Don’t Bother Hiding It, We All Do It
Being a parent means spending a lot of time putting everyone else's needs ahead of your own, so it's understandable that having the house to yourself can feel like a special occasion. Whether the kids are at school, sleeping over at a friend's house, or spending the weekend with their grandparents, parents tend to have a few habits they save for when nobody's watching.
1. Eat Snacks Without Sharing
If you have the house to yourself for once, it's nice to know no one will ask for your snacks. Many times, as a parent, you cut up your food to give to others. You can finally have a whole bar of chocolate, a bag of chips, or ice cream all to yourself.
2. Watch Shows the Kids Aren't Allowed to See
We all love watching TV, but it's hard to watch certain shows when your kids are around. If you like a show that has too many curse words or inappropriate content, you're probably not going to let your kids watch it. So, it's nice to be able to watch your favorite show that your kids may not even know exists.
3. Enjoy the Silence
Sometimes, it's nice to sit in your house and not hear your kids talking, arguing, or asking you questions. You can even sit on the couch with no TV on or drink a cup of coffee without anyone bothering you. It's not that you don't love having your kids around, but a little peace and quiet can make a huge difference.
4. Take a Nap Without Feeling Guilty
Getting enough sleep isn't always easy when you're responsible for children, especially younger ones who seem to need something every few minutes. Having kids can make it hard to get enough sleep. When you have the house to yourself, you can lie down and take a nap without worrying about your kids waking you up.
5. Eat Dinner at an Unusual Time
Your children will dictate when you can eat most of the time. So, having the house to yourself allows you to have dinner at 4:00 or whatever time you want. Maybe you don't want to make dinner, so you can always order takeout at 10 p.m. and no one will complain.
6. Leave the Mess for Tomorrow
Everyone knows that having kids makes it hard to keep your house clean. They seem to have dirt on them or just make a mess wherever they go. So, when they're out of the house, you may decide not to worry about cleaning and just leave that laundry basket full of clothes for tomorrow.
7. Listen to Music Without Changing the Playlist
If your kids are always in your car or around the house, you're probably listening to their music. Having the house to yourself allows you to listen to your own music and crank up the volume. Maybe it's music your kids don't know about or don't particularly like.
8. Walk Around the House in Comfortable Clothes
Not everyone is excited to dress up when they have no one to impress. Some parents will go the whole day wearing their PJs and not worry about it. Maybe you're not going out, so what better time to stay comfortable and not have to impress anyone?
9. Order Food Nobody Else Likes
You may not realize it, but ordering takeout for your family can be stressful. Your children will tell you they don't like this or that. Having the house to yourself allows you to order whatever you like. Maybe it's food they don't even enjoy.
10. Spend Hours on Their Phones
Parents are always on their phones. But when you have kids, you're usually on your phone helping them with their homework or making arrangements for them. Having the house to yourself means you're able to enjoy your time on your phone. Maybe you'll scroll through some of your favorite shows or websites.
11. Have Conversations With Their Pets
Everyone talks to their pets. But when you have your kids at home, they may think you're crazy. When you have the house to yourself, you're able to tell your dog about your problems or explain your life to your cat. It's a harmless habit that can be surprisingly entertaining, especially when nobody else is around to witness it.
12. Try on Clothes Without an Audience
Some parents love to dress up. But when your kids are at home, they'll come in and bother you. If your house is empty, you're able to try on that dress you bought or that hairstyle you've been wanting to try. Some might even turn the bedroom into a temporary dressing room before deciding that their original outfit was perfectly fine.
13. Enjoy a Long Shower or Bath
Everyone has their moments alone in the bathroom. But when you have kids at home, they'll want you out as soon as you step into the shower. When your house is empty, you're able to take your time in the shower or tub.
14. Throw Away Things the Kids Don't Need
We all have kids who have toys or things they don't really play with. Maybe they have crayons that are broken and will never be used again. If your house is empty, you can toss those things away. Just know that your kids will ask you to buy them back.
15. Sing as Loudly as They Want
Having children around doesn't necessarily stop parents from singing, but it can certainly influence which songs they choose and how comfortable they feel performing them. When your house is empty, you're able to sing whatever song you want. Maybe it's that song your kids hate, and you can blast it and dance in your kitchen.
16. Enjoy a Hobby They Rarely Have Time For
Everyone has a hobby that they enjoy. Some parents will set their hobbies aside, so having the kids out of the house is a great time to work on them. Even spending an hour doing something completely unrelated to parenting can make the day feel much more enjoyable.
17. Have a Phone Call Without Whispering
Having children at home can make it difficult to speak on the phone. You may always have someone trying to speak to you or get your attention. Parents might use their alone time to catch up with friends, have a lengthy conversation with relatives, or make calls they've been putting off. They can finally finish a sentence without having to pause and explain something to a child in the middle of the conversation.
18. Enjoy Their Favorite Treats in Secret
Everyone likes to indulge in some type of treat. Well, some people like to indulge more than others. Having the house to yourself allows you to enjoy those treats. It's not necessarily about being selfish, but sometimes adults would rather enjoy something without having to divide it into several servings.
19. Rearrange the House Without Getting Opinions
Everyone wants to decorate their house. But having kids in your house can make it difficult. Some kids have strong opinions about where their furniture or belongings should go. If you have the house to yourself, you can move furniture and other things around. The real challenge comes when the kids return and immediately notice that their favorite chair, toy shelf, or bedroom decoration has moved.
20. Do Absolutely Nothing
After spending so much time managing schedules, preparing meals, and looking after everyone, some parents don't have the energy to plan another activity for themselves. Instead, they might sit on the couch, stare at their phones, or spend an entire afternoon enjoying the freedom of having no responsibilities for a little while. Sometimes, the best part of having the house to yourself is simply knowing that you don't have to do anything until the kids come home.
