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The Kids are Gone, Now What?

The Kids are Gone, Now What?

As we head into the third week of school and for me, the third week with no kids in the house, I have only one question. How the fuck am I going to deal with this never-ending boredom?

I have been waiting for this time since my last kid was born and now that it is here I find myself searching for something, anything, to keep me busy. I’ve fixed the dryer, railing, and found a new-to-me dishwasher on Kijiji that I installed. I have a HUGE list of home repairs to do which should easily take my till Thanksgiving but I want MORE. You feel me?

Up until a few weeks ago I totally thought I would join a gym and spend my mornings there while spending a good chunk of my time committed to the blog. Instead I am going through an identity crisis. Am I still a stay-at-home-mom if I have no kids at home?

I spent so long focusing on my kids I really threw myself to the back burner where I now have zero hobbies, interests, and I don’t really know where to start looking. I HAVE said yes to every single invitation that has landed in my email because I feel like I need to get out and navigate finding myself, without kids.

So hit me up with your suggestions on what to do to keep myself entertained. Bonus points if it’s free as we are trying to do a no-spend September.

 

 

 

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Aneta Alaei
Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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12 Comments

  1. Debbie White-Beattie
    September 16, 2019 / 1:08 am

    One of the things I like to do the most is listen to audio books or read and if you belong to the library it’s all free and they have a download sight for e books and downloadable audio books. Remember all is free !!!!!

  2. Tammi L.
    September 16, 2019 / 3:46 am

    I love, love, LOVE to browse pinterest, I know it sounds like a ridiculous thing to say but it is a wonderful reference for absolutely everything from what to have for dinner, cookie and cake decorating, home decor, crafts, diy gifts, etc. etc. etc. Recipes that use items already in the house are wonderful and that is something you could do that is free – try new recipes on the family. Also, Christmas is coming. Maybe you could find something special you’d like to make for one of the kids, lots of time to work in secret. (Like a quilt made from outgrown favourite clothes, or a photobook. Not quite free, but reasonable.)

  3. nicky
    September 16, 2019 / 2:13 pm

    Most cities have a Volunteer association that are always looking for volunteers, there is something for every interest, and usually even just a couple hours a week is super appreciated by the non-profits!

  4. JoKing
    September 17, 2019 / 11:14 am

    Find an organization that you can volunteer a hour or two a day 2 days a week. Giving back always feels great!

  5. kristen visser
    September 19, 2019 / 10:58 am

    girl ill be in the same boat as you in a couple years. but for now I have baby girl here to keep me occupied. mon – wed i pick up my oldest in the aft to take her to therapy so there is a break in my day. but thurs and fri when my oldest and middle are in school ALL day , even with baby girl im like … now what. I clean the house but that a couple hours worth. i was thinking of a hobby i could pick up but not too sure what the heck that would be. maybe ill start working out again at home? not that that is exciting but its something i guess lol.

  6. Elizabeth Matthiesen
    September 20, 2019 / 10:57 am

    Oh dear, hope you soon feel more settled. I must admit it was very strange when all 7 of mine went to school however I did have hobbies so I could fill the time well plus of course there was ALWAYS laundry.

  7. mrdisco
    October 5, 2019 / 6:07 pm

    september was JFL42 in Toronto. great way to be entertained

  8. Calvin
    October 9, 2019 / 12:37 am

    Go to the park, or do some fall gardening.. watch some netflix.. movies or tv shows.. youtube is always a good place to find interesting stuff.

  9. AD
    October 14, 2019 / 12:03 pm

    Honestly, what about taking some me time to go to a museum on your own or a movie? I also need to reorganize one of my closets.

  10. Victoria Ess
    December 7, 2019 / 6:46 am

    Lists are definitely so helpful for me when I don’t know where to get started!

  11. kathy downey
    December 10, 2019 / 11:46 am

    Yes we seems to do this all the time.Kids alway come first and we put ourselves last! That’s what us Moms do…

  12. Janet M
    December 2, 2020 / 5:40 pm

    I always found starting new hobbies and exercise classes were helpful.