Raising A Family

Article Contributed by: Mindy Burns

When my husband began working overnight shifts, it was a very difficult adjustment for me. Aside from the fact that I was sort of scared, I was mainly just frantic with my children and then bored being alone. After a few weeks of this unhappiness, I discovered that I could re-invent my nights alone into something positive for myself.

I had started out struggling to get the kids fed, bathed, and to bed, and found myself just letting them stay up late and get cranky, which in turn left me cranky. So, we implemented a new plan that has changed everything! I usually skip the kids nap on the day my husband will be gone, take the kids to Taco Bell for dinner and spend $5 (3 soft tacos and 2 orders of rice), let them make a dinner mess there, come home to a clean house, give everyone a quick bath, spend extra time reading quiet books, and then secretly put them to bed about 30 minutes earlier than usual (I never heard complaints since they skip their nap; they are dead tired already).

Then, it’s Girl Time! There are several ideas I’ve tried and enjoyed very much. On days that I’m super tired, I rent a chick flick earlier in the day, and cozy up to a hot chocolate (or just chocolate) and cry my eyes out to a great girl movie my husband would not enjoy watching.  Other times when I have more energy, I strap on my workout clothes and use the treadmill that’s collecting dust.

My most favorite nights include: buying a new nail polish color and really taking the time to give myself a pedicure or manicure, taking a long hot bath (with bubbles and music), scrap booking, or inviting friends over. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how many friends I can get to come over, even on a weeknight, to keep me company. We just chat, make cookies, watch a movie or show, talk, work on crafts, or anything else we feel like doing. My friends keep me company, and I feel happy knowing that I’ve ended my day on a positive note and taken advantage of being home alone.