When You’re Having a Long Day at Home With the Kids

By 10 o’clock this morning it already felt like “one of those days”.

You know, one of those long days at home with the kids where you look at the clock and wonder how in the world you still have a billion hours until bedtime? Or the kids’ bedtime at least, because let’s be honest, I savor that bit of quiet time after they’re in bed for all it’s worth.

Some days I feel all cheery, the kids are playing nicely, I’m getting things done, etc. etc. and then other days not so much. 

Some days I feel like I’m rocking this one-car-family thing and other days I feel so stuck in this house with these crazy (but very dear) kids. 

That last part about feeling stuck is definitely how I’ve been feeling today. Also, it’s Wednesday, which means it’s only the middle of the week and I have two more (seemingly) identical days to get through before the weekend. Ha!

ANYWAY . . .

Since it’s “one of those days” I thought a blog post was called for. Here’s what helps (and what doesn’t) when I’m having a long day at home with the kids.

What doesn’t help (during a long day at home with the kids)

Spending a lot of time on my phone

When I’m having a long day at home with my kids I’m very tempted to spend too much time on my phone. It’s never worth it though.

Too much phone time distracts me from my kids, tempts me to be discontent, and leaves me with a general “blah” feeling. Not. Worth. It.

Letting the kids’ have an excessive amount of screen time

When it’s “one of those days” it’s also a temptation for me to let the kids have an inordinate amount of screen time. Now, I am not against screen time. My kids’ watch a show basically every day, though I try to keep it educational most of the time.

The problem is that when they’re done with their 25 minute show and it’s a long day there’s a temptation to just let them keep watching. Will watching two shows ruin them? Uh no of course not. But I have noticed more behavior problems if I get lazy and let them watch too much. 

What does help (during a long day at home with the kids)

Lighting a candle and turning on music

Oh look, I wrote about this almost exactly a year ago!

Getting outside (even if I really don’t feel like it)

There’s something about getting outside in nature. A few breaths of fresh air can work wonders for your mood (yes, even when you’re chasing three small children while you’re enjoying it!)

15 minute separate play times for the kids

I talked about this over on my Instagram a few weeks ago. I have the older two kids pick a toy to play with by themselves for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes we switch. 

Sometimes they just need a break from each other, and it seems that knowing they only have 15 minutes makes them enjoy their toy/activity more.

Making a to-do list and checking a few things off

When I look around and see a mess it can be easy to feel like I’ve accomplished nothing, but that’s usually not true. (If it is true it’s probably because I’ve been on the phone, which is a problem we already talked about!)

Sometimes you just need to make a list so that you can check off a few things that you’ve done. Write down simple stuff – it’ll feel good to check it off. 😉

NAP TIME FOR EVERYONE 

Rest time is important! Today all three of my kids fell asleep (and are currently still napping!) Caleb rarely naps anymore so I really think it’s the grace of God giving me a little extra break today.

I took a 15 minute nap myself because I needed it and now I’m blogging! I have plenty more to-dos but they can wait a bit. On hard days especially it’s important to take time to rest.

Anyway, those are my thoughts for today! I hear my baby waking up so I’m going to end this. If you’re having a rough day, I feel you. Cheering you on!