With the kids away for an extended summer visit, it's only natural to feel lonely, apprehensive, and even anxious. After all, your children are a huge part of your life, and adjusting to a few weeks without them is unsettling, even when you know the visit will be a positive experience. So the next time your kids are away, and you find yourself wondering what to do with your sudden, and perhaps unwelcome, surge of "me time," try these simple survival strategies:
1. Do Something That Would Otherwise Require a Babysitter
How many times have you thought to yourself, "I'd love to ___, but I can't afford a babysitter right now." Use this time with the kids away to fill in that blank with something you'd like to do.2. Get Together With Friends
Let your friends know that with the kids away for a longer visit, you're going to have some additional time on your hands and would like to get together. Ideally, you'll want to plan at least two or three outings with some friends during the time your kids are away.3. Tackle a Project
What are some of the things you've been wanting to accomplish at home, but never seem to have time for? Maybe you'd like to clean a closet, make some minor repairs, or repaint your bedroom. This would be a perfect time to start--and actually have the time to finish--something you've been dreaming about for awhile now.4. Write in Your Journal
There's no doubt that being without your kids for an extended period of time can leave you feeling anxious and unsettled. One of the best ways to process those emotions is to write about them. Even if you've
never used a journal before, grab a plain spiral notebook and start to write out your feelings. For help getting started, try our daily
Guided Journal Questions ecourse.
5. Take at Least One Day Off From Work
When was the last time that you took a day off just to give yourself a break? Consider doing that at least once with the kids away for their extended visitation.6. Read a Book
While the kids are away, stop by your local library and check out a few novels. If it's a nice day out, grab a lawn chair and read at a local park. Time in the sunshine, and time reading about someone else's trials and tribulations, can be extremely rejuvenating.7. Chat in the Single Parents' Forum
With the kids away, you'll also have some extra time to stop by the
Single Parents' Forum and make some new friends. The best part is that the relationships you build online can continue to grow after your kids come home, too.
8. Rent a Movie
Pick up one of your all-time favorites, or rent a movie you've been wanting to see for a long time. Enjoy the fact that you don't have to consider anyone else's opinion for a change!9. Lend a Helping Hand
When you're feeling down, it helps to focus your energy on others. Is there a neighbor who needs some help right now, or a shelter where you could volunteer? See if you can spend some time with the kids away doing something for someone else. It's a great way to share your gifts and build community.10. Sleep In!
Finally, while your kids are away, give yourself at least a day or two where you allow yourself to sleep in for as long as you need to. Resist the temptation to set your alarm and push yourself constantly to accomplish "more" with the limited time you have. After all, nurturing your physical need for rest is an excellent use of your time, with the kids away or at home.
