Why would I want to go out for an evening?
Why?
It takes pretty much every ounce of energy and motivation to get myself and the children out of the house each morning and through the day, so why on earth would I then want to go out again.
Yes, I know it would probably be good for me. Yes, I know that it is a good chance to catch up with friends away from the children. Yes I know that there are lots of life-enriching things that I could do in an evening which would be good for me. But I am too tired. I would much rather just stay in and chill out than go out.
Sound familiar?
Think back to those days before children. How much did you look forward to a night out? Wasn’t it great to get dolled up and head out for a night of fun? Tiredness didn’t matter back then, you just got on and enjoyed yourself, so why does having kids have to put a stop to it?
It doesn’t and I know that when I do get to go out for an evening, I moan like crazy, threaten to cancel at least ten times and then once I am out, I love it. I feel so much better for having made the effort. It is nice to dress up a bit, make an effort and spend some time without the children. A meal where you don’t have to cut someone’s food up (well unless you really want to), a chance to kick off your mum shoes and go dancing without those small people looking at you disapprovingly at you. So what are you waiting for, get motivated and get yourself out for a whole evening and try to stay out (and awake) past ten.
Go and see a show
A show is always a good night out, whether it is a full on musical in the West End or a local production. We mums, always need a laugh, so why not go and see one of the many comedy shows that are on up and down the country. That way you get to go out, have a night off from the kids and you get some laughter therapy thrown in too.
Take an evening class
This does involve a regular commitment to leaving the house but imagine the benefits. You could do anything from creative writing to cookery, photography to car maintenance, learning a new language or skills for a new career. The possibilities are endless. It can be a few weeks or longer but it is a wonderful way to get out and meet new people and learn a new skill or improve a skill you already have.
Join a book club
If you love reading and want a good excuse to read more books, why not join a book club? There are lots of established book groups and the positives are that you can meet some interesting new people, read books that you might not have chosen otherwise, enjoy good food and maybe a cheeky glass of something nice whilst having a chat about the books you have read. This isn’t often a big commitment time wise either as most only meet on a monthly basis. Try searching sites such as Meetup , for book clubs in your area.
Date night
Whether you have been married for countless years, dating for a few months or even if you are single, a date night is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and get out and do something different for the evening. Being a parent is exhausting and it can be difficult to justify making time for you, but your relationships need time and attention and a regular night out together on your own could be just what you need (and you can talk about something other than the children for an evening too). Go to the cinema, have a meal in a nice restaurant, even a picnic and an evening stroll could be just the break you need. If you are single, there’s no excuse, check out one of the many dating sites online and find the perfect partner for an evening out.
Organise a mums night out
We all meet so many mums at playgroups, school, sports clubs and you spend a lot of time chatting to them and getting to know them and their offspring, so why not organise a night out for you all. Some of my favourite nights out have been mums nights. Set up a Facebook group so that you can a chat about a suitable date and location. Pick somewhere local such as a restaurant, theatre or other entertainment so that travel isn’t an issue and I have no doubt that there will be plenty of mums who will want to join in. If it is a success, make it a regular thing, even if it only happens every few months, it is something to look forward to.
Take up a new sport
A friend of mine recently tried to convince me to go to pole dancing lessons and although I did laugh (hysterically) at the thought, I know that it is a great way to get fit and have fun. Pole dancing might not be your thing but there are so many different things that you can do and you get fit in the process which is a definite bonus in my opinion. Many sports can cost little or nothing to take part in. Why not try running? There are lots of apps which get you started in a very structured way and when you feel confident, join a local running club or organise regular runs with a group of friends. Visit the NHS Live Well website for more active ways to get out, there is a section dedicated to busy parents.
Treat yourself to a Spa evening
If an evening of treatments and pampering sounds more like your ideal evening ‘out’, why not make the most of the twilight spa packages offered by many spas, book in for an evening treatment and enjoy an evening meal. This can often be a good value way to enjoy the rest and relaxation of a spa and what a wonderful way to unwind after a busy day.
Alternatively, bring the pampering to you, organise the ultimate girls night and enjoy relaxing treatments in the comfort of your own home, maybe even club together and organise someone to bring the treatments and therapies to you.
Go Bowling
Whether you are competitive or (like me) someone who prefers the barriers up so that your ball doesn’t go straight in the gutter, bowling is a surprisingly good night out. Most bowling alleys have restaurants or bars, so you can book a couple of games and make a good night of it. So what if you don’t win, it is the joining in that counts and enjoying the company of friends.
A meal out or a safari supper
A meal out is an obvious choice but a table in your favourite local restaurant can be the perfect venue for a night out. Great food, lots of chat and a few drinks and you don’t even realise that it is way past your bedtime as you are enjoying yourself so much.
If you fancy something a little different why not organise a safari or runaround supper. The idea behind this is to eat each course of your meal at a different house, a little bit like Come Dine With Me but all on one night. Decide who wants to cook, how far people are willing to travel and you could even sell tickets and do a bit of fundraising at the same time. These are a really fun way to eat and very sociable occasions.
Get your games out
Everyone loves a good old-fashioned board game don’t they? We all have some games tucked away, so why not pool some games together with a group of friends, add some drinks and snacks and you have the perfect evening’s entertainment ready and waiting.
Oh I love the idea of a night out then I do the same and think of a million reasons why I’m tired. But it is just so good to get out sometimes isn’t it?
I really need to go out more often than I do! I recently gave up my dance classes, which was a tough decision as it was the one time of the week I left the house in the evening. I go out with my husband maybe three times a year and with my old friends less than that. I’ve never had a mums’ night out! A book group would be perfect for me as I love reading and love talking to people about books.
I think I need to motivate myself to get out!
Oh love a good night out for the mums. Great tips here and sounds like so many fun options too! I love it. It’s been a long time since I went out makes me want to plan something. 🙂