I know “I’m going to miss this” but

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh it feels like such a slog. Constant driving, listening to vents/dramas/complaints, cooking food no one is around to eat, but then also being constantly asked for takeout food, my evenings don’t really belong to me. I’m simultaneously too busy to do much for myself, yet totally bored and lonely. Spouse works a ton and helps where he can but, ugh. They tell me thanks and that I am appreciated but I don’t actually feel appreciated.

I know I will be sad when they are gone, I know. But is there any way to actually enjoy this? Because I’m not.

I just sent one to college and have a junior who doesn't drive yet. I'm not sad and kind of can't wait for the other one to leave too ; ) teens are HARD. the "second shift" (5-10pm) is relentless. I long for the days everyone was in bed by 7/8pm and I could catch up on my tv shows.

What do you do during the second shift? I ask as a parent of kids who got to bed at 7 who is really enjoying tv show time…

It's a lot of driving, feeding people at weird times (like dinner at 4:30 or 9:30) and they are just awake and busy until 10/11pm each night. There is nothing calm or relaxing about it. Often you want to and/or do go to sleep before them. There is no quiet downtime in the evenings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh it feels like such a slog. Constant driving, listening to vents/dramas/complaints, cooking food no one is around to eat, but then also being constantly asked for takeout food, my evenings don’t really belong to me. I’m simultaneously too busy to do much for myself, yet totally bored and lonely. Spouse works a ton and helps where he can but, ugh. They tell me thanks and that I am appreciated but I don’t actually feel appreciated.

I know I will be sad when they are gone, I know. But is there any way to actually enjoy this? Because I’m not.

I just sent one to college and have a junior who doesn't drive yet. I'm not sad and kind of can't wait for the other one to leave too ; ) teens are HARD. the "second shift" (5-10pm) is relentless. I long for the days everyone was in bed by 7/8pm and I could catch up on my tv shows.

What do you do during the second shift? I ask as a parent of kids who got to bed at 7 who is really enjoying tv show time…

It's a lot of driving, feeding people at weird times (like dinner at 4:30 or 9:30) and they are just awake and busy until 10/11pm each night. There is nothing calm or relaxing about it. Often you want to and/or do go to sleep before them. There is no quiet downtime in the evenings.

DP. Teenagers also like to start important conversations just as you are lying down and closing your eyes.

[Anonymous]

I imagine it’s worse when kids are involved in sports and/or are very social. My kids weren’t like that, so our nights were much more chill then what Op describes.

[Anonymous]

My son is now in college. I miss him, but I do not miss the slog. I actually have to remind myself sometimes that I do not need to rush home to cook dinner. You can love and appreciate your kids and hate the slog at the same time.

[Anonymous]

NP
What is with these loser this loser that, eat shit posts? How is any of that productive and do any of you realize how bitter you sound insulting others, I dont think it is causing the hurt you want so much as making others feel bad that you feel the need to lash out like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Gosh it feels like such a slog. Constant driving, listening to vents/dramas/complaints, cooking food no one is around to eat, but then also being constantly asked for takeout food, my evenings don’t really belong to me. I’m simultaneously too busy to do much for myself, yet totally bored and lonely. Spouse works a ton and helps where he can but, ugh. They tell me thanks and that I am appreciated but I don’t actually feel appreciated.

I know I will be sad when they are gone, I know. But is there any way to actually enjoy this? Because I’m not.

I just sent one to college and have a junior who doesn't drive yet. I'm not sad and kind of can't wait for the other one to leave too ; ) teens are HARD. the "second shift" (5-10pm) is relentless. I long for the days everyone was in bed by 7/8pm and I could catch up on my tv shows.

What do you do during the second shift? I ask as a parent of kids who got to bed at 7 who is really enjoying tv show time…

It's a lot of driving, feeding people at weird times (like dinner at 4:30 or 9:30) and they are just awake and busy until 10/11pm each night. There is nothing calm or relaxing about it. Often you want to and/or do go to sleep before them. There is no quiet downtime in the evenings.

So watch TV and go to bed when you want. The one time my kid made noise while he made good at 11pm was the last time he ever made noise again. Live your life. Watch your shows and go to sleep.

[Anonymous]

Please shut down the takeout. These kids are crazy with the uber eats and the expectation of take out meals. And then even after graduation they’re spending a lot of their salaries on it and it’s unhealthy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please shut down the takeout. These kids are crazy with the uber eats and the expectation of take out meals. And then even after graduation they’re spending a lot of their salaries on it and it’s unhealthy.

Mine doesn’t. He has a PT job delivering food and refuses to spend his money on it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. These are good ideas. I’m going to up my podcast/audio game and try to maybe cook less but I get sick of takeout all the time so I don’t know.