Today I’m sharing 5 fun things to do when the kids are asleep. If you’re a night owl like me, those long evenings of solo parenting can get a bit tedious. I’ve been solo parenting for 5 years now, and have tried and tested plenty of things to keep me busy in that time. So with that in mind, today I’m sharing 5 fun things to do when the kids are asleep.
Have a Hot Bubble Bath
Top of my, “Things to do when the kids are asleep,” list is treating myself to a hot bath. I love nothing more than putting on a face mask, firing up my kindle and disappearing under the bubbles for a couple of hours. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, I’ll light a couple of candles, pour myself a drink and take a bar of chocolate with me too.
It feels like the ultimate indulgence for me. 100% me-time, with no interruptions. Top tip: Wait until the kids are 100% asleep before getting into the bath. Having to get out to meet their needs definitely spilt the overall effect!
Gaming
It’s no secret I love gaming. Depending on my mood, sometimes you’ll find me playing on my Nintendo switch, enjoying a game of bingo, or even playing casino games online.
During lockdown, Syd and I spent many hours playing Animal Crossing on our Nintendo Switches. (Yes – I have my own)! We joined tons of Facebook groups to find the perfect residents for our islands, and to trade goods with other players. When she’s asleep, I tend to play slightly more mature games like Zelda or Two Point Hospital. (I absolutely love that game)!
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Reading
I’m a huge bookworm. My genre of choice will vary, depending on my mindset at the time. If life is calm, you’ll usually find me reading a crime thriller. When life is tough and I need to escape, I love to read a good rom-com. I’m not really one for biographies, if I’m being honest.
While I love the idea of a physical book, I have to confess that 95% of my reading occurs via my beloved Kindle Paperwhite Signature. I got mine during Black Friday and saved a fortune. (November birthdays definitely got better when Black Friday became a thing in the UK)!
I often pop an AirPod into one ear so I can listen to an audiobook while I do chores. I loved the books so much, I’ve been listening to A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas for a few weeks, and it’s fast becoming one of my favourite things to do when the kids are asleep. Somehow washing the dishes becomes more enjoyable, if I listen to Feyre’s journey at the same time.
TV Time
Who doesn’t enjoy collapsing in a heap and watching some TV? I love to curl up under a blanket and watch old shows. I’m not one for reality TV, but shows like Gilmore Girls, Charmed, Buffy and Friends are my go-to chill TV shows. I do watch the odd new show too. This year, I have loved Reacher, Our Lady Jane, and of course Bridgerton.
As a huge geek, I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise that I’m partial to watching old Batman Films too. That’s one of my favourite things to do when the kids are asleep, when my insomnia kicks in.
Make Plans
I love to have goals, so you’ll often find me planning dream trips on trip advisor, or pinning items to Pinterest boards for the kitchen I’m saving up for, or the kids bedroom makeovers which are happening soon.
In between all of that, I love to actually make calls and catch up with people. I find adding these calls to my things to do when the kids are asleep list, means I can talk without interruption. Making plans with loved ones is a great way to help ease the inevitable loneliness that single parenting can bring.
Finally, let me know in the comments if you can think of any more things to do when the kids are asleep.
