Have I told you about my night off?
When the kids were really little James saw that I needed a regular break, one that I could count on. So he gave me a night off. Every Thursday as far back as I can remember has been “Mom’s Night Off.”
No matter what was happening, he would come home by 6:00 (earlier if he could) on Thursdays and let me have the whole evening off from the home and the kids. My friends all got to know that if they wanted to do something with me like go to dinner or go shopping, I could do it on Thursday night.
It’s easier now, but when the kids were all babies I had to be creative about what I would do with my night off. If I had a nursing baby I would go in my bedroom and close the door. James would bring me the baby to nurse then take it when I was finished. Sometimes I would clean my room, sometimes I would give myself a pedicure and a facial, sometimes I would just read. Some Thursdays I would leave the house and just drive around listening to music or I’d go window shopping.
My Thursday nights off have always been a treasure to me. As much as I love being with my family, there have been times when I lived for Thursday night. It was easier to make it through a hard day knowing I was going to get a little break soon.
Once the kids got older, my night off got earlier and earlier until now it starts around 10:00 in the morning. I get the kids settled with schoolwork then I leave. I run errands, make phone calls, maybe have lunch with a friend and come home in the early evening. When I get home I will spend a few minutes checking on everyone then I still close my door and take care of my personal needs. I will clean my bedroom and bathroom then do my nails or organize my clothes for the next week or maybe grade papers….whatever will help me to feel equipped for the week ahead.
I encourage you moms to talk to your husband about having a night off. If you can’t do it weekly, then try it once a month. If you don’t have a husband, set it up with your kids to leave you alone one night a week. You should be able to find a way to give yourself a much needed break.
You won’t believe the difference it can make.
Linking to Encouraging Words Wednesday.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sharing this!! What a sweet hubby you have! He’s a keeper!
Becky B.
http://www.organizingmadefun.com
Organizing Made Fun
Great idea, I love my night off, every Tuesday when I go to a women’s Bible study, it refreshes and encourages me for the week ahead!
Very, very wise! Thursdays have always been a special day to me, too for other reasons. I may strip the buffet next week!
Oh I firmly believe in a little break. I get girlfriend days with my BFF. We try to do twice a month (at least). It gives me something to look forward to. In fact I had one yesterday. Will be blogging about it as soon as I get a chance.
Have a lovely Mom’s Day tomorrow.
HUGS!
I am thinking this is a brilliant idea!
Great idea!!!
It does get intense down here in the trenches, doesn’t it? “Battle fatigue” can take a huge toll.
Oh yes I would believe the difference it would(‘ve) make (made). Brilliant idea. I’ll share that with some young fathers I know. James gets nine gold stars.
This is definitely the best idea ever…it can be so easy to get so wrapped up with the kids and the house and to forget that we have to be a “person” every so often. I have a friend who hires a babysitter every Wednesday afternoon/evening (her husband travels during the week)…she calls it “Jan-Day” – I think I need to institute a “Maggie-Day” – although my dh is pretty good about giving me time when I need it…;)
Hi Lisa,
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your blog. You are so funny, creative, and wise. I love reading about you and your family. I also wanted to say how I whole heartly agree with you on a “mom’s day” however I do have a question, what wisdom do you have to give to one’s husband when they don’t really “see” the need or “understand” the need/want to have a mom’s day/time? Again thanks Lisa for your uplifting blog I so enjoy it.
Jess L.
You’re saving marriages, Lisa! Mom’s breaks are incredibly important. Thank you for this post.
Oh this is a perfectly timed post. Since I am now the mom of five with one on the way, I think this could be life saving. My husband is great about giving me time to go out, but I never think to ask until I am drowning! Having a set day is ideal. Then I can refresh before things get ugly. I prefer that my kids don’t see the “ugly” side of me.
Thanks, Lisa.