Bored to Tears

Oh my gosh Christina! I was the same way. I actually quit my job when my first daughter was 3 months old. I started a home business that I have been working the past 2 1/2 yrs and absolutely love it! I started it because, like you, wanted/needed something for my mind and a sense of achievement and saw a huge opportunity that I just couldnt pass up. I am an accountant too, worked for Deloitte and Touche out of college and then went back to get my Master's in Occupational Therapy so have business and health care background. I'd love to tell you more about my business as it sounds like it may be something you are looking for.
K.

Gardening and cooking. 2 things you can do at home. My child is 8 and I hate to drive. It literaly scares me to be behind the wheel. I was like this before he was born, and it got worse after he came along. I can drive, and do everyday, but I hate the feeling it leaves me with, so I avoid it if I can. So, to combat the boredom, I started gardening (which made the yard soooo pretty) and I do all my cooking from scratch, with fresh veggies and all. I also love to bake. Nothing makes me happier (well besides my son) than baking a bananna bread and giving it to a neighbor. I love to cook now. I used to think of it as a chore, but now I feel like I am "creating" in the kitchen. It really does give a nice sense of satisfaction when I spend an afternoon in the kitchen and get to serve a big meal to my family. And the gardening, I even added a pond to the backyard and have water lillys and goldfish. I love to sit out there and watch the fish, and my son loves it too. Now every year, I know which bulbs are coming up, what is going to bloom when, and I cut the flowers and put them on the table, so we have fresh flowers all the time.
It is wonderful that you can stay home, remember, this is how it was in the fifties, and back then, the women cooked and gardened. And it would not be a normal response from me if I didnt mention that it is healthier to cook from scratch with fresh veggies. Look at the people now, living on processed foods, and this huge obesity problem we have in America, it wasnt like this back then. People ate healthier because the women were home and cooked from scratch.
Good luck combating the boredom. Remember to smile often, and love lots, and the world will be a better place!

Dear Christina:
Hi, It is normal to feel a little nervous about driving your daughter around as she is very presoius cargo. I too used to feel that way after I had my first son. I waited for my husbsnd to come home from work to run errands, etc or we'd all go together until I felt more comfortable about drivng him around. Have you tried having your husband in the car and you drive with your dsughter in the car? That is what worked for me. I slowly became more confident in myself.
As for your being bored to tears, I have found the perfect answer to that and to still be a stay-at-home-Mom AND make some extra money at the same time. I know you said you have tried something in the past but I'm sure if you'd give my home business a try, you won't be disappointed. We offer a 100% guarantee, one on one mentoring and training (at home), plus for your free website. So. let me tell you more about us:
We are called the M.O.M. Team(Mother's on a Mission). We are a network of mother's who have joined together to provide people an at home business opportunity that is enhancing lives. We have partnered with a nationally known company that has been in business since 1985, and who have won numerous awards for manufactoring only 100% natural, eco-friendly products for the home and self. There is NO selling, NO inventory, NO parties and NO RISK! So, if you are looking to add an extra income while staying at home and having fun while doing it, then this is for you! Just log on to my website at: www.enhanceyourlifeonline.com and click on "get more info" and fill out the form with the best time to reasch you and I will be in touch. If you are wondering about the cost to join, it is ONLY $14.50 half price until the end of Feb. plus we are offering $100.00 back in loyalty dollars. A never before offer, so you won't find a better time to try it out. Remember you get a 100% money back guarantee if it is not for you. If you are not interested in the business part of it, you can be just a customer and enjoy 40% off of over 400 eco-friendly products, including Nicole Miller cosmetics. So, give us a try and you'll be glad you did! Sincerely, K.

Come visit me and my 11 children and you will not be bored.LOL
Anyway is there a hobby you could pick up or a craft of some sort(artisan). I have crocheted since I was a child and I have turned that into a hobby/business. I put my things in several shops in my area and have done a few craft/gift shows. If you have an interest such as health or education then maybe there is a home business that you would find that would be a good fit. Why not look at the list of Mom owned business' and see if someone else is doing something that interests you. I love health and wellness and spend a lot of time studying various topics to help with one of other home business'. If you let us know your interest someone might know of something that might be a good fit. Many business' now have very little start up cost. Good luck in your quest!

