicate blouses require special care.
By the time bath time rolls around on Sunday night, I often feel more depleted than I did at the start of the weekend. Perhaps it’s because bathing my toddler feels like trying to wash an exuberant puppy. Or maybe it’s the realization of everything that didn’t get done over the weekend, such as cleaning the floors or replacing that dreadful vacuum. Even though life is generally good—I remind myself that we are healthy and have jobs—I can’t shake the overwhelming wave of fatigue and annoyance. Is this truly what my life has become? A constant cycle of work and weekend chores, with little time for myself?
Additionally, there’s the guilt that comes with acknowledging that weekdays often seem easier. My colleagues may have their quirks, but at least no one is throwing tantrums or demanding immediate attention. The office environment is typically calm and predictable.
Is There a Remedy for This Sunday Night Fatigue?
While I’m not entirely sure, I do wish that the final evening routine after a busy weekend felt like a victory rather than just another task on the to-do list. Instead of heading into the workweek feeling prepared and relaxed, it often feels like a military command: “Get up, soldier! The week begins now!” And so, you drag yourself out of your seat, fully aware that you need to ensure everyone is ready for the morning.
But there might be a way out of this Sunday night dilemma. I propose the Early-Bird-Special Date Night: instead of scheduling a date on a Friday or Saturday night, we hire a sitter from 5 PM to 9 PM on Sunday. This allows us to leave the house by 5, while the sitter manages dinner, bath time, and the bedtime routine. We can enjoy an early dinner and perhaps catch a local band for a brief time. We inform our friends about our plans and invite anyone interested to join us.
We tried this last weekend, and it felt miraculous; we looked forward to it all weekend. By 4:30 on Sunday, we showered and said goodbye to the kids. We returned home at a reasonable hour, satisfied and ready for Monday. When we skipped this plan last weekend, I found myself feeling down and irritable. So, fellow parents, if you can manage to eat by 5:30, it might just be the two-for-one solution you need.
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In summary, Sunday nights can be taxing for many parents, often overshadowed by feelings of fatigue and guilt. By implementing strategies like an Early-Bird Date Night, you may find a way to reclaim some joy and relaxation before the workweek begins.