If you are seeking tips on how to gain some peace and quiet from the children for awhile then I can tell you some of the interesting things I did with my first two sons.
If you are a couple that needs time together, time to take those in your family up on their offers to watch your children. Let them know at least two weeks in advance on what you need from them, save a little cash to give them for helping out, and plan a local getaway or just stay in the bed all weekend with your partner!
If you are a single mother, you may consider taking a personal day from work while the kids are in daycare. This needed time will recharge you if you feel overworked, underpaid, and stressed. You can also use this time to interview for that coveted job you have been eyeballing for weeks now!
If you are a single dad, you may consider using a date or two to help you with the children. Although you may disagree, this is a good test to see if this is definitely the person you want in your family's life. How will she act under pressure? Your children will be more than happy to inform you. Meanwhile, you can catch a movie or do some shopping without the children in tote. (Be sure she has been in your life for at least six months or more and that she is perfectly comfortable being alone with your children. Also, you may want to pre-warn the other parent too about her helping you out with the children every now and then.)
If you are a grandmother (watching your grandchildren), it doesn't hurt to tell your children you have had enough of the grandchildren staying with you. Call your children up as soon as you feel like you can't take another day with them, make arrangements to either drop them off or they come by. Don't make any plans at the time to see them again until you can get yourself together.
Some more things you can do to gain the free time you need include:
Putting the children in separate rooms with their favorite toys while you complete tasks around the house.
Allow children to color or work with fun drawing tools at the table that won't damage furniture.
Ask a high school student to come over afterschool for a few hours to assist with the children.
Invite a friend over to help you manage the care of the children.
Call a social service agency to find out what programs are in the area for children such as after school programs, childcare, summer camps, etc.
Attend church, PTA meetings and other places parents hang out to find out how they are coping with being with their children so often.
I hope these tips help!
Nicholl McGuire is a Freelance Writer, Author & Poet. Her latest book is When Mothers Cry at Amazon.com
If you are a couple that needs time together, time to take those in your family up on their offers to watch your children. Let them know at least two weeks in advance on what you need from them, save a little cash to give them for helping out, and plan a local getaway or just stay in the bed all weekend with your partner!
If you are a single mother, you may consider taking a personal day from work while the kids are in daycare. This needed time will recharge you if you feel overworked, underpaid, and stressed. You can also use this time to interview for that coveted job you have been eyeballing for weeks now!
If you are a single dad, you may consider using a date or two to help you with the children. Although you may disagree, this is a good test to see if this is definitely the person you want in your family's life. How will she act under pressure? Your children will be more than happy to inform you. Meanwhile, you can catch a movie or do some shopping without the children in tote. (Be sure she has been in your life for at least six months or more and that she is perfectly comfortable being alone with your children. Also, you may want to pre-warn the other parent too about her helping you out with the children every now and then.)
If you are a grandmother (watching your grandchildren), it doesn't hurt to tell your children you have had enough of the grandchildren staying with you. Call your children up as soon as you feel like you can't take another day with them, make arrangements to either drop them off or they come by. Don't make any plans at the time to see them again until you can get yourself together.
Some more things you can do to gain the free time you need include:
Putting the children in separate rooms with their favorite toys while you complete tasks around the house.
Allow children to color or work with fun drawing tools at the table that won't damage furniture.
Ask a high school student to come over afterschool for a few hours to assist with the children.
Invite a friend over to help you manage the care of the children.
Call a social service agency to find out what programs are in the area for children such as after school programs, childcare, summer camps, etc.
Attend church, PTA meetings and other places parents hang out to find out how they are coping with being with their children so often.
I hope these tips help!
Nicholl McGuire is a Freelance Writer, Author & Poet. Her latest book is When Mothers Cry at Amazon.com