Blessings!

K.

are you in a neighborhood where you can put her in a stroller and go for a walk? And your going to have to get over your fear about driving with her in the car. get out and make short trips , to the store, somewhere close then take longer ones, even if its just going out to drive around the corner.

If i were you i would find a play group in your area . you could offer to host it at your house the first couple of times. since your baby is so young it will really just be about having other mothers to talk to and share stories.
mother of three
B.

Wow - I know how you feel. My son is 6 months and I worked full-time plus..as a Physician Assistant for 7 years. I miss working with patients, solving problmes, the intellectual challange and of course the pay. I am hoping to find part-time work when he is about one...he never took to the bottle so I am literally the only one who can feed him - leaving very small windows of time to do much else. ooops....never saw that coming.
Around 4-6 months you can go to mom's groups, music class or gymboree - also keep looking for the part-time work - no rush however - 4-6 months they get little personalities and get much more interactive and fun to be around. best of luck

K.

Join a gym, find a playgroup, take up a hobbie at home - work on a special project you've been wanting to get done. Do scrapbooks, photobooks - organize closets....the list goes on - It sounds like you miss socializing - that is why you need to find a moms club- woodstock momsclub, canton moms club, MOPS...join a gym where you can leave her in her little car seat and you can work out and meet other stay at home moms..sooner or later you'll have to get over the paranoya of driving...
Good Luck!

why don't you try a customer service job part time? There are online companies hiring and you can pick the hours you want to work! I love it! One is called Alpine.com, heard about it on GMA. Good luck and God Bless!

I can sympathize. I really know what your talking about. When my first son was born my car broke down about the same time so I had no car and was stuck at home, everyone I knew worked all day and I thought I would go crazy. Things that helped me were, talking on the phone to the one friend I had that stayed at home with her kids, taking turns going to each others house, I developed a love of baking and sewing and now actually look forward to my husband going to work and the kids taking a nap. Do something for yourself, enjoy this time, it goes so fast. If your looking for friends, what area do you live in? You can never have too many friends. There is always churchs, or social mommy groups. Hope this helps.

Working from home is huge these days. I have been self-employed for almost six years which keeps me busy one or two days each week. I also consult for a scrapbook company for the discount and to fund my crafting addiction.

Take up a hobby. When I need some balance in my day I either sew, rubber stamp or scrapbook (both paper and digitally). Crafting is not for everyone but you have a beautiful family and fond memories...why not capture the moment for years to come?

I find that getting out is just a temptation to spend money and something I am trying to improve on for 2008. I love to shop and spend money, but most of my purchases are on impulse.

Hosting a play date for you and your lil' one(s) in your home or alternating homes is also a good way to get some adult stimulation. I love meeting other mom's for me time or play dates. I'm past the bottle feeding/potty training days with my children that are 3-20 yrs of age. Yes, I am a seasoned mom, but very young at heart despite my age.

I'm in the same boat. I was working full-time until I had my son. He is 3 months old as well. I found that putting myself on somewhat of a schedule really helped! I go to the grocery store on Mondays. I exercise on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I vacuum on Wednesdays. Etc... I don't do any housework on the weekends just to make the weekend special. I don't ever allow myself to turn on the T.V. during the day. Once I started doing this, I realized that I don't have near the amount of time I need to get things done. I'm always wishing I had more time. I also try to get out once a day. On a warm day, we might stroll in the neighborhood. On a cold day, we might stroll in Target. It's good for my sanity to get out. Once you do it a few times, you won't be so anxious. Another great help is I have a friend that comes over every Thursday to hang out. She's flexible. If my husband is working, she will hang out at the house with my son and me. If my husband is home, he will keep our son so that my friend and I can go out. I look forward to that adult interaction every week! I hope some of these ideas will help you! Good Luck!

