I know school is still 2 weeks away, but I'm trying to get a game plan in place. For the first time in 6 years - since I became a mom - I will have free time. I am beyond excited. It's only 2 days a week, when my youngest is in preschool from 9-2 (well, really 9:30-1:30 if you count travel time), so I'm trying to figure out how to use those 2 days wisely. Chores are out - there is no way I am spending that time cleaning house! So what have other moms found works best? I need to run errands (grocery shopping - but my youngest does well with that), training for a 10K (when the weather is cooler - I would love to be able to run without a stroller for the first time!), look into a gym membership (but they DO have childcare), and work on personal projects around the house, like scrapbooking and redecorating. A lot of this can be done with the kids around, but I know I'd get more enjoyment out of it/it would go faster if they weren't. What do you spend your precious free time on?
I wanted to add that I plan to volunteer at school in the future - but I really, really need some "me time" first!
Wow, there so much you can do, but mainly do what you always wanted to do without children i.e. exercising, going for daily walks, mediatation, go to the mall, go shopping, get to spa, go to bookstore, watch tv (adult shows), catch up with old friends, start a club, join a club, catch up on social media, take a class, volunteer, write in your journal, write a book, do you, the possibilities are endless. Good Luck
I would do the errands. Perhaps if you like, take an exercise class. Go to Barnes and Noble and sit down in the cafe with a book and a coffee. Possibilities are endless!
Hi S.,
I guess I'm odd. When I had free time for the first time (about 3 years ago), I totally floundered for a good, long while. I really had NO idea what to do with myself! I had been mommy so long that it really felt good and bad to not have my kids with me all the time. I think it is genius to start planning that free time now! Good for you!!! I really think the responses you've gotten are terrific! I think the answer lies in you and is distinctly Yours! What brings you peace? What gives you energy? What satisfies you and fills you up so that when your kids come home you are centered, patient and loving? That is your answer. It has taken me quite a while to figure out how to maximize my alone time! And it changes as I learn more about me and what works and what does NOT work! One shocking thing I learned is that I actually do want to clean while the kids are gone! (Crazy, huh?!) It brings me peace to have everything clean and where it belongs. I also attend Bible studies, go shopping, watch reality TV (no kids allowed), take walks, help out at school, get pedicures and surf the Net. Best wishes to you!!!
Take a long bath
Coffee/lunch with friends
Mani/Pedi
Read a book
Relax
Exercise
For me, just being in the house alone was a treat. It didn't matter what I was doing. Enjoy every second.
I would still clean house, go to the gym, and do my shopping without the kids. Then there is more time to spend with your kids when they are done with school doing things they like to do (parks are nice once the fall weather comes). Pretty soon you will not have as much time to do things with them.
You now have a few hours to spend with friends :) Call a friend and do brunch just the two of you, or go for a walk or meet at the mall. lol I find that my "free time" fills quickly with the goings on at school and I prefer to grocery shop with out my children, it goes sooo much faster. I agree with another poster that said "do the things you really want to get to and never find the time for". You will find that time fills quickly. :)
Appointments
Cut your hair
massage
errands
time with friends
just having alone time and QUIET
Read a book
just veg on a sofa and nap
exercise
do your nails
shower without interruption
just doing nothing.
Both my kids are in school now. Elementary.
Son just started Kinder.
I have the day to myself.
Quiet
Still will do cleaning/errands/shopping etc. though. Just because I can, by myself.
And figuring out what I can do, income wise, since my kids will be in school everyday. So lots of researching.
