Adaptive is a SBP's (Solution Based Person) middle name. I can relate to having to figure out an arrangement within very limited restrictions. Often, the routine would be I'd come home from work at 6:00pm and CAW would be asleep by 7.
So after kid's bedtime may not be the optimum couch time, especially if Mr W is also fatigued. So it might call for having to distract the "distraction". Pattie's idea of a sitter is a good one if you have one ... or is there an activity that would keep D7's attention at a time when it might coincide with couch time. Of course, that means figuring out when couch time is. You seem to have some success with Mr W staying for dinner. Is it possible to take dessert or an after dinner drink to the couch?
Is there a way where you may be able to arrange getting off from work early on occasion, so that maybe you can spend more time before dinner?
... or you may have to settle for setting it up on the weekend. If Mr. W does come over more to do battle with the onslaught of those nasty chores, a little wind-down period afterwards might be in order.
... or perhaps invite him over on a rainy day?
... or maybe you might have to nix the couch altogether and come up with something else ... like clipping newspaper articles you think he'd be interested in seeing and showing them to him while sitting at the kitchen counter and gaze at him while he is reading, so as he looks up when finished, eye contact is made.
I can relate to having to figure out an arrangement within very limited restrictions. Often, the routine would be I'd come home from work at 6:00pm and CAW would be asleep by 7.