I have been there many years ago and resorted to shopping, which in the long run did not pay off. Maybe see if there is a bible study, or book study you can become oa part of. At my church I go to a weekly bible study, they have childcare, or some moms of small babies bring them with them to class, and then during the week there is additional study time at home. Sounds to me a cure for an idle mind might do the trick. The other thing I have found to be a great help is creative endeavors, if you are crafty, try scrapbooking, or find another creative hobby, whatever it is seize the time you have now and enjoy this opportunity she will be grown up before you know it.

Christina,

I know you are on the other side of town from Alpharetta, but there is a company there call Office Angels. The work specifically with moms that stay at home but need something at home to keep their wheels spinning. Since it is mostly work you do at home they may be able to help you find something. Their website is http://officeangels.us
I never got to use them because I decided to return to teaching school. I know I would not be able to survive as a full-time SAHM, I admire those who can, I would go out of mind staying home. Everyone I have met who dies stay at hme says the best thing they ever did was join their local MOMS club, which I saw several people recommended. When I had my daughter I had a very tough time adjusting to be a mom. One of the lactation consultants told me to keep my chin up and that most new moms don't truly identify as being a mom until their baby is 9 months old, which was true for me. As your daughter gets older and becomes more interactive and mobile your boredom will decrease drastically. I wish you the best of luck! Enjoy this time with your daughter, it goes by so fast.

A.

HI Christina,

Your story sounds exactly like mine! Mirror images.

Well first off, one of my friends gave me a valuable piece of advice that worked wonders... make sure that EVERY day you get out of the house with your daughter, whether you:

** go out for a walk with your daughter in a stroller
** hang out at the local park and meet other moms
** browse a store
** visit a friend / neighbor
** get some coffee at a drive through

No matter what, get out of the house. I was feeling the same as you... when my husband got home from work to take over & give me a break, I was too drained and wiped out. But once I started getting out everyday, I felt so much better. I was also scared about driving around with my daughter, but I forced myself to get out there. Once you are out a couple of times, the anxiety should dissipate. But if you can't bear to get into the car with her, make sure to bundle her up and, at least, get out for a walk.

Another aspect that helped immensely was exercising everyday when she naps. Any type of movement will help keep your mind bright and your body alert. You could use DVD's, follow a fitness program on TV, create your own weights & cardio routine (using milk jugs and stairs), or follow an online program with a message board (I use Biggest Loser Club and communicate with all the Moms).

Next, we are so used to, in our professional lives, being on the go, go, go... always goal oriented... always hitting deadlines... and always trying to beat the clock. Now that you have your daughter and you are at home, all of the daily grind has shifted to more mundane and repetitive tasks that don't change up (diaper changes, feeding, cleaning, etc). Adjusting from the professional world to the stay-at-home mom world is tough... your mind has to make a 180 and shift gears. Rewards aren't the same as they were in the professional world, so recognizing the rewards of raising your daughter right now is essential. Part of the boredom, for me, was shifting from the industrious nature of the work world to the nurturing world of the home world.

Lastly, I take pictures of my daughter every day. During her naps, I download from the camera and onto the computer. Then once a week, I order prints from shutterfly.com, selecting some of the best shots. Then when they arrive, I organize into her album. This keeps me busy with memory collecting :)

At any rate, I know how you feel... and I think a great deal of stay-at-home moms feel exactly the same. Pretty soon your daughter will be moving around, which adds new excitement, as well she will become more interactive and playful. Then, the next thing you know she will be walking and getting into EVERYTHING... so enjoy the peace and absorb all the cuteness of babyhood because before you know it, she's a wobbly toddler :)

Best of luck,
D.

ps: let me know how you are doing :)

