Finally, you sigh, the kids are in bed. They’ve darted around your feet, insisted you watch In The Night Garden with them, darted around your feet some more, refused to have an evening bath, and darted around your feet some more.
You love your kids – but they’re knackering to look after.
So you head through to your living room to relax, only to be greeted by a sea of toys, half-eaten fruit and kid’s DVDs. You need a break from your sprog’s mess. You need somewhere to chillax. You need a child-free zone.
Indeed, if you’ve got a spare room, it’s time to transform it into the perfect retreat from your manic tots.
But what should you fill it with for true relaxation?
A fine recline
Your living room chairs might have all the comfort of Chinese water torture, but luxury should be your child-free zone’s watchword.
If you’ve ever watched an episode of Friends (and who hasn’t?) then you’ll know that the finest chair for your derriere is the Lazyboy recliner. Just like Chandler and Joey, you’ll be able to lounge in the luxury you deserve.
Sounds like bliss, doesn’t it? Now, if only you could get Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry to join you…
Wondrous whale song
Sometimes, when the kids have run amuck all day, you simply want to take a deep breath and relax. And you’re not alone – in the US, 88 per cent of working moms suffer stress-related illnesses.
So, how can you kick back with your few spare hours?
For a start, pick up some relaxation albums and fill your child-free zone with the sound of whales, lilting bird calls and soft flutes to help you drift into a peaceful slumber.
But if you’re not into the sounds of nature, why not find some relaxing albums – something replete with acoustic guitars and calming voices – to do the same job. The keyword is relaxation – so find sounds that will help you reach your special place.
A hearty hobby
Back in the days when you had time for hobbies, what were you into? Were you a sewing savant, a musical maestro or a DVD box set devourer?
No matter what you enjoyed, it’s time to get back on the saddle and make the most of your time without little ‘uns to look after.
But if you’re indulging in a noisy hobby (guitar playing or watching Game of Thrones, for example), consider soundproofing your child-free zone to avoid interrupting their 40 winks.
After all – you don’t want a narky child on your hands when you’re chillaxing.
