How have you handled feeling down and blah as a SAHM???

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by RK Blanton on May 15, 2009 at 10:12am

This is the perfect time to pick up a hobby. Swimming is great. Do you like to paint or make jewelry? Those are some of the things I do. Perhaps you could take on some errands (nothing too crazy) for some of the working moms in your neighborhood. Not everyone, maybe one or two. These are somethings that I have done that have worked for me.

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Permalink Reply by Kate ~Mom to 2 Princesses~ on May 15, 2009 at 12:04pm

read a few of your latest blogs. I am intrigued. I stay home during the day and will be working the late shift in a few weeks. So i can almost relate to the SAHM thing. I have a blog also and will be following yours. My address is http://highlyopinionatedmomof2.blogspot.com

you seem to have it much more figured out and i definitely am jealous of your control you have. i feel as though i have none lately..

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Permalink Reply by H.J. on May 15, 2009 at 2:36pm

I like having a schedule- it helps me add 'sections' to my 24/7 work week : ) Sunday night I sit down and look at what has to be accomplished during the week. I look at everything- chores, errands, things for my husband, appointments, etc. I literally create a schedule for myself- first filling in things requiring specific times, then other things. Some weeks I'll pile everything at the beginning of the week and leave a "lazy Friday", sometimes I'll spread it out-whatever I think will work for that week. If I have a really light week (big chores done, no errands besides the grocery store, no appointments) I'll insert things. For instance, I just found out about a new toy store that opened up and a cool place where you can get made-to-order donuts. Or I'll just go to the mall and walk with my son. Anything that gets me out and about or changes things up.

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Permalink Reply by Shannon Knowlton on May 15, 2009 at 10:02pm

Jessica, I am with you on this. I have three children who I LOVE and have stayed at home for 10 years. But some days feel like that movie, Groundhog Day, and the repetition sometimes makes me crazy.

First of all, I volunteer to chair committees in my kids' school and that helps. Using my brain power and being around other moms helps me. If your child is too young for school, I would definitely plan things outside of the home. Whether it is a nightly walk with your girlfriend, a book club, or even three hours of "you" time on the weekend, it will help. You need to stay i touch with that "before I was a mom" person.........very important. It has been very important for me - and my marriage! And it makes me a better mom, too.

Everyone goes through what you are feeling. Staying at home is the HARDEST job, but such a wonderful thing, too.

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Permalink Reply by Katrina on May 17, 2009 at 7:38pm

I would love to hear what others do as well.

I begged and begged my husband to let me be a SAHM for my son-- I was managing a salon & spa and I was miserable at work thinking all of the 'firsts' I may have been missing. Finally, last June, I left the salon but one of my big sacrifices was putting my car in storage so we could save money. There were quite a few days this winter I felt like the walls were closing in on me. It was definitely getting to me that we couldn't participate in any play groups or simply just drive around to get out of the house. Now that the weather is nice I spend a LOT of my time outside-- walking to the beach, going for picnics, running around with my son. It breaks the day up for both of us and I get my time to take all the photographs I want and occassionally run into a neighbor and have an 'adult' conversation. Unfortunately, most of my neighbors are retired and leave for the winters for Florida and I don't have a single friend with children-- I would love to have kids around us to play with. When my son is napping I generally check in on my blog friends to keep me sane or scrapbook!

However, as we speak, my car is at the shop being inspected because I couldn't handle not having that freedom haha. Now I'll be able to do field trips to the museum with my son and hopefully find local play groups. :)

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on June 5, 2009 at 10:40am

I really like the structure you're talking about. Fridays are my cleaning days (so my weekends are free and hubby and I don't fight over who does the chores). The rest of the week I think I'm too willy nilly... Maybe that's the ticket.

H.J. said:

I like having a schedule- it helps me add 'sections' to my 24/7 work week : ) Sunday night I sit down and look at what has to be accomplished during the week. I look at everything- chores, errands, things for my husband, appointments, etc. I literally create a schedule for myself- first filling in things requiring specific times, then other things. Some weeks I'll pile everything at the beginning of the week and leave a "lazy Friday", sometimes I'll spread it out-whatever I think will work for that week. If I have a really light week (big chores done, no errands besides the grocery store, no appointments) I'll insert things. For instance, I just found out about a new toy store that opened up and a cool place where you can get made-to-order donuts. Or I'll just go to the mall and walk with my son. Anything that gets me out and about or changes things up.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on June 5, 2009 at 10:41am

Shannon,
These are also really good suggestions. My son is only 20 mos old, so I'm missing out on the "forced" parental interactions of school/activities.

I sometimes think I just need to put on my Big Girl Pants and meet some other moms - eek. SCARY!

Shannon Knowlton said:

Jessica, I am with you on this. I have three children who I LOVE and have stayed at home for 10 years. But some days feel like that movie, Groundhog Day, and the repetition sometimes makes me crazy.

First of all, I volunteer to chair committees in my kids' school and that helps. Using my brain power and being around other moms helps me. If your child is too young for school, I would definitely plan things outside of the home. Whether it is a nightly walk with your girlfriend, a book club, or even three hours of "you" time on the weekend, it will help. You need to stay i touch with that "before I was a mom" person.........very important. It has been very important for me - and my marriage! And it makes me a better mom, too.

Everyone goes through what you are feeling. Staying at home is the HARDEST job, but such a wonderful thing, too.

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on June 5, 2009 at 10:42am

Katrina,
Do you find blogging a good outlet? I certainly do. Re: the leaving the house, that is definitely really important.

I think the others who commented to this discussion have some really terrific ideas on how to beat the "walls caving in" thing.

It's a learning experience, for sure. Who knew!

Katrina said:

I would love to hear what others do as well.

I begged and begged my husband to let me be a SAHM for my son-- I was managing a salon & spa and I was miserable at work thinking all of the 'firsts' I may have been missing. Finally, last June, I left the salon but one of my big sacrifices was putting my car in storage so we could save money. There were quite a few days this winter I felt like the walls were closing in on me. It was definitely getting to me that we couldn't participate in any play groups or simply just drive around to get out of the house. Now that the weather is nice I spend a LOT of my time outside-- walking to the beach, going for picnics, running around with my son. It breaks the day up for both of us and I get my time to take all the photographs I want and occassionally run into a neighbor and have an 'adult' conversation. Unfortunately, most of my neighbors are retired and leave for the winters for Florida and I don't have a single friend with children-- I would love to have kids around us to play with. When my son is napping I generally check in on my blog friends to keep me sane or scrapbook!

However, as we speak, my car is at the shop being inspected because I couldn't handle not having that freedom haha. Now I'll be able to do field trips to the museum with my son and hopefully find local play groups. :)

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