If you live in Myrtle Beach, I can sympathize with being afraid to drive her around in the car. I narrowly avoided three accidents yesterday alone.
As for the boredom, you could always try out a new hobby. Spring will be here soon and it's a great time to find out if you have green thumb. I like planting herbs and spices because they're so useful. I have a gorgeous lavender plant that I can trim the sprigs off of to make oils, linen spray, etc. You can also do that with produce from the grocery store like lemons, limes, and oranges. You'll find all kinds of recipes for crafty things like that on the internet, and you can keep yourself entertained all year with gardening.
Although I have two small businesses, I have stayed home with my daughter for most of her life. (She'll be eight years old next month) I'm going a little stir crazy myself because this year, she elected to go to afterschool care. I was fine with it at first because I thought I would be running my photography studio, but the location is not great and it would cost more to advertise than I would earn as I have no interest in doing weddings. So, I'm reconsidering my commitment to that little endevor.
Gosh, there are all kinds of things you could do from home. I noticed that you like reading, you could always start a book club. Sounds cliche, but with the right group of people, it can be fun as well as interesting to hear other peoples perspectives of the same story. If you enjoy counseling, you could offer to moderate a support group. I've toyed for years with the idea of putting together a support group for parents of children with ADHD. Scrapbooking can be a fun hobby if you're crafty. My neighbor makes beautiful handmade greeting cards, I don't know why she doesn't sell them, she'd make a fortune. I have another neighbor who only recently discovered that she is a very talented artist. She was nearly sixty before she picked up the paintbrush, and now she's selling her work in galleries.
Goodness, your request has me taking a mental inventory of all the stuff I've tried over the years. Sewing was fun, but can be time consuming and you need a dedicated space for it. Baking can be fun if you have enough people to pawn the food off on. Knitting didn't turn out well for me, so my opinion is biased on that one. LOL Photography is my favorite hobby, but the more you get into it, the more expensive it becomes. I have thousands in equipment that is currently being used to collect dust. What else? Oh, calligraphy (still enjoy that one from time to time), oragami, creative writing, lots of reading, crossword puzzles, sudoku, blogging on the internet, redecorating the house, fishing (I live on a lake), painting, shopping (NOT a good hobby!), and most currently, I respond to requests on mamasource.com because if I didn't, I'd still be playing my daughter's Guitar Hero game and it's embarrassing enough to admit that I've beat the game twice. And I've watched about two hundred YouTube videos. All of which brings me to ask myself why I'm giving YOU advice. Sounds like I could use it too, huh? But seriously, get out there and try some new things. Start out small, you may do something for a month only to discover that it's not as much fun as you thought. But then again, you may uncover a hidden talent you never knew you had. Good luck!

Dear Christine:
I'm the mother of two little girls; ages 2 and 10 months. I certainly understand your situation. One activity that really helped me get through "the world with children" was Muskic Garden. It's a once a week music class for you and your baby. It's a great way to meet others mothers without any pressure. You can search for a teacher in your area by internet. May also be found under key word Kinder Musik. Another program you might be interested in is Mom's Club. Which can also be found on the internet. It's a club where mother meet once a month, meet during the week for play dates and have ladies night out. As for the driving situation, give it time. Your a new mom, you'll get over your fears. The fact you care so much just proves what a great mother you are. Best of luck.

Boredom.. not many things are worse to endure. I have been a SAHM since August 2006. At first it wasn't so bad. My son, Luke was small enough (and immobile) so I worked on projects in my house.. scrapbook, redecorating, painting, learning to sew, making more "fancy" dinners, using my breadmaker for pretzels.. etc,etc. Then my son began to crawl. Then I went crazy. I couldn't "do" any of my projects and I couldn't really "do" anything with Luke. I found a group of four friends with kids of the same age, and we got together about 2x a week. Now I'm part of a mom's club in Villa Rica. That has made all the difference! Luke gets to interact with other kids and I get to socialize and make friends. I get to raise my son (instead of a daycare) and I'm enjoying myself. I still miss my profession, but I'll go back to that later. Right now I think he is more important - and I don't want to miss anything.

Go back to work! There are many wonderful daycares out there where your daughter will receive the love and attention she needs and you will be able to get the stimulation you need to be a happy mother. Being a stay at home mom isn't for everyone. I've been there- my son went into daycare at 5 months is now almost 5 years old and doing great, we're both happier for it. You have to do what's right for you and your family and not worry about what other moms might think.

You need to get out of the house. I know it can be scary with a LO - but you need to do it for your sanity. Join a mom's group there are several good ones out there including ones that have been mentioned. Check out the mommies network - there are several local groups. Many organize get togethers and playdates.

Examine your feelings. Do you really want to stay home? Are you considering working because you really want to or because you are bored. Working can be very fulfilling and there are many daycare options out there. If you really do want to stay at home, great. There are lots of things that can keep you busy. It really is hard work.

