I am really struggling with my wife's sabbath. Any advice would be much appreciated.

My wife and I (both 37) have been married for just over 10 years, and we have two young children, aged 6 and 8. We live in the UK. About five years ago, my wife started following a new religion, and while I respect her beliefs, it’s had a big impact on our family life, mainly around her observance of the Sabbath. From Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, she spends her time in bed reading the Bible.

Before this, Fridays and Saturdays were our time for family activities. We would go out for dinner on Fridays, spend Saturdays together as a family, or take short breaks away. Now, Fridays are usually off-limits for any family plans. During the summer, we might squeeze in a local restaurant, but we always have to be back before sunset. She also prefers to be home early or not go out at all so she can prepare for the Sabbath.

Every Saturday is just me and the kids. I love spending time with them, but it can be exhausting and lonely. Little things like taking the kids to the park become stressful. My son wants to go to the skate park, out of sight, while my daughter wants to swing. Managing both alone is challenging.

Holidays are also tricky. We usually opt for short weekend breaks due to the kids and budget, but planning around the Sabbath adds another layer of complication. For instance, we once went on a short trip to Ireland. To avoid being on the plane during sundown, I had to take the kids out of school early. That Friday was just me with the kids, and Saturday was the same, my wife stayed in the hotel.

The kids have some school breaks coming up, and I’ve been looking at short trips abroad. They want to go to Paris or Amsterdam, but ticket prices, travel times, and the need to navigate around Friday and Saturday make it feel unnecessarily complicated.

I’ve spoken to my wife about it. She said I shouldn’t rely on her for my social life and that I should spend more time with friends. I understand that, and I’ve tried, but it’s not the same. I’d much rather enjoy family outings or a nice dinner with my wife and the kids.

It’s getting to the point where I’m feeling bored and resentful. Today and tomorrow are the Sabbath, so it’s just me and the kids. Sure, we go out to eat and do activities, but it’s not the same. I know she isn’t the only person who observes the Sabbath, and many families manage it well, but I’m really struggling with it.

TLDR: My wife observes a strict Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, leaving me alone with our 6 and 8 year old every Friday and Saturday. It’s straining family life, complicates holidays and short trips, and I’m starting to feel lonely, bored, and resentful. I tried talking to her, but she says I should do more with friends, which isn’t the same as family time.