Out of every 6 week rotation Matt has to work 2 weekends.
So just about the time on Friday night when Im ready for some help Im looking at 2 12 hour days alone with the kids.
These are long days then add in 2 hours of commuting time and we really don't see him much.
So just about the time on Friday night when Im ready for some help Im looking at 2 12 hour days alone with the kids.
These are long days then add in 2 hours of commuting time and we really don't see him much.
It can be a REALLY long weekend with three kiddos at home.
The first few weekends we started this cycle were not pretty.
Like me calling him saying he has the worst job ever, this is miserable etc.
Again, Not pretty.
Then I realized no matter how I complained this " terrible job" currently paid our bills and so forth.
SO I put together an action plan on how to deal with these long and tiring weekends.
Here are some things I have found that help me and the kids have a more peaceful weekend together while Daddy is gone.
1. Make plans for one day.
I usually try and plan a playdate on one of the days. One day is fine staying in pjs and hanging out at home but two days we start getting cranky and fighting. A playdate or getting out of the house helps. Even if its just Target.
2. Dont underestimate the power of structured activities.
I have a few of my go -to things see here but also try to plan a new craft project or outside time activity to break up the day.
3. Stock up on food/ snacks.
Yup. Nothing worse than needing/ wanting to bake or having a snack craving and your only option is to drag 3 kids to the store alone on a Saturday.
Miserable.
Food and Drinks make everyone happy.
4. Call Grandma.
Seriously. If this is an option use it. We are lucky enough to have both our Moms about 3 hours away making meeting on a Fri half way and picking up on a Sunday do-able. If its been a crazy time or there is something I really want/ need to get done I stalk the Grandparents for a little help.
Kids get spoiled, I get some sanity and projects done.
Win, win.
5. Keep the kids on their typical schedule and say no to un-nessisary things.
One weekend we had been invited out to a few different things. By the end of it I was so tired and cranky = the kids tired and cranky it was awful. Its no easy feat taking all 3 out alone and sometimes you just gotta say " No thanks, not this weekend."
6. Establish a nap and quiet time for everyone. Everyday after lunch the babies go down for a nap and B has quiet time. This can involve a movie ( if I think she is really tired cause usually she will fall asleep), playing in her room, the iPad for a treat, or outside time. Whatever it is - she is quiet so babies can nap and I get have a few minutes of peace.
7. Do out of the ordinary things.
The first few weekends we started this cycle were not pretty.
Like me calling him saying he has the worst job ever, this is miserable etc.
Again, Not pretty.
Then I realized no matter how I complained this " terrible job" currently paid our bills and so forth.
SO I put together an action plan on how to deal with these long and tiring weekends.
Here are some things I have found that help me and the kids have a more peaceful weekend together while Daddy is gone.
1. Make plans for one day.
I usually try and plan a playdate on one of the days. One day is fine staying in pjs and hanging out at home but two days we start getting cranky and fighting. A playdate or getting out of the house helps. Even if its just Target.
2. Dont underestimate the power of structured activities.
I have a few of my go -to things see here but also try to plan a new craft project or outside time activity to break up the day.
 |
| Blocks by the fire |
 |
| Lunch listening to books on record |
3. Stock up on food/ snacks.
Yup. Nothing worse than needing/ wanting to bake or having a snack craving and your only option is to drag 3 kids to the store alone on a Saturday.
Miserable.
Food and Drinks make everyone happy.
4. Call Grandma.
Seriously. If this is an option use it. We are lucky enough to have both our Moms about 3 hours away making meeting on a Fri half way and picking up on a Sunday do-able. If its been a crazy time or there is something I really want/ need to get done I stalk the Grandparents for a little help.
Kids get spoiled, I get some sanity and projects done.
Win, win.
5. Keep the kids on their typical schedule and say no to un-nessisary things.
One weekend we had been invited out to a few different things. By the end of it I was so tired and cranky = the kids tired and cranky it was awful. Its no easy feat taking all 3 out alone and sometimes you just gotta say " No thanks, not this weekend."
6. Establish a nap and quiet time for everyone. Everyday after lunch the babies go down for a nap and B has quiet time. This can involve a movie ( if I think she is really tired cause usually she will fall asleep), playing in her room, the iPad for a treat, or outside time. Whatever it is - she is quiet so babies can nap and I get have a few minutes of peace.
 |
| Painting with fruit and veggies while babies nap. |
7. Do out of the ordinary things.
Keeping with their schedule but mixing it up. Sometimes its a movie dinner night where they can eat in the living room watching a movie, sink baths, books downstairs, headlamp hide and seek...
So those are a few tips I have found out the hard way.
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| Having B help give Brooklyn a bath. Something different and helps me out! |
So those are a few tips I have found out the hard way.
Cause when Mama aint happy aint nobody happy!
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