I know how you feel! For SO many years, I have been ON. I had 1 kid leave for college last fall and another left in January (he was in CC). I have 1 left in HS. I have had 16 years of IEPs, interventions, medical procedures, financial constraints and a demanding job OTH - oh, and a DH with ADHD/depression and local ILs who had years of medical challenges before passing.

It's like I finished the marathon and should walk to cool down but only want to flop on my back and enjoy the soft, cool grass!

I say read that book! Get yourself a Kindle Unlimited subscription for Mother's Day!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent the youngest child! He is not his sibling’s responsibility.

This is such a weird take. Driving someone somewhere is not parenting them! Do you consider your Uber drivers a substitute parent? If the teen volunteered to drive, encourage his helpfulness and independence and let him!

OP- take the time to rest before the next wave of busyness hits.

Car conversations are where a lot of older kid parenting happens. Do you have older kids? We have some of our best discussions in the car.

I mean, my kids are in activities and yet I find time to read a book in bed most weekends. What's wrong with reading a book in bed?

I am in the same situation and I have started painting (not rooms, art) in the evening. Or, reading in the living room. I like to be around if someone wants me for something, but it’s nice to do hobbies again instead just work, work, work.

I just read the first page of comments & many of them are so rude.

Sorry OP - you have a very legitimate question…..

You have done a lot of child-rearing and now you have more free time.
This IS wonderful.
You definitely deserve this! 👍🏽

Plus cooking + cleaning every evening is still a lot for a family of five.

I say read a book in bed, meet a friend for lunch and/or a movie and possibly take on a volunteer job, etc.

You have done a lot for your family and definitely deserve some quality “y-o-u” time!

I think it’s totally fine to sit and read a book!! I am constantly drowning in housework so can’t imagine this problem, but if the only things holding you back is guilt, stop feeling guilty!

Personally, I would try to spend more time with the kids. Even if your DH loves your daughter’s sport, you should sometimes go to practices when you can to support her. Join your oldest on the drives to activities and hang out while the youngest kid practices. Especially if he’s going to college soon, you’ll miss being able to chat with him. Maybe run errands together?

Enjoy your book guilt free

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Pray.

Yuck! No.

Are you a child?

probably a liberal heathen. They all hate God.

Fire your landscaper, do all the yardwork, flower beds, plant annuals, a veggie garden for your family, mulch, weed, etc.
Do the small home maintenance stuff throughout the house. Touch up paint on baseboards and walls, tighten loose screws on kitchen cabinets, change out filters in HVAC system, deep clean the kitchen counters, get papers together for shredding, clean out closets of unused stuff, prepare donations or sell.

1) get off Dcum
2) do your work.

Anonymous wrote:Parent the youngest child! He is not his sibling’s responsibility.

This is such a weird take. Driving someone somewhere is not parenting them! Do you consider your Uber drivers a substitute parent? If the teen volunteered to drive, encourage his helpfulness and independence and let him!

OP- take the time to rest before the next wave of busyness hits.