53% of American parents feel rushed at times, and 31% feel that way always. It’s rare you get some time to yourself, so when you do, you may feel a bit shell-shocked.
For instance, you may get a small break when you send your kids off to summer camp. But are you left twiddling your thumbs, wondering: what should I do today?
Then you’re in the right place. Here, we’ll give you 9 things you can do while your kids are away at camp.
1. Go on a Small Getaway
Usually, when you go on any sort of a getaway, you’ll have to bring the whole family. But maybe it’s been a while since you and your spouse have had a romantic weekend; this is the perfect time to have one.
With the kids away at summer camp, you can pack up and travel to a nearby town for a couple of days without having to worry about taking care of the family. And better yet—it’ll be just the two of you, so you’re sure to rekindle some passion and romance.
2. Kick Back and Relax
Maybe you’re tired of all the hustle and bustle, and while a romantic getaway sounds nice, you just don’t have the energy for it.
In this case, there’s nothing wrong with sitting around in your home. Stay in your pajamas, curl up on the sofa, and read a good book or binge some Netflix series.
This can be a great time for you to unwind and recharge before the kids return and your life is busy and chaotic once again.
3. Go on Dates
If you don’t have the time or money for a romantic getaway, the next best thing to do is to go on dates. Usually, you’d have to find someone to look after your kids while you go out, but since they’re already out of the house, that’s one worry and expense gone.
If you and your spouse feel like grabbing dinner at your favorite restaurant or catching a movie at the theater, you can do so without having to make arrangements for the kids. This is a great way to rediscover the spark in your marriage!
4. Stay up Late
When your children are home, you usually have to set a good example for them and go to bed early. Or, at least, pretend to do so. After a certain time, you’ll have to be quiet and be sure not to disturb any kids that are already asleep.
But with just you and your spouse at home, you’re free to go to bed whenever you want! You can stay up until 2:00 am having a fun little dance party. Put on those albums from your early 20s and cut up the rug with your significant other!
5. Wake up Late
On the same note as the previous section, in addition to staying up late, you can wake up late too! With no Susie to take to flute lessons or James to drive to summer school classes, you’ll be free to wake up as late as you wish.
Even if you can’t break out of the habit of waking up at 6:00 am, you can at least lie in bed for as long as you want. Look at cute and funny memes on your smartphone or turn on your TV to watch the news or your favorite reality TV show.
6. Take Long Baths
When the kids are home, if one doesn’t want something from you, then another one does. As a result, you don’t get much personal time. Instead of having a long, relaxing bath, you probably have to quickly jump in the shower, get yourself clean, then hop back out.
While your children are at summer camp, use this peace and quiet to pamper yourself. Draw a hot bath, throw in a bath bomb or bubbles, pour a glass of wine (or two), and settle in with a good book. This will do wonders for your mental well-being!
7. Have Friends Over
When you have children who are always demanding your attention, it can be difficult to have friends over to properly catch up with one another. But now that the kids have cleared out to go to summer camp, the house is truly all yours.
Haven’t spoken to your group of friends in a while? Use this opportunity to invite them over for dinner and/or a drink. You’ll all have a great time filling each other in on your lives, without any kids running around!
8. Declutter and Clean the House
You might try your very best to keep the house spotless, but let’s face it: once you clean up a room, it’ll be back to the same old mess within a few hours.
While your children are out of the house, you should use this chance to completely declutter and clean your home. Yes, it’s true it’ll probably become messy again once they come home, but at least you’ve thoroughly disinfected and cleaned all surfaces, as well as packed away things that are no longer used.
9. Create Gourmet Meals
Cooking for an entire household can be challenging, especially if you have picky eaters. And usually, kids won’t really appreciate a seafood meal or any other pricier foods.
If you’re a foodie and are desperate for some high-quality meals, you can use this window of opportunity to create gourmet meals that Gordon Ramsay would be proud of.
What Should I Do Today? Tons!
The next time you find yourself thinking, “what should I do today,” you’ll have plenty of activities to do when your children are off at camp. Whether you use this time to catch up on chores or to pamper yourself, you’re sure to get some respite from your usual child-rearing duties.
Thinking about the upcoming summer and aren’t sure which camp to send your kids to? Then request some free information from us now!