Christina-

I am a stay at home mom and sometimes it's just good to go out shopping, either with a friend or by yourself. I found all kinds of groups for stay at home moms that get together, talk, and their babies/kids play together. It's great! I found it at www.meetup.com -just type in your address and what your interests are. The site will hook you up with people that have your similar interests. If you are by Simpsonville, SC I could also babysit for you. I just starting watching kids out of my home because I wanted to stay home with my 2yr old son. If you need anything or just want to talk you can email me at: ____@____.com
Have a Good Day!

E.

I know what your going through. I went through these things with my firstborn. I was so paranoid about something happening to him I was sleepless, and had postpartum depression. I was unusually attatched to him, atleast I feel that way NOW after having more now I see that it's OKAY to let them go and it builds the child up to learn that seperation from mommy isnt a permanent thing. When your infant has learned you can say "bye-bye" and you always return they learn to trust you as well as become more independant. Which is very healthy!
Its easier said than done I KNOW I went through this it was hard, I went back to work when my baby was 6 months old and cried everyd ay when I dropped him off at the sitter (luckily I found a trustworthy sitter, a friend of my mom's... who had babysat ME as a child!) Try starting small, like having a friend babysit while you go out shopping and TAKE YOUR TIME! Go try on clothes, or just browse around...the point is to allow time between you and your baby that will build trust and independance in both of you. There's nothign wrong with being a owrking mother, some of us dont feel comfortable doing it, but if you do find your ready to work find adaquate and trustworthy childcare in someone's home, rather than a germ-infested daycare where there are more abbies than daycare providers. I would rather my bay have one on one care from someone I know and trust. Do some research, choose someone who is CPR/First aid certified, and can provide refferences and run your own background checks it costs about $20-$25.

Another thing...find some other moms who can do playdates at the park or at someone's home, have lunches, meet other mothers...for exapmple im new here and I NEED some friends! I homeschool my stepson and have nothing to do after we're through. I know some groups im meeting with online for now. Cafemom.com has some great groups in the local area, as well as MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) which is christian moms who get together once a week or so to hang out and let the babies meet.

PS. You could maybe do accounting from home? Theres many ways to advertise, you could file peoples taxes for them, my aunt does it at home for extra income she is an accountant too.

Good luck sweetie!

Christina, I am a mother of two and have just returned to full-time employment after nine years of homemaking. It's tough to stay active as a stay-at-home mom, but there are ways to occupy your time. I always enjoyed reading during my children's longer naps. I would also watch independent films (the kind my husband don't usually appreciate), scrapbook, and write. Before long, however, I realized I needed more. I enrolled my children in a mothers' morning out program. I used that time for grocery shopping, volunteering, morning dates with my husband, etc. Also, looking at the time with your little one as learning time can change your perspective on how you spend the day. Take strolls around the neighborhood, eat outdoors, learn baby yoga, expose your daughter to new or different learning environments every week - when you take an active role in your baby's daily discovery of our world, magic happens. It takes a little work; but, then again, that's exactly what you're looking for!

I joined my local MOM's club when I had my first and decided to stay home instead of work. (momsclub.org) It saved my sanity and I got to know other stay at home moms in my area. The playgroups are great too. And, yes , you are going to have to get over your fear of driving with the baby and soon, otherwise it may snowball and get worse.

I do work, I would love to stay at home with my daughter but at this point my husband needs me there. Alot of churches offer half day care, my 3yr old goes to First Baptist from 8:30-12:00 everyday. It's not that expensive and she learns so much. That would give you time to go shopping, sit down with a friend, go work out anything for you! Always try to have time for yourself, even if it just a long bath. Another thing to lookin to would be a MOMS club. We have one here, everyone gets together a couple times a week, take there kids to the park, meet up at someones house etc.. Its a great way to get to know other moms and expose your child to other kids there age. And the driving with your child in the car, it's a mom thing. My girls are 6 and 3 and I still worry something is going to happen while we are riding around town. Be strong and hang in there!

