Reclaiming The Weekend

Set a family rhythm that works.

- Lily Vincent

On late Sunday evening my head is spinning as we finish the bedtime routine and survey the damage left from an average family weekend at home. I glance at my preschooler, generally a ball of sprightly energy, lying in bed as if she fell backwards into it, arms draped behind her head. The weekend has exhausted even her, and I look at my husband with a shrug. Sunday evenings have always been a low point for us — when the weekend slides out the back door like a sly cat and we’re left pacing along the porch calling its name.

“We need to do weekends better,” we agree over stacks of dinner dishes. Already operating in recovery mode from a long work week we decided it was time to take back our weekends. Here are some methods we recommend to try and establish a weekend rhythm that works for the whole family without the chaos.

KEEP SLEEP SACRED

Avoid the trap of allowing kids to stay up late as a weekend treat. What starts as a Friday movie or bowling night ends on Saturday with a crabby child and protests at bedtime. Follow the same sleep schedule you’ve established during the week. Experts say a consistent bedtime is critical for the developing child, but it also offers precious time for parents to recharge. If you have multiple children with different bedtimes, consider special evening activities for older children like crafting or puzzles they can do alone while you relax.