Mom of 4 Has to Wake Up, Get Kids Ready on Saturdays So Dad Can Sleep in — but There’s an Upside to the Arrangement (Exclusive)

Mom Shares How She and Her Husband Manage Weekend Parenting Duties​

Raising four young children is no easy feat, especially when both parents are juggling work and family responsibilities. Paige Connell, a busy mum from Massachusetts, found herself constantly exhausted and in need of some personal time with her husband. With her husband’s early weekday work schedule, Connell took on the bulk of the morning routines with the kids, leaving them both drained by the weekend.

To combat their fatigue and lack of rest, Connell came up with a simple yet effective solution that has made a significant difference in their weekends. The couple decided to take turns sleeping in on the weekends – with Connell’s husband enjoying a Saturday lie-in while she gets to catch up on sleep on Sundays. This arrangement ensures that each parent has the opportunity to recharge and have some time to themselves.

The weekend routine involves the parent who is awake taking full responsibility for the morning tasks, such as dressing the kids, preparing meals, and getting everything ready for the day ahead. This division of duties allows the resting parent to wake up to a smoothly running household, without the stress of unfinished tasks or a messy kitchen.

While occasional sleepless nights with young kids still pose a challenge, the weekend arrangement provides a much-needed opportunity for Connell and her husband to rest and recuperate. They typically sleep in until around 8:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, giving them a chance to start the day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

According to Connell, the arrangement has not only improved their well-being and strengthened their relationship but has also set a positive example for their children. By demonstrating the importance of rest and personal time, they hope to instill these values in their kids as they grow up.

Although the schedule may need to be adjusted as their children get older and their weekend activities become more demanding, Connell emphasises the importance of communication and setting clear expectations from the outset. By defining what “sleeping in” entails and clarifying each parent’s responsibilities, they have been able to navigate the arrangement smoothly.

The couple acknowledges that while the routine may not always work perfectly, they make a concerted effort to prioritise each other’s need for rest and personal time whenever possible. By carving out this space for themselves, they are not only better equipped to handle the challenges of parenting but also to nurture their relationship.

In a world where parenting can be overwhelming and relentless, Connell’s approach offers a refreshing perspective on the importance of self-care and balance within a family dynamic. By recognising the need for rest and personal time, she and her husband are setting a foundation for a healthier and more sustainable family life.