Blending work and family can be tough. After pouring ourselves into our jobs all day, we are often spent by the time we get home, leaving us wondering if we’re giving enough to our families. This is a common concern among working parents, so if you sometimes feel caught in a game of tug-of-war, know you are not alone! Rest assured this does not mean you’re a bad employee or a bad parent – it means you’re conscientiously giving your best to both.
The reality is that your family does need you, so it’s important to show up well for them, even after a long workday. But how in the world are you supposed to do that when you’re dead on your feet? The good news is, quality time doesn’t have to require a lot of energy! Here are 10 simple activities you can do with your family after a long day of work.
10 Simple Family Activities to Do After a Long Workday
As working parents, we’re often exhausted by the end of the day. And our kids are just as tired after a long day of school. It can be difficult for everyone to muster up much energy for family time. The following activities are perfect for busy families. They will help you connect as a family no matter how much (or how little) gas you have left in your tank.
Read a book out loud
Reading is a great activity to do as a family. It develops cognitive skills, increases attention spans, and nurtures a love of books. Plus, it strengthens family bonds and stimulates conversation. The icing on the cake is it requires very little energy, making it a perfect family activity for the end of a tiring day.Color together
Coloring isn’t just for little kids anymore! It has been shown to be a great stress-reliever for people of all ages. So, grab some colored pencils and an adult coloring book, and let all the stress from your day flow out onto the page.Work on a puzzle
Puzzles are another fun stress-relieving activity requiring very little energy. Whether you have little ones or big ones, you can find something to match their skill levels. Or you can work side-by-side on your own respective puzzles.Create your own at-home “spa”
Relax after a tiring day without having to make a reservation or spend a bunch of money. Whip up an easy homemade face mask (or pick up some on your way home), get out your favorite nail polish, and create a spa experience at home.Go out to eat
Quality time together as a family plus no dinner prep or clean-up? What’s not to love about that? On those crazy tired nights when no one feels much like cooking (let alone cleaning up the aftermath), going out to eat can be a gift for everyone.Take a quick walk
After a long day of work and school, exercise may be the furthest thing from everyone’s mind, but it’s amazing how much a little activity can actually boost your energy. Not only do walks provide positive physical effects, they also provide fertile ground for meaningful conversation, especially giving older children an opportunity to unload about their day. For younger children, keep them entertained by playing a game of eye-spy. Those feel-good endorphins do wonders for family morale-boosting!Look through family albums
Want to spend time together as a family without expending any energy? Bust out the family photo albums! Not only is it a great simple activity, it will foster stronger bonds as you reminisce about treasured memories, share laughs over funny moments, and celebrate the joys of family.Play games
There’s a reason board games and card games are a staple on every Family Night list – they’re very effective for family bonding. And depending on the games you choose, they can be an ideal activity for low-energy evenings.Cuddle on the couch
What’s better after a long day of work than cuddling with your partner or kiddos? This is the ultimate simple family activity that also provides plenty of opportunities for connection. To stimulate meaningful conversation during your cuddles (or any of the activities on this list), try some of these family conversation starters.Watch a movie or short YouTube video!
And, of course, there’s no shame on those extra-exhausting days in turning to the TV. Watching a show or movie together can relieve stress, provide laughs, stimulate conversation, and bring you together as a family. It’s a great solution for those nights when you’re drained to the dregs.
Want to Improve Your Work/Family Integration?
Juggling the demands of work and the responsibilities of family life can be difficult. Fortunately for you, Parents Pivot is here to help! Our mission is to help make re-entering the workforce easy, and that doesn’t stop once you’ve landed your dream job. We also provide resources to help strengthen your work/family integration once you get there. Check out some of these articles from the Parents Pivot Blog for further support:
