I really want my house to myself

[Tiggeroo]

just for one day. Does that seem possible?
I have three college kids, two who live here full time and one who is here part time. One is currently out of work so when he's not running, coaching the track team, looking for work or doing school work he's home. The other works and is in school but seemingly is here all the time. And she is always putzing in the kitchen whenever I want to make something. The other one who is here pt seems to always be here at night when I want to watch something on tv. DH's work is slower right now. So frequently he is home for a day or two during the week. I am busy with work but had a four day weekend. It felt wasted as there was always somebody else home. When the kids were younger sometimes I'd get a sitter to have some time without them. Can't do that now. I'd like the house completely empty to get chores done. I'd like to sit with netflix for several hours with nobody criticizing my Magnum PI or Miami Vice addiction. Yikes. Maybe I'm just cranky.

 

[ontariomonkey]

That sort of sucks. Kind of like opposite of empty nest lol.

Why don't you pick a weekend and tell the kids that they have no clear out for two days. They must have friends that they can stay with. If they pay rent it is trickier but they might accept a discount so they can get a hotel room or something. Or, book them a couple of nights somewhere as a treat and you stay home. OR book yourself a couple of nights somewhere nice and go alone.

I don't think that it is unrealistic to want time to yourself when your kids are college aged.

 

[Tiggeroo]

They all pay rent and are good kids, but geesh. They all are busy and out alot. They just can't seem to time it to the same time. I'm thinking with the holidays it will get better as their jobs all get busier at this time. DH can be just as bad. I just don't get the things done I plan when there are people home kwim.

 

[Lynn CC]

I wish I was in your shoes, really. Our son moved to Japan early June for graduate school so we won't be able to go visit him until next June. He's our only and we miss him so much when he was in udergrad in Boston we used to see him a lot.
I'm seriously having a hard time with him gone, I look really happy on the outside to co-workers, family, and friends. On the inside I could just burst out crying at any moment. I don't know why it's been so rough for me. I'm looking forward to go visit him next June I think that's what keeps me going. I sure hope it gets easier becasue he will be there at least 3 years and then possibly settling there, he loves it.
I think your very lucky to have your kids close, but maybe it's time to have them get their own tv hookups so you can have yours! Have Fun with them it probably won't last forever!

 

[MinnieTink]

I can relate. I'm an only child and many times crave time by myself. My alone time is generally out of the house and a rare occaision. Alone time IN my house is EXTREMELY rare!

That being said, my mantra is "This too shall pass." The good times as well as the times that you want to pull your own hair out, and the times that you would like to duct tape your children to a wall and run away... None of them last for very long so just bear with it until things change.

Hang in there!

 

[C.Ann]

Everyone needs time alone - now and then.. Maybe you could sit down with them, look at their schedules, and make a definite plan for a day when they can all be elsewhere.. Then just kick back and do (or don't do) whatever you want!

 

[Sheree Bobbins]

I would love to have 3 children around. I have 2 so that is good. I know I will really miss them when they go. I am cherishing the time that I do have them. I have no DH so I will really miss them when they're gone. I don't know what I will do when that time comes.

 

[ilovejack02]

I have a 20 yr old and a 7 yr old. Sometimes I make the oldest take the youngest to the park or Mcdonalds so I can have some quiet time.

Your kiddos are old enough.. just tell them sweetly to get the heck out for awhile lol.

 

[IDoDis]

I feel the same way at times. DH and I are both teachers and for several years both of us plus our kids were all at the same school. Even still, we all have the same days off including all holidays, winter break, spring break, and summer. Also, we all leave the house about the same time and return home at the same time. So, I never get the house to myself. When I feel like calling in sick just for a mental health day, one of the kids ends up getting sick and then I have to use my sick days to stay home with them.

 

[4nana]

I remember those hustle bustle days well with our 4 kids, all the activites to keep up with, their friends in and out, and burning the candle at both ends . Even tho your kids are older now, they are still under your roof, so yes, we all need time to rejuvenate the soul and recharge our batteries. Perhaps you could make a plan with them that would allow some time just for you!

