You know that sweet saying about kids – “The days are long, but the years are short?” Well, when you’re solo parenting as a military spouse the days feel long and the weeks can feel even longer! Here are a few of our favorite ways to break up the monotony of the day-to-day, keep the kids safely contained, and spare you the last bit of sanity you have maintained before your partner in crime returns to offer a helping hand.
Park picnic or living room picnic
Growing up we would periodically do living room picnics when we went to stay at my Grandparents and I always thought it was so FUN. Lay out a blanket and set it up just like you would outdoors, most important keep the meal simple. You can order something take-out or just our charcuterie idea below for this one!
If you prefer some fresh air, find a local park and take this party outside. It’s amazing what a change of scenery for a meal can do for the whole crew.
Charcuterie happy hour
Keep it simple and let them help! Hit the grocery store and get the squad involved in picking out their favorite things (or order curbside pick-up and have them help you choose from the comfort of your home/the convenience of the app), and have your little helpers join you in assembling it, pour some fun drinks in fancy cups, put on some music and enjoy!
Park play dates
Use this as a chance to burn off some energy and give yourself some time with another adult. It truly is a win/win for everyone.
Bake together
In Kirst’s house, cinnamon rolls are a must-have when Dad is on the road. It doesn’t have to be a complex baking recipe, but just something unique that you rarely do when your SO is away that you and the kids can look forward to despite missing your buddy.
Hike together
Did you know there is a whole group of military spouses that get outdoors, together?! Check out Military Wild for a group near you and burn off some energy in the great outdoors!
Visit a “do-seum”
Keep those hands busy! These places are so fun for those curious kids and oftentimes you can get a great military rate on tickets (or even get tickets for free).
Go for daily walks
Something this simple can keep you and the kids balanced! Gives everyone a chance to breathe in some fresh air, see some new sights and just have a moment of peace before heading back home.
Take advantage of library events or just visit the library for fresh books
A visit to the library can be a game changer, new books, new friends, and often new activities to keep their little minds and hands busy. The bonus is you can bring home some new books to keep reading time fresh and fun!
Water balloons
You can now buy quick-fill balloon sets like THESE that fill up 100 balloons at once, so stinkin’ efficient and hours of funs for the kids on a good weather day!
Rent or borrow a bounce house
Check outdoor rec if you have one on base/post, rent a bounce house, and blow that bad boy up to let those littles get those wiggles o-u-t. We’ve seen WAF friends like Corrie (@ajoyfulmilspouse) get creative and blow one up in her garage during cold weather months for her little boys!
Invite friends over for the evening
Those long evening hours can feel like days at times when your routine is out of wack without your PIC. Inviting another family over to hang out for dinner and to let the kids play is a great way to pass the time and often get good energy out for the kids!
A comment about the “do seums”… look into ASTC reciprocity. We LOVE that our local childrens museum includes ASTC. With it, we can access museums and science centers for FREE while we travel with my spouse or to visit family while my spouse is away. Our local museum is $80/year and includes ASTC.