I totally understand where you're coming from, but let me congratulate you on choosing the best childcare for your baby :) I worked full time as a counselor/college professor before my daughter was born 20 months ago.
Let me say first of all, that it does get better as your baby gets older. Once they can laugh and crawl, walk and talk, etc., it gets a lot more fun. But for now, I encourage you to meet some other stay at home moms and get together for "playdates" - yes, I know your baby can't play with others, but playdates are really more for the moms than the kids. If you don't want to drive much, you can invite people over to your house.
It will help too if you start getting out during the day. Being in the house all day can get exhausting!
Another thing that I enjoyed when dd was little was to search online for topics I wanted to learn about, then place holds for books at the library, and when they were available, I'd go through the drive through and pick them up. I learned so much about vaccines, nutrition for my family, exercise, etc.
I hope these suggestions help!

Best advice to beat the stir-crazy feeling... get out of the house! If you are so afraid of driving with daughter in car try going for a walk around your house with daughter in arms or stroller, walk around neighborhood, invite a friend or neighbor over (with kids for play interaction for daughter or one without kids during naptime for conversation for you).

If you can bear to go away from your house try some of the parks (on warmer days) for walks or to meet other mommies - there are plenty of us there, library for age appropriate storytime, or try finding a support group for moms who stay home - there are several (MOMS Club of Villa Rica - www.geocities.org/villaricamomsclub, Atlanta West Moms - atlantawestmoms.com, Carrollton Moms - www.cafemom.com/carrolltonmoms).

Good luck!

~A.

I got like that when my son was about 5 months old. It was so bad that it affected my marriage because I started blaming my husband for my boring life. So he suggested that I take up hobbies. I started reading a new book, I took crocheting classes to make my son a blanket, I ordered a cooking magazine to give me new and interesting things to cook and I am currently taking cake decorating classes. This is on top of a part time job and taking care of a toddler so I am nice and busy now. Its a good thing.

Dear Christina,
I understand your desire to enjoy and take care of the little one, it's the sweetest thing in the world. Just keep in mind that later, rather than sooner, it might be even harder for you to leave your child at the daycare, because as they grow they become more aware of their condition of "loneliness" when Mom is not around and separation anxiety will kick in.
I worked before, during and after my pregnancy. My son was in daycare at 2 months of age because I had to go back to work.
Believe me if i say that he did not even realize what was going on, he was simply too little, he did not suffer at all and by the time he was 1 year old, he was so used to be around (carefully chosen by Mom) strangers that even when we moved to another town and changed daycare he adapted immediately. Now he is 20mos old and not only he loves being around his classmates, he needs the social setting where he does different things than the ones we do at home. Actually sometimes he gets bored at home, even though I keep him busy with playtime and reading.As far as you go, i think that when you'll feel better about trusting somebody else with her, you'll find things for yourself to do, no doubt! For now, try to stroll around,make her home-made baby-food (that will keep you busy!), do something creative with her pictures, invite friends at home...and enjoy your job-less time!!!

I know how you feel. You need to conquer your fear and get out!! Not only for yourself, but for your daughter. I'm sure you are aware of the many Mom's groups out there. There are also parent/child classes. Is there a Gymboree nearby? Classes are broken down by age, so you and your class grow up together! What a great way to meet lifelong friends.

I have been a stay at home mom for 7 almost 8 years now. I have two boys ages 7 and 2. Like you have my moments although I don't share the fear of driving I do understand. You seriously need to get yourself involved in something whether it be a craft, hobby, a play group, Bible study, or volunteer with a non profit organization. Get some exercise, learn to make the most out of your days. I now homeschool my 7 year old and he is doing wonderfully. One of the reasons we decided to homeschool was because I had worked with him (reading, talking, playing) since he was little. So because of that by time he was old enough for kindergarten he was already reading on a 1st and 2nd grade level. I love staying at home with my children. I don't miss anything. But you have to find something that helps you. There are a lot of great suggestions here.

M.

Hello Christina,

As a Mother of two who NEVER had the opportunity to stay at home with kids who are now 11 and 7 because I had the job that paid better, my first thought was to tell you. "Boo Hoo." But that was just my jealousy creeping in. I would have given ANYTHING to be able to do what you are doing.

