Does your idea of spending quality time with your kids after you get home from work include snuggling on the couch while watching TV? No? Just me?
I forgot my work laptop in my office today and that is where I have my blog post content spreadsheet. I cannot remember for the life of me what today’s post was supposed to be on, so decided to just write what was on my mind.
After working a full day, whether in the clinic or even from home, I feel spent. My 5-and-3-year olds seem to have the most energy right around 5:30 PM. They are also bordering on hungry since we eat dinner at 6 PM. I feel exhausted trying to play with them for 30 minutes until my husband gets home and we finally we can do dinner.
This blog post may be more of a rant/vent rather than my usual guides and tips. I would welcome any advice people have to give. During the summer months, it was easier to take a walk after dinner but now that it is getting darker earlier and cooler, it is harder to do that.
We recently tried playing board games, which works somewhat well for the 5-year old. The problem is that I also have to spend most of the game making the sure the 3-year old doesn’t throw the pieces, steal the cards, etc. Tag and hide-and-seek really make me tired. Painting, drawing, and crafting keep them interested for a short period of time.
I feel guilty if we end up doing a movie or shows on YouTube for a long time, especially if it happens for too many days in a row. Then, I feel guilty that I give my all at work during the day and don’t have anything left for my own family. I do try to follow my own advice (read my previous mom guilt post if you haven’t!) and imagine what I would tell a friend who was going through this.
I imagine I would tell her that she is doing her best and to be kind to herself. I would also tell her that it is ok if the kids have a little bit too much screen time every once in a while. It sounds good when I say it to other people but somehow, I have trouble believing it for myself.
Winter has not even started yet, so I feel a sense of urgency in coming to terms with this guilt. I either have to do something different or stop complaining I feel so guilty for being too tired to play.
Baths, books, and bed-time are my favorite part of the end of the day because I do feel present and we spend really good quality time. I hope I can channel that feeling into the hour and a half before that.
I wish everyone strength and energy as this year continues. Comment below if you have suggestions to feel more present at the end of the day and with more energy to play with your kids! I would love to hear it. Thanks for reading.