Oh, the Things You Can Do Now That Your Kid Is in School

Your days of weeping over your baby growing up are over — you've got a few glorious hours to yourself, girl! Enjoy.

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Sometimes the best way to fill in free time is by doing absolutely nothing.

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No, seriously, I won't even be offended if you stop reading this and go take a nap. We're on the same team here.

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Or shower, whatever. The fact is that you'll be doing it alone. Yipee!

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Opt for the longer treatment, because you don't have a bored child at your side.

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You won't even have to hear the question, "Mommy, what is wrong with your face?"

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And realize that when you're without your kiddos, you have so much more time to gab.

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. . . skip the drive-through. Actually sit in the coffee house. People watch. And read a book.

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Many a mama waited all Summer to get their hair done, and back to school means back to your regular visits to the hair salon.

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Be it knitting or something else, pick up your old hobby and learn to love it again.

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Hiking with kids is good for the family, but hiking alone is good for the soul.

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OK, this may not be your top choice, but cleaning your house with kids running around is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos — totally counterproductive. So take advantage of the empty house.

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Grab a red shopping cart (a regular one, not the kind with the giant car attached to it) and just browse the aisles.

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Sure, you have date nights, but those require a sitter — so make a lunch date with your spouse.

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If you're on your A-game, you might even get in a shower too and still be on time for pick-up.

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Grab a carton of ice cream and eat straight from it — all without having a child at your side begging for a bite.

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And what's more? You can even do lunch with your friends who don't have kids.

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Eating lunch out all by yourself may have freaked out your prekids self, but now it sounds downright delightful.

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Bike rides are typically reserved as something we do with our kiddos, but riding your bike alone (and without having to yell at your child to stop at the crosswalk or to keep up with you) is a great time.

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Yup, the Frozen soundtrack that has been on repeat for six months can finally be ejected.

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If organization brings you to your happy place, then get at it, girl. You'll be amazed at how much more organized you can actually get when you are solo.

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Nothing is harder than having a meaningful conversation on the phone when your child is around. Catch up with all those folks you've been meaning to call and enjoy interruption-free phone time.

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And finish it. In silence.

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In their entirety and without worrying if your child is picking up on what is happening on the screen.

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