Mom and Dad of 4 Used To Do Weekends Together—Then Realized Their Mistake

Newsweek

5 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Two parents from Oklahoma City are going viral for how they get some much-needed time alone.
Marek Cornett, 41, told Newsweek it was one of the "best things" she and husband Casey, 42, have done for their marriage, parenting and mental health.
In a reel on Instagram (@marekcornett), the mom of four boys, including a set of triplets, explained the system: on Saturdays, she wakes up with the kids, while Casey sleeps in and enjoys a free morning until 2:30 p.m. to nap time.
From left: Marek Cornett, 41, enjoys her alone time while sipping a coffee and reading.
From left: Marek Cornett, 41, enjoys her alone time while sipping a coffee and reading.
@marekcornett
On Sundays, the couple reverse roles. Each partner gets one long stretch of uninterrupted time to recharge, followed by full family afternoons and evenings.
Marek said that the idea was born after a particularly demanding season for her and Casey.
"I ran for office in 2023," she said. "While I was campaigning, my husband had large stretches of time when he was home with them solo. Once the campaign wrapped, he tossed out the idea of swapping weekend days."
Before the change, weekends felt like an extension of weekday chaos.
"We'd both try to rest, both try to parent, and end up feeling like we were doing neither well," Marek said. "We were constantly 'on,' constantly negotiating, and constantly tired."
The swap helped them reset expectations and take actual time for themselves. Knowing that there was a break on the way for them both was a key component.
"It's improved our marriage because it removes resentment or silent scorekeeping," Marek said.
"And for our mental health, just knowing that a block of time is coming—to read, run errands alone, sit in silence—makes a huge difference," she continued. "It doesn't require money or child care, just intention."
Marek's reel went viral on the platform, amassing more than 4.5 million views and over 20,000 likes.
Hundreds of parents commented on the clip, sharing that they also have a similar parenting arrangement.
"My wife and I swap every morning during the week and weekend, it's the best and works great for us!!" one user wrote.
"We did that when the babies were little. It was a game changer for our family," added a second.
Marek said she has even seen couples trying it out and sharing how much they enjoy solo time with their kids—and solo time without them.
Many have reached out with practical questions, like how to handle the swap during sports seasons or when housework piles up.
"I've been able to help guide with what we do in those instances as well," Marek said.
She added that the time alone isn't just about physical rest—it is also about mental relief.
"Because without it, you carry a mental load 24/7," Marek said. "Even when you're 'off,' you're not really off—you're listening for the baby monitor; you're mentally planning dinner; you're half-watching the kids while trying to recharge.
"Guilt-free alone time lets you turn your brain off," she continued. "It reminds you that you're still a person, not just a parent. And when you come back to your kids, you come back full—not running on fumes."