10 Ways To Relax As Parents After The Kids Are In Bed

Exhale. Relief, the kids are in bed at long last. What should you do? Your home is your oyster and it’s about time for you get to relax. Here are 10 ways to relax as parents after the kids are in bed.

Take a bath together

The most perfectly relaxing evening I can think of is to give each other the spa treatment. Get the bath nice and steamy (bath bombs, bubbles, candles, music – the works) Slip in with your spouse and enjoy each other’s company. Then end the night by giving each other massages. It doesn’t get much better than this!

Crawl into bed early and cuddle

For one night, give yourself permission to neglect all household chores and crawl into bed at 9 PM. You deserve some “nothing” time with each other. Cuddle, catch up and share funny stories of the day. Put on your favourite show or do some reading. You’d be surprised how sleepy you get! 

Make popcorn and put on a classic movie

The parenting life is a hard one, so treat yourselves! Crash on the couch with some light and buttery popcorn and put on a good movie. Escape to another world with each other; go on an adventure together, or experience something new. 

Drink wine and create something

If you want to unleash your creative side, do some art! You can try painting in watercolour, cut up magazines to make a collage, or do a craft (steal your kids’ art supplies – those ones you spent so much money on). The wine will help you get into the groove. Plus, your final creations will be quite memorable.

Order late-night take-out and watch a comedy

After your kids are off to sleep, you can go wild and drop the “mature adult” act. Nothing beats letting loose than getting your favourite late-night, greasy, guilty-pleasure food that you would not feed your children. Pair that with a hilarious movie and that’s a relaxing way to spend your evening.

Do a bible study + prayer

Pick a passage that you want to explore together or share passages that have impacted you. The discussion is bound to be stimulating and encouraging. End the evening praying together. This is a great way to get to know God and each other better.  

Listen to an interesting podcast or audiobook

There are gazillions of high-quality podcasts these days in any genre, so finding one for both of you should be easy. You could also pick a thrilling audiobook to listen to. Get a pot of tea going, cuddle up on the couch, and let your imagination soar with some amazing stories. 

Put on your favourite album and take on a low-intensity project together

Relaxing to you might be cleaning out the pantry, decorating the house, or baking blueberry muffins. Whatever it may be, the point is to do it together. The task shouldn’t be too intense (you’re trying to relax) but fulfilling. 

Make a fondue and play board games together. 

Melt some chocolate. Cut some fruits and set the table with your favourite board game. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone (as long as you keep it that way!) You’ll have so much fun, you’d wish the evening was longer.

Do a short workout and stretch. 

Postpone your couch appointment and get those endorphins going! Even just a couple of minutes will make you feel great. After your body is warm, stretch it out to prevent aches and pains from all your day’s work. 

So those are our favourite 10 ways to relax as parents after the kids are in bed. What are some of yours? Let us know below!

Looking for activities to do with your toddler?