Do you get time out for yourself?

[MUM2BLESS]

Just wondering if those will larger families have time to have interests and hobbies. What are they? Also do your other half get to go out without the kids? (Dinners, walks in the park etc etc)

I have planned that once a month me and hubby are taking time out for us. Even if its just at McDonalds, we are going out. THis should start in March. Its amazing that so many things are filling up already.

Take my hat off to my mum who has seven kids. Dad died eight years ago.

Share your tips with me please. Thanks

[ragged]

tips.... hahahha.
really hard until youngest starts preschool, tbh, and I still have heaps of chores to do.
I try to read books, started patchwork, MN, other stuff that fits around looking after them.

[LongStory]

oh yes it's essential! I get one night out a week with my friends, and am working on one night a month or a fortnight with my husband. Just couldn't cope with the chaos/ incessant demands without some time for me.

[OnlyMe1971]

Only have 3 but go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I used to hate it but now I love it cos I always feel sooo good aftre it. So relaxed and zen. I find I am well able to deal with anything the kids throw my way once I've had my exercise fix! I was not even slightly like this before the kids were born.

I also work 2 days a week, after being a SAHM for a few years and I have to admit, while I miss the kids, it is just blisssssssful being able to sit in front of a computer screen and zone out and have no-one screeching at me or pulling at me.... I can even go to the loo in peace - it's amazing!

[fluffygal]

I have 5, youngest 17 months and oldest 6 years, I play netball one night a week but that's about all I get to do! I am doing up our house at the moment so not sure if DIY counts as a hobby or a necessity?! TBH I don't do a lot as I feel guilty leaving my husband with all 5 too many times when we only really get one day together as a family, not fair for me to swan off and leave them, and hate asking people to babysit so we mostly do nothing :-(

[MUM2BLESS]

In a way its getting easier with the kids, in ohter way challenging. THey are more independant, but they still need to be guided in some things.

I enjoy gardening. Its wonderful seeing the seeds growing in different stages. I guess it like dealing with the ELEVEN children I look after. FOUR of my own and SEVEN childminded children.

I really like drawing but I have not really done this as I would like to. I enjoy watching cooking and property programmes.

LIfe can be very busy and I really appreciate the quite times when I get it.

Has anyone with a larger family having lots of time for themselves now the kids are much older? or are you busy with the grand kids?

[elizadoulalittle]

I have 3 trying for 4. We try and go out once a month/spend most nights together after dcs bedtime (8.30/9 s-t)/i try and have a school day a week to myself 9(littlest at nursery)

I would love one day a month with dh child free.

[Thinkingof4]

Umm no not really. I have 3, youngest 9 months so just about to go back to work. I might try to engineer a little me time before picking them up one of my work days. I'm also at the trying for 4 stage, but have accepted that I won't really get much time to myself for the next 4 years when hopefully they'll all be at school or nursery!!

[MUM2BLESS]

Thanks

[foolonthehill]

Me time....falls over at the idea...but I'm on my own...so if you can you definitely should try and plan some!!