For us, all too soon we had our bittersweet adjustment of kids leaving the nest one by one as they graduated college and started their careers. It took some time to adjust and realize, hey once again it's our turn to do all the things we'd put ont he back burner, time to have fun doing what we want, when we want. However we really do love and enjoy when they visit, the pitter patter of the sweet grands and the house becomes lively once again.

 

[RNMOM]

I am in the same boat but mine are not paying rent. I have 2 sons and they are home most of the time. One works 2 jobs part time and the other has been 'out of work' for 6 months. Don't ask.

When I try to cook the older, non working son comes out to the kitchen and "improves" on my cooking. Nevermind that I was the one who taught him how to cook and it is my good food that inspired him in the first place. Then they eat it all up so fast there are never leftovers to have the next night. I hate cooking every night. When he cooks he needs all kinds of stuff from the store which he can't pay for.

Please guys, get jobs, get apartments and get a life.

 

[MsDisney23]

I look forward to every Wednesday & Thursday, dh works from 9am to 8pm. I have the entire house to myself.. I get so much done.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

That is why my bedroom is my sanctuary. TV, video games, close door.

As Tim Gunn says..."make it work".

 

[kellyg403]

OP, in the last two months I could have written this post. I love my family don't get me wrong but some days it would be nice to just have the house to myself. As the holidays approach and the decorations come out I really find myself wishing for one evening with the christmas tree and the fireplace going all to myself!

I have four teens and a dh..everyday is run run run. Then cook. Throw in working and it feels like I am catering all day long, just to different faces! LOL

I agree also, my bedroom is the oasis. The kids are old enough now to understand. I start the exodus by saying anything you need signed, anything we need to talk about, any rides/schedules conflicts we need to work out we have 30 minutes. Then its bath time for me! I find they procrastinate so much that invariably the minute they hear the water running they come running to get that last bit of stuff they forgot while they were playing video games or watching the latest rerun of America's Top Model.

Kelly

 

[Tiggeroo]

I have a beautiful and isolated master bedroom/bathroom so that is my sanctuary also. But I want to cook something with no comments from the peanut gallery. I want to sit on the computer and watch tv at the same time. They all have tv's in their bedroom but netflix is only in the front room. I want to use netflix for four hours watching nothing but 80's detective shows.

 

[MIGrandma]

I know how you're feeling. When my kids were little my SIL would sometimes call and ask if she could have them for an overnighter and I always appreciated that time to myself, even if she just wanted them for an afternoon. Then as they got older, into their teens, they did stuff with friends so that was "my time." Especially if DH was working. I loved having the house to myself.

Now both kids are grown with families of their own, so it's just DH and I again and I've really gotten used to the peace and quiet, and I just revel in it. When the kids/grandkids are here it's always nice, but sometimes chaotic, and even though I love to see them/spend time with them, it's always nice to shut the door behind them after they've all gone home.

DH travels some for his work, and about 3-4 times a year he'll be gone for 3-4 nights at a time and I really love having that time to myself. To be able to get away with no cooking, to sleep late in the morning if I want to, to watch any movies I want to, etc.

So, I do understand how you feel.

 

[DMickey28]

Right now it's only DS and DH and I so I do get some alone time. I crave it. DH works out of the house now but he does a good job of going down to his office for hours at a time. DS naps for a while in the afternoon and some days it's all I can do to make it to 1pm. Today I couldn't, he went down at 12!! DH is golfing and I am lounging on the couch with the windows open watching The Family Man but feeling slightly guilty for not shower or getting something ready for dinner. I think I will run to the store to get something for dinner when DH gets home.

DH might travel this week and I will welcome the emptiness to unpack some boxes if he is going go be gone.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

That's why I have to hide in my closet. See tag!

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I'm a SAHM still (2 DDs in college...one living at home this year as a senior, the other a sophomore living away...and a DS in HS) and I've got every day to myself. And sometimes DS goes away for business for 3 days at a time. But last February, my DH went to China for almost 3 weeks, the two girls were away at college, and DS was in Costa Rica traveling with a group for 9 days, so I had 9 days to myself. I loved it , doing what I wanted when I wanted...like cleaning out closets, painting my room...including the middle of the night. And I was thrilled when they came home too.

DH just got home today from a trip with his friends...left last Tuesday, returned today. But my sister came Wednesday, and left today. She's so disruptive. I feel gypped.