Do you ever feel like navigating the weekdays is simpler than the weekends? From Monday to Friday, our routines are well-defined by our work and school obligations: my partner handles the morning chaos, while I take charge in the evening. Breakfast leads to brushing teeth, then dressing and packing lunches; after school, it’s snack time, playtime, dinner, and then the bedtime routine. Sure, it can be exhausting, but we know the script, and as long as there are no surprises (like someone getting sick), we manage to keep everything running smoothly.
But weekends? They’re a whole different ballgame. For one, there’s a lot of bargaining involved. Who will entertain the kids, or how will we split the parenting duties? Is it even possible to create a grocery list while two children are simultaneously screeching and pretending to battle with lightsabers? Which task is worse: grocery shopping with two rambunctious kids or vacuuming with a machine that smells like something died inside it? Laundry is a mixed bag: sure, most items can go in the dryer, but some delicate blouses require special care that seems to be left to the fairies of youth.
Then there’s the endless list of errands: a trip to the library, a visit to the hardware store for that elusive item we need, catching up with family about their well-being, planning birthday parties, and organizing summer vacations. Somewhere in there, I have to return a wetsuit with a broken zipper, clean the kitchen, pick up a package from the post office, and whip up a couple of meals.
By the time Sunday evening rolls around, I often feel less lively than roadkill. Perhaps it’s because bathing my toddler feels like wrestling a spirited Labrador, or maybe it’s the grim realization of how many chores I neglected over the weekend—like cleaning the floors or replacing that awful vacuum cleaner. Despite the fact that we are healthy and have jobs, a wave of fatigue and frustration washes over me. Is this really what my life has become? Work hard all week, then face a weekend filled with library fines, toddler antics, and household chores?
To add to the mix, there’s the guilt that the weekdays seem more manageable than weekends. My colleagues might have their quirks, but no one has ever pooped on my lap at work. There’s no need to wrestle a copy editor out of the tub while dodging bath toys aimed at my face. Work is generally calm and predictable.
So, is there a remedy for this Sunday night ordeal? I’ve been pondering that question. I wish that the evening routine after a Sunday baseball game or grocery run felt more like a victory—a moment to unwind and get ready for the week ahead. Instead, it often feels like some demanding general is barking orders: “On your feet, soldier! Belgium by dawn!” And there I am, dragging my weary self up with thoughts of whether everyone has dry boots and a snack.
Actually, I might have stumbled upon a solution: the Early-Bird Date Night. Instead of the traditional late-night outing on a Friday or Saturday, we hire a sitter from 5 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. We leave the house at 5, and the sitter manages dinner, baths, bedtime, and even tidies up afterward. We enjoy an early, inexpensive dinner and maybe catch a local band for a bit. We let our friends in on the plan, inviting anyone who wants to join.
We tried the Early-Bird Date Night last weekend, and it felt like a breath of fresh air. We looked forward to it all weekend long, and at 4:30 on Sunday, we showered and said goodbye to the kids. We were back home at a reasonable hour, which is crucial when you have kids that wake up at the crack of dawn. The evening ended with us feeling relaxed and ready for Monday.
When we skipped it this past weekend, I found myself feeling down. So, fellow parents, consider this a potential fix for the Sunday night struggle. If you can dine by 5:30, it’s double the fun without the hefty price tag.
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Summary:
Navigating the transition from weekends to the workweek can be daunting for parents. The chaos of errands, children’s activities, and household chores often leaves us feeling drained, especially on Sunday nights. However, the Early-Bird Date Night concept offers a refreshing solution, allowing parents to enjoy a much-needed break while ensuring that the kids are cared for, thus making Sundays less overwhelming.