My son recently joined the local ski club, which meets on Friday nights. This arrangement means he doesn’t settle down for bed until well past 9 p.m.—a tad late for a 9-year-old. However, since it seemed important to him, I allowed him to give it a go. The following morning, he had an early basketball game (another activity he eagerly wanted to participate in). So, there I was, awake before dawn, trying to whip myself into shape to ensure everyone else was up and ready for a full day of family fun.
As I attempted to get everyone organized and out the door (or was I just yelling at 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 he couldn’t go because “it’s too early for my body to function.” I get it, kid. I feel the same way. But that’s not a valid excuse. We’re all awake, and we are going.
This situation was overwhelming for him—and for me too—and we all know that when things become too much for Mom, chaos ensues. You probably don’t need me to explain why; you already understand.
I longed to be in my pajamas, indulging in cake over the kitchen sink, but on that lovely morning, I would have preferred being upside down by my toenails than navigating this scenario. Nothing quite like trying to manage a tantrumming child in the car while his siblings are half-asleep, grumbling about the miseries of their lives. Meanwhile, I’m insisting that we’re going to have a lovely family day, running around and enjoying the commitments we made—and they better get their act together, like, now.
When we have a weekend devoid of plans, I often find myself at a loss. But wait, yes, I absolutely do know what to do: nothing. And it’s absolutely wonderful.
There’s something incredibly refreshing about having a day to yourself, especially when you’re usually moving around like a headless chicken. At first, you might feel that nagging urge to be somewhere or think you’re forgetting something important. But before long, that feeling dissipates, and you can breathe a sigh of relief as you realize you’re free to set your own pace for the day. You can lounge with your dog, pants are optional, and for heaven’s sake, you can take a leisurely shower without rushing out with wet hair.
We often talk about how busy we are: “We’re just too busy.” “I can’t remember my own name, I’m so busy.” “I wish I could do that, but I’m too busy.” Most families would gladly trade a hectic Saturday for a laid-back day with no obligations, allowing them to make spontaneous plans. Imagine tossing the kids in the car to see a movie without squeezing it in between sports, grocery shopping, and errands. It could be delightful to invite that couple you’ve been wanting to connect with over for dinner because you actually have the time—and surprise, so do they! Perhaps spending the day in pajamas and eating only microwaveable food will rejuvenate you, preparing you for the week ahead.
Adults need time to slow down and reflect. Many of us grow weary of racing around, forgetting things because there’s just too much to juggle. Our children need this break too. While we may think they have endless energy, kids can also feel over-scheduled and exhausted. Before we know it, they start to break down right in front of us. What feels like too many commitments for some might not seem overwhelming to others, so it’s essential to heed that inner voice reminding you to take a break every now and then.
And while you’re at it, I strongly recommend stocking up on soft pretzels and Cheez Whiz. You can tackle all the errands tomorrow. Embrace a day at home without commitments. The bonus? There are always memories to create, and it’s these slower days spent in our cozy home that often bring me the most joy.
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In summary, embracing slow weekends at home can be a refreshing change from our busy lives. It allows us to reconnect with our families and ourselves, creating joyful memories without the chaos of a packed schedule.