Oh, the Things You Can Do Now That Your Kid Is in School

If you're a stay-at-home mom, having your child start school for the first time may be a bit rough . . . at first. But once everyone gets into the swing of things, a new realization sets in. You. Are. Free! That's right mama, you've got a few glorious hours to do whatever you want. So while the options really are endless, we've rounded up a few lovely ways to fill that kid-free time — and you'd be amazed at what you can pack into a few hours when you're flying solo. Source: Shutterstock

Get Excited

Get Excited

Your days of weeping over your baby growing up are over — you've got a few glorious hours to yourself, girl! Enjoy. Source: Instagram user sarahannthough

Do Absolutely Nothing

Do Absolutely Nothing

Sometimes the best way to fill in free time is by doing absolutely nothing. Source: Instagram user jbolla86

Take a Nap

Take a Nap

No, seriously, I won't even be offended if you stop reading this and go take a nap. We're on the same team here. Source: Instagram user ashbbenn

Take a Bath

Take a Bath

Or shower, whatever. The fact is that you'll be doing it alone. Yipee! Source: Instagram user jetaimemouse

Get Pampered at a Salon

Get Pampered at a Salon

Opt for the longer treatment, because you don't have a bored child at your side. Source: Instagram user cultnails

Or Pamper Yourself at Home

Or Pamper Yourself at Home

You won't even have to hear the question, "Mommy, what is wrong with your face?" Source: Instagram user olgasuka

Go to Starbucks

Go to Starbucks

. . . skip the drive-through. Actually sit in the coffee house. People watch. And read a book. Source: Instagram user 4hatsandfrugal

Get Your Hair Done

Get Your Hair Done

Many a mama waited all Summer to get their hair done, and back to school means back to your regular visits to the hair salon. Source: Instagram user rlucero

Fall in Love Again With Your Old Hobby

Fall in Love Again With Your Old Hobby

Be it knitting or something else, pick up your old hobby and learn to love it again. Source: Instagram user octopussoup33

Take a Hike

Take a Hike

Hiking with kids is good for the family, but hiking alone is good for the soul. Source: Instagram user mamamaya

Clean

Clean

OK, this may not be your top choice, but cleaning your house with kids running around is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos — totally counterproductive. So take advantage of the empty house. Source: Instagram user mamaloves2eatprayrun

Make a Solo Target Run

Make a Solo Target Run

Grab a red shopping cart (a regular one, not the kind with the giant car attached to it) and just browse the aisles. Source: Instagram user beckyabernathy

Grab Lunch With Your Spouse

Grab Lunch With Your Spouse

Sure, you have date nights, but those require a sitter — so make a lunch date with your spouse. Source: Instagram user kworksfitness

Go to the Gym

Go to the Gym

If you're on your A-game, you might even get in a shower too and still be on time for pick-up. Source: Instagram user candis_k

Indulge in Forbidden Fruit

Indulge in Forbidden Fruit

Grab a carton of ice cream and eat straight from it — all without having a child at your side begging for a bite. Source: Instagram user brandibriandurbin

Meet Up With Friends For Lunch

Meet Up With Friends For Lunch

And what's more? You can even do lunch with your friends who don't have kids. Source: Instagram user drjennberman

Or Go Out For Lunch by Yourself

Or Go Out For Lunch by Yourself

Eating lunch out all by yourself may have freaked out your prekids self, but now it sounds downright delightful. Source: Instagram user kathrynvail

Take a Bike Ride

Take a Bike Ride

Bike rides are typically reserved as something we do with our kiddos, but riding your bike alone (and without having to yell at your child to stop at the crosswalk or to keep up with you) is a great time. Source: Instagram user aprilfarrish

Listen to Whatever You Want in the Car

Listen to Whatever You Want in the Car

Yup, the Frozen soundtrack that has been on repeat for six months can finally be ejected. Source: Instagram user janie_williams

Organize

Organize

If organization brings you to your happy place, then get at it, girl. You'll be amazed at how much more organized you can actually get when you are solo. Source: Instagram user juliemma2275

Catch Up on Your Phone Calls

Catch Up on Your Phone Calls

Nothing is harder than having a meaningful conversation on the phone when your child is around. Catch up with all those folks you've been meaning to call and enjoy interruption-free phone time. Source: Instagram user ratonmagnet

Read a Good Book

Read a Good Book

And finish it. In silence. Source: Instagram user shalo1992

Watch "Mommy" Shows

Watch "Mommy" Shows

In their entirety and without worrying if your child is picking up on what is happening on the screen. Source: Instagram user sammielindsay