6 Fun Activities for Parents When the Kids Go Back to School

Back-to-school week is a rite of passage not only for your kids but for parents as well. Sure, we might be a tad worn down after 10 weeks of having our darling cherubs home 24/7, but there’s also something a bit surreal about facing the change that the quiet days ahead may hold. 

Now that your children are back in the throes of a seven-hour school day, do you find yourself wondering what on Earth you’re going to do with yourself?  Probably not, but just in case—Mighty Mommy has six fun treats in store for how you can spend your “lonely” days during this new school year.

Tip #1: Plan a Day Retreat—Alone!

That big yellow bus has just rumbled out of your neighborhood with your kids safely in tow—now what? The options really are endless, but why not start with a scheduled day retreat—just for you? You have at least six free hours so make the most of it. Hit the local library for a few hours of quiet bliss and peruse the aisles and pick up anything and everything that interests you.  Next up, head to the beach or your local park and sit quietly with a journal and a pen and record all your thoughts on being a parent. Savoring your favorite take-out food (regardless of whether it’s a sweet treat or a deli sandwich) is also a must. There are no rules for this quiet day of solitude except taking time to reconnect with yourself.

Tip #2: Get Reacquainted with Your Spouse

Back-to-school time affords couples some much needed time to reconnect—alone. Put your phone on silent, unplug your electronics, turn off the TV, and just “be” with one another.  Reminisce about how you first met and fell in love. Savor a few stolen moments of holding hands, enjoying a quiet lunch, or even going for a peaceful ride in your neck of the woods. Look at the positive: This is a time for you and your partner to rekindle your romance, have privacy in the house, travel, or get to know one another again.

Tip #3: Reach for the Stars

Make a list of things you always wanted to do but couldn’t because you were raising your kids. Maybe it’s learning to crochet, cooking gourmet, or gonig back to school yourself. You are never too old to learn.  Pick something that excites and motivates you and then dive right in.  Don’t limit yourself just because you are a parent: dream big and reach for the stars!

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Tip #4:  Go Back to Bed

Some say sleep is so overrated but when you’re a crazy, busy parent, sleep shouldn't be something you skimp on, though it often is. Take advantage of these first few weeks of school and crawl back into bed with your favorite book, or perhaps the TV remote and just relax and chill out. After the summer craziness that your entire family has just endured, let your cozy bed offer a bit of respite.

Tip #5:  Hit the Mall

Don’t discount a relaxing trip to your local mall (or grocery store) once the kiddies are back to school. 

You can walk down every single aisle. No tantrums, no begging. You can even try on clothes. Even if you just wander through the different stores and do a lot of window shopping, you will be opening yourself up to some new ideas, fashion, and even recipes if you end up in the grocery store. There is so much to take in and enjoy in a mall, if you have the time on your hands to digest and enjoy it.  With the kids in school, this is the perfect time to hit the mall and escape.

Tip #6:  Clean the House

You’re kidding, right? After spending 10 intense weeks with your kids home from school you think cleaning the house is the way to unwind? Yes! Puttering around the house, alone, with perhaps your favorite musical CD blasting in the background can be a wonderful way to spend some quality time with yourself.

This is an opportunity to clean, purge, and get organized for the new school year ahead.  One of my favorite rituals when my kids go back to school is going through my closet and drawers and getting my own wardrobe organized for the year. As a treat to myself for having just shown my kids a great summer, I always set aside some money to get splurge on a few new pieces and accessories for myself.

How do you spend some “alone” time once the kids head back to school?  Share your thoughts in the comment section at http://ift.tt/1zMEe2L or post your ideas on the Mighty Mommy Facebook page. You can also connect with me on Twitter @MightyMommy or email me at mommy@quickanddirtytips.com.  Visit my family-friendly boards at http://ift.tt/1wyJKr5.