**Collaborative post**
When you have children, your life revolves around them and every minute they’re awake you’re either entertaining them or feeding them. This isn’t a bad way to live, but sometimes you need to relax, and the best time to do this is when the kids are in bed.
Here are a few suggestions of 10 fun things to do when the kids are in bed:
Catch up on that TV show you always wanted to watch
There might not be the opportunity to binge-watch a TV show like you used to, but evenings can be a great time to unwind with an episode of something you have always wanted to watch. Perhaps even make something special of it and get some popcorn and a nice bottle of wine.
As a parent, you’re probably getting a bit bored of watching CBeebies or even YouTube (or similar) on repeat. Cancel out all those gaming vlogs and prankster shows and enjoy a good horror or thriller. You probably won’t get much chance to watch these kinds of films unless the kids are safely tucked up in bed.
Play a game of bingo or play online games together
You don’t have to go to a bingo hall to play, as you can play online. This is a great way to escape being a parent for just 20 minutes or so. Have a couple of bingo games then get back to all the other things you need to do – or, of course, spend the next few hours immersed in the game but remember to be careful and stop it’s no longer fun. Although, I must admit – actually leaving the house to hit the Bingo hall with friends is a tad more enjoyable….with the bonus of leaving the house and adult company!
Play games with your partner, from board games and video games to something a bit sexier, the choice is yours. Why not add an interactive twist with a lively Bubble Shooter game to bring out your competitive sides? Whatever you choose, these games are perfect for bonding and creating unforgettable moments together.
Read a book
The peace and quiet of the evening when children are asleep is a great time to catch up on your reading. It will help you to relax and you might even sleep better because of it.
Take some time to meditate
Get some work done
By day you’re the perfect parent. By night you’re the working professional you always wanted to be – this is my evening most nights with the laptop out catching up on posts, emails and other admin work.
Cuddle
You and your partner are probably running around after kids all day or one of you is at work. When the kids are asleep, take some time to cuddle and chat. Don’t become strangers.
Play card games
Playing card games is a fantastic way to unwind and have some fun. There are plenty of easy-to-learn options that you can enjoy, such as Solitaire, Rummy, or Crazy Eights. If you’re in the mood for a bit of teamwork and strategy, try Spades. It’s a great game to play with your partner, and you can easily learn how to play by checking out some easy card games online. Card games are perfect for a quiet evening and can be both relaxing and mentally stimulating.
Bake and cook for the week
Get this gigantic chore out of the way. Batch cook some big meals like lasagne, stews and curries then freeze them. This should sort you for a week or two.
Exercise
Alone or with your partner, pop on an exercise video and get a sweat on.
You might not be able to get to the gym or out for a run so this is the next best thing.
Dinner date
Cook the kid’s something fun and easy but hold off on having your own dinner. Once the kids are in bed, you and your partner should cook something you really want to eat and sit down at a candlelit table with great food and a nice bottle of wine.
Whatever you choose to do, when the kids are tucked up in bed, make the most of the opportunity for a bit of quality time. Come the morning, it’ll
be back to the usual hectic routine!
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