Recently split from my ex-partner, he took up with a younger woman. I am a single mom of 5 kids, not a lot of money, no real hobbies and basically, still nursing a wounded heart. I hate the waves of loneliness, anger, betrayal that are so normal in ending a relationship, but simple ideas to regain a home life with my beloved children would be greatly appreciated. The least money I need to spend, the better! Thank you all if you have any great ideas!

How old are your children? Could you establish one or two evenings a week as a book discussion night -- read a book or short story and talk about it together? (There are lots of free books at the library -- and librarians will make suggestions.)

Even if there's a big age difference, the older ones will be charmed to listen to and dissect books for younger readers.

What's good about this story?
What's scary/bad/sad/etc. about this story?
What part did you like best?
What part did you like least?

Take turns reading paragraphs or even pages if it's a book for older kids.

Give everyone a clean sheet of printer paper and crayons/paints/pencils to draw something from the story. Post the pictures on the refrigerator.