MomsTribute
Today’s working mom juggles a lot on her plate. Amid the meetings and deadlines, the moments with our children can fleetingly pass by. Weekends, or days off work in general, offer a great opportunity for us moms to hit the pause button on our busy schedules and immerse ourselves in the joyful chaos that comes with spending quality time with our kids.
Weekends can be a super busy time for many of us. We’re often playing catch up from our busy days at work and many families have ball practice or other commitments. When we do have a true day off, it can be necessary to take that day to rest or do other activities. So, what’s a busy working mom to do?
If you’d like a few ideas to help you with low key kid friendly activities, then read on. These won’t deplete the energy tank, but they’ll help you create some quality moments with your little ones—which is pretty important to most of us!
One of my favorite activities to do with my kids is to load up in the car and hit our local walking trail. It is surrounded by nature, complete with a rushing creek bed and fully matured trees. The setting is peaceful and happy, and my kids and I love to spend time together walking, tossing rocks into the creek and enjoying the day.
Walks in nature make for a great low impact activity! Imagine the sunlight filtering through the trees, the laughter of your children echoing around you, and the refreshing tranquility that comes from being immersed in nature. An outdoor adventure is a brilliant way to step away from the hustle and bustle of work life. It’s not just about the place you go; it’s about the smiles you share and the stories you’ll tell later.
When you’re done, you’re sure to be hungry so you could stop to eat at a great kids friendly venue like Chick Fil A or Cracker Barrell. My kids love both of these spots, as they have things at these restaurants to keep them busy while they wait. Many Chick Fil A’s have play areas, and their menu pleases most picky eaters. They even have menu items for those on restricted diets, which is so helpful for many families.
Cracker Barrell has a waiting area modeled after an old country store where the kids can browse in a relaxed, easy atmosphere. There are also rocking chairs and checkers games set up at various spots around the restaurant. This always encourages my kids to sit back and take it easy.
As an added bonus? Mom doesn’t have to cook!
For movie-loving families, a themed movie night can be a magical experience. We have “Family Movie Nights” every couple of months, and even when we choose an old favorite, our kids can’t wait to cuddle on the couch and just chill out together.
A weekend activity that includes a movie night can be a great way to relax when you don’t have much energy left after a busy week. Pop some homemade popcorn, build a pillow fort, and settle in. This intimate setting allows you to laugh, cry, and be entertained alongside your greatest fans—your kids.
Baking with my kids has always been one of my favorite past times. It’s something I used to do with my own mom, and making memories this way is just the best. Baking together isn’t only about the delicious treats you create, it’s also about the lessons of patience, the recovery from “happy accidents”, and the creativity that ensues when decorating. Try your hand at baking and decorating cookies, elaborate cakes, or cute cupcakes. It’s about enjoying the process as much as the end result. And for moms with younger kids, remember that a little mess can always be cleaned up—it’s part of the fun!
While we only get so many days off each month, the bonds we build with our children are for life. For working moms who are planners at heart or who need to incorporate activities around a hectic work schedule, tools like the free kids friendly venue app can be lifesavers. Find activities that align with your time off and that cater to your children’s ages and interests. This makes it easier for you to plan that perfect day.
By focusing on activities that work for you and your family, and that help create the emotional connection between you and your children, working moms everywhere can create weekends that resonate deeply, offering a reprieve from the busyness of everyday life. Here’s to making your next days off truly memorable, where the gift of presence becomes the most cherished present of all.
Katie C
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