This weekend John is going camping with his friends. It’s a little mancation, something the guys have been doing for years. And while I would never begrudge him his time away ( I like time to myself and I love getting away) I was a bit anxious about solo-parenting for the weekend.
I know it seems strange that I would be anxious about going it on my own, especially since I do it most days of the week. But there is something about the anticipation of John coming home from work, knowing that someone is going to help me through the dreaded dinner, bath and bed routine. Knowing that when 5:00 rolls around and my patience has worn thin that someone will be there.
And I was feeling a little sad and maybe a little jealous and a bit lonely. For the nights will be quiet after Jack is in bed. And there will be a definite lack in adult conversation. And what I wouldn’t give to get away for the weekend on my own.
And then it occurred to me, I get to be the fun one this weekend. For once I get to be the one who says yes all the time, the one who pushes back bedtime, the one that goes for donuts in the morning. I get to be the one who lets the rules slide, rather than the one constantly enforcing them. This was my chance to be the fun one.
So I’m thinking we will be building forts and going to play dates. We will be eating lunch out and maybe dinner too. We are definitely hitting up the bakery. We will pull out toys that have been banished to the basement because they are too messy. We will watch a movie and stay up late (like 8:00 late, Mom still needs some time to herself). We will make popcorn and messes and enjoy this time off from Daddy.
I will do these things knowing that these days are fleeting. That Jack is already starting to ask when he can go camping with Daddy, that soon the two of them will head off together for a father-son weekend. Soon it will be just me at home while they are off on an adventure.
This weekend I’m doing my best to be the fun one, even if it doesn’t come naturally to me.
Yes you will find your way and your own special things to do while Daddy is away. My husband hates tacos, but my kids love them so whenever he is away during the week (every couple of months or so) we always have tacos. It is a little thing, but it is the first thing my kids think of when they hear Daddy is going away. It takes a little of the sting out of Daddy being gone. We will also do other little things, most of the time just spur of the moment, depending on our schedules. Have fun and enjoy your little boy!!
I love that you have a tradition of what you do when your husband is away, it gives everyone something to look forward to.
That is a good idea of things to do while he is away. I have always wanted to be the fun one in my household. Have a fun weekend!
Isn't it rough that moms don't get to be the fun one very often? But I guess someone has to be in charge.
I hope you have fun! When my husband is gone I like to take the kids out to eat. Or I've taken then to see a movie.
That's a great idea, my son loves going out to eat.
LOVE this. I truly hope you are able to do all of these things you'd like to do! Have a blast, mama 🙂
Thank you I hope we get to do a lot of them too.
I'm glad you're realizing the opportunity! I hate that I'm always the one who's not fun. I love it when I remember to actually try and have fun! Good luck with your weekend shenanigans. 😉
I hate it too that I'm always the one laying down rules and enforcing bedtimes, it will be nice to have a break.
I bet y'all are going to have a blast! Take lost of pictures! 😉
I will thank you Elaine.
You are going to have a great time. I love your outlook on this. When my husband is away I never see the opportunity.
It has taken me a long time to get to this outlook and I'm sure over the weekend I will have to remind myself to maintain this look out.
I never thought about it like that — I need to find more time to be the "fun" one. This weekend my husband has to work, and I am going to try to say yes more!
Good for you! I hope it was a wonderful weekend and that you took full advantage of being the fun one