9 Signs You're Spending WAY Too Much Time With Your Kids
We love our kids, we really do! We love playing with them, coloring with them, attending their recitals, cheering them on at sporting events, going on playdates with them, and everything else that comes with the territory.
But parents need some grown-up time, too — and we're not only talking about time behind closed doors. We're talking about quality time with adults, whether it's a date night, a girls' night out, or even a solo dinner with you and your favorite book.
How do you know if you've gone too long without one? See some of the telltale signs...
1. You're Subsisting on a Steady Diet of the Mac and Cheese Left on Your Kids' Plates. When the kids leave this much goodness behind, who needs to make their own dinner?
2. Your Evening Bag (or Any Bag Other Than Your Diaper Bag) Is Covered in Dust. It's a sure sign that you haven't been out without the kids in months if the bag is literally collecting dust.
3. You're Excited About the Idea of a Date Night So You Can Share the Pics on Facebook. If you need a date night just to show that you don't only spend time with your kids, you're not doing it enough!
4. The Only Live Music You've Heard in Months Is From Your Kids' TV Shows or Their Music Classes. Whether you were cool enough to score tickets to the Fresh Beat Band or Laurie Berkner when they came through town or you have a front-row spot in your toddler's weekly music class, these do not qualify as live music performances.
5. You've Fallen Asleep/Woken Up in Your Kids' Beds More Often Than Your Own. Whether they just asked you to lie down with them while they (and you) fell asleep or they called out for you in the middle of the night, you're spending more time with them than your partner if you're waking up with them.
6. Your Babysitter Is Calling and Asking You to Book Dates. If your weekend babysitter is calling you to schedule more dates, you probably aren't booking her often enough!
7. The Most Exciting Part of Your Week Is a Kid's Birthday Party. Sure, some kids have great magicians and you get to eat cake, but the most exciting part of your week shouldn't involve spilled apple juice and over-sugared kids.
8. The Most Action You're Getting Is From the Bouncy House. Who doesn't love playing in a bouncy house? But hopefully you're spending more time tumbling around with someone your own age.
9. When Everything Somehow Relates Back to an Animated Film. When you do make it out without the kids, try to the keep the conversation at least PG-13!