Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not leave the house on days like this

39 replies

Crazybaby123 · 12/01/2025 16:02

We try to get out as much as possible, days out, sports , long walks etc. But on days like this I have loads to do, it is freezing cold and getting dark already. Kids are getting on each others nerves though and want to go swimming, which I don't fancy as I don't want to go out and I also don't want to pick up anything. What do you think of some days just not leaving the house... stay in have a roast, do hardly anything,,

YNBU_ yes house days are fine

YBU- no get out you lazy buggers

OP posts:
JumpstartMondays · 12/01/2025 16:03

Of course house days are fine.

BigDahliaFan · 12/01/2025 16:09

I find that out is better than in when everyone is getting on each others nerves.

Rainbow450 · 12/01/2025 16:12

Give yourself a break, staying in is completely ok, it's winter. Maybe a change of scenery, like a 15 minute walk may help ease the getting on eachother's nerves.

coffeeandteav · 12/01/2025 16:16

House days are essential for my mental health and to quell burnout.

madaboutpurple · 12/01/2025 16:22

I love having a day in ,I call it pyjamas day. I had to smile last week. A lady phoned in to Deidre on This Morning as she was annoyed at her neighbour who stayed in her PJ's a few days over Christmas. The lady should let people do what they want. There is nothing better than a day spent reading and watching television now and then.

Crunchymum · 12/01/2025 16:24

We always try to have a house day (or afternoon) at this time of year. Kids are out all week / have hobbies and clubs most evenings and Saturday mornings. They need time to decompress.

I work from home but I do drop off every morning and pick up a few times a week so I'm rarely ever in all day.

That said the older two DC haven't been out this weekend as their hobby was cancelled yesterday and it's all getting a bit fraught. So much so I sent them to the park for an hour earlier!!!

Sortumn · 12/01/2025 16:25

House days are fine but if kids are struggling with being in and are asking to go out I would take them.
I think it's really positive that they're making suggestions.

Screamingabdabz · 12/01/2025 16:27

Why do you feel that this is even in question? Most people would just stay in on a cold, miserable day like today. I love staying in and pottering about. It’s not a moral failing.

leftorrightnow · 12/01/2025 16:29

Of course staying in the whole day sometimes is fine! I wish we could do it more. But with a 8 and 10 year old living in a two bedroom flat, it gets too much. So we always have to get out for a bit. But if we’re trying to have a calmer day, usually DH and I go out by ourselves separately for a run or walk and maybe allow the kids to be inside all day if they’re tired and grumpy, or we take each one out by themselves for an easy thing like a trip to the library or just walking to the shops. I’m really trying to embrace being slow and restful and kinda lazy this Jan. I don’t have the energy to drag us all out for some fun day out or nature walk, I just donyC and I decided that’s ok!

7ft1garysson · 12/01/2025 16:41

I need indoor days. My children ask for them sometimes too. I’m not sure what is wrong with this

yellowbananasss · 12/01/2025 16:44

We call them 'home days' in our house. Essential for low demands. My autistic teen knows that a home day is code for zero demands on him to do anything, which he needs to get through life really.

soupfiend · 12/01/2025 16:44

We havent gone out today. Im a bit disappointed in myself but I feel a bit off colour. The most Ive managed to do is plough through packets of nuts, finish off some stale biscuits and steam the airfryer. Still my PJs.

I dont like it to be honest but its getting dark now so I probably wont go out now.

Onlyonekenobe · 12/01/2025 16:48

We call them pajama days here. Aim for them every other Sunday. Weekdays are hectic and Saturday is full of sports and extra curricular stuff. It’s so important to just be at home, for us and for the DC: we need to rest, they need to chill out and let their minds wander. They read, potter about their rooms, finish homework, chat, cook, tidy their rooms, play with toys/legos etc, get ready for the week to come. TV comes on around 5pm after everything is done and I cook a yummy dinner. Never get to do this over the summer as it’s criminal being indoors when the weather’s so good (we don’t live in the UK). Love winter for this.

Justkeepingplatesspinning · 12/01/2025 16:49

I'm having a house day. Cooking for the freezer, reading and generally staying cosy. It's good to not feel pressured to go out anywhere once in a while.

PullTheBricksDown · 12/01/2025 16:52

Haven't been out. Don't intend to. It can be hard if you have toddlers or younger ones, but we're now all happy to embrace pyjama days at the weekend.

BitOutOfPractice · 12/01/2025 16:53

I can’t remember the last time I did this. I don’t know why but it makes me feel a bit guilty. I tried yesterday but ended up popping to the gym (it’s next door!) and then DP suggested the pub.

There’s nothing wrong with it. The guilt thing is my stupid problem.

Notmycircusnotmyotter · 12/01/2025 16:55

I can't do them. I get antsy and the kids start climbing the walls. We go out every day, no matter what, barring serious illness.

PinkiOcelot · 12/01/2025 17:01

I haven’t been out today other than a trip to the bin. I very rarely go out on a Sunday these days. Not in my pjs though. Leggings and a hoodie.
I think it’s fine to stay in, especially on days like this. It’s freezing.
Are the swimming pools still open?

Didimum · 12/01/2025 17:03

I haven’t left house today. DH gave me a lie in. Been cleaning, hoovering, tidying, everyone wants a roast. It’s freezing, icy, dark by 3:30. Kids have played video games, board games, their science kit, drawing.

Boredlass · 12/01/2025 17:03

I have home days all the time. Zero guilt

HalfasleepChrisintheMorning · 12/01/2025 17:05

I haven’t left the house since Thursday (work!).
DS has a cough, I’m getting over an illness, it’s freezing, my car won’t drive in ice, I have lots of food (thanks Ocado) and lots of house jobs and tv to catch up with. We went away over Christmas and NY so have done plenty of getting out of the house, indeed the continent recently.
I am going to try to go to Pilates and see my mum tomorrow if it’s defrosted a bit.

SALaw · 12/01/2025 17:06

You think it might be unreasonable to occasionally stay in the house all day when the weather is bad?! You are actually concerned that is unreasonable?!

Cynic17 · 12/01/2025 17:15

I pretty much have a rule that I never leave the house on a Sunday, at any time of the year. It is my day to relax, decompress, read and have at least 8 hours completely alone. Frankly, it's a lifesaver.

yggvugg · 12/01/2025 17:15

Swimming at 4pm on a Sunday afternoon in the dead of winter? Absolutely not. Blankets out and a good film.

colinshmolin · 12/01/2025 17:16

We would always get out both days but recently after an injury we have had more days at home and actually we really enjoyed it. I'm probably gonna try for one day home one day out going forward.