Reclaim your weeknights

Every now and then I’ve been known to grumble about not being able to do anything in the evenings, especially during the week, except get ready for the next day.

I hear about people putting the little tykes to bed and enjoying adult time reading or watching a movie, or, even getting a little work done.

I’m pretty sure they’re lying.

OK, maybe not, but, it’s not something I know much about.

We’ve been blessed with 3 kids with forceful personalities, and, tucking in, and, saying “nite nite” and walking away has never happened here.

Oh, sure, you think we’re just not doing it right.

Yeah, we thought so, too. But, since we’ve really not slept since September, 1994 (oldest child is almost 13, coincidence? I think not.) we’ve decided it’s them, and, not us.

It takes most of the evening to chase them down, and, point them toward the shower, that’s not even including sports, activities, dinner, and, homework. So, there is very little no-kid leisure time here, because, when we finally subdue them, it’s time for bed, ourselves.

Since hope springs eternal, I’m always looking for ways to reclaim our weeknights.

A while back, Real Simple Magazine shared tips from real people about how to make weekday evenings more relaxing.

Though not all the tips are unique to working parents, it’s worth a read, and, it’s kind of nice to know other people are as pressed for time as I am.