That said, maybe you can take some on line classes. I just got mine from the University of Maryland University College and it is done on line.

But most important of all - you MUST cherish these times with your daughter. They will be gone before you know it and they never come back - trust me, I know. And trust me.........working full time, being a mom, being a wife, keeping a house clean, and doing all the ruunning around and what not is most often VERY STRESSFUL and you don't have time to enjoy much of anything - without a lot of effort and a lot of conscious attention to the little moments that come in between work, cooking, cleaning, running a household, and the list goes on.

SO.........first of all change your attitude, because time is slipping by, your daughter is growing before your very eyes (not a daycare person I might add) and look into attending some on line classes, start a Mother's day out for other stay at home Moms that you know, where you swap out keeping each other's kids so you can get out on your own a couple of times a week or just once.

You are BLESSED to have the opportunity to be a MOM........without the stress of working and commuting, and stuffing everything else in the precious little free time you have. TRUST ME..........she will be in school 8 hours out of every day before you know it!!!

Look at your 3 month old...........before you can blink an eye she will be up and running and you'll wish you could do it all over again.

OH..........and your daughter is not even rolling over or crawling yet. In a couple of months she'll start crawling, then walking, and then crawling up and over things and you will not have TIME TO BE BORED!!! If you get your attitude about your situation right in your head....it is absoluetly the MOST INCREDIBLE thing you will ever watch in your life. Watch your daughter learn and grow.....you are so very lucky to have this opportunity...and there are no reruns....I know it may seem boring now becuase your baby is still of the age that when you put her somewhere, she stays there.......but that will change VERY SOON!!!

GOOD LUCK!

P. Holley
Newnan, GA

Christina,

I TOTALLY know how you feel. My daughter is 11 months old now. From when she was 4 months to 8 months, I was in school full-time and took her to daycare. She enjoyed it but was sick all of the time, so I decided to stay home with her and do some school work from home. I felt good about being able to spend more time with her and that she wouldn't be sick so much. I feel like I am doing what is best for her right now, but sometimes I feel sooo bored too! I am like you---paranoid about driving around with her so stay here most of the time. Lately I've found that having a book I love, popping in a DVD of a favorite show for an hour, or making a fun meal or treat makes the day go better. I am getting more used to it and am starting to enjoy being here more. Good luck!!!

Good morning,
As one in the "been-there-done-that" crew, I'd like to share my views on this subject. Being a stay home mom is very important and it can make you feel sort of isolated from the rest of the world. At times, you don't really know what to do with yourself b/c you haven't an adult to really deal w/during the day and your energy is drained at night. What I did was take a class to improve my marketing skills for when I returned to work. It was online and was done at my leisure. If you're interested in dancing, take up salsa or yoga in the evening. They really make all the difference and will eventually help w/the overall tired feeling. Joining a book club can be quite refreshing also. Last, but not necessisarily so, would you be interested in learning a new language? It could make you more marketable, and you could share it with your little one too, perhaps. While at home you can find out what your passion is, to prepare for a few years down the road. There are weekend classes at local colleges and you have time to find out what you love. All the best to you. Your friend in GA, A

I applaud your efforts to be home with your daughter. That is the most important thing you can do for her, and you are very blessed to be able to afford it and have a supportive husband. As she gets older and more mobile and sleeps less during the day, you will likely find that the boredom issue is swallowed up by the full-time mommy demands. When I had my first child, I quit my full-time accounting job and started working part-time from home doing accounting for my husband's technology company. We now have five children, and I can't imagine anything better than being home with them. I think you should keep looking for accounting work from home. One of my husband's clients is Universal Accounting. http://www.universal-accounting-center.com/ I don't know a lot about it, but I think they help people do accounting work from home. He told me that I should look into it once our baby starts kindergarten. I don't have many ideas for boredom since I'm never bored, but please be aware that some of this could be or lead to postpartum depression, so be careful. I strongly encourage you to pursue accounting from home now so that you can stay at home with your little darling even if your financial situation gets tougher down the road. Good luck.

I am a stay @ home mom as well. I know exactly what you are talking about and feeling. My son is 3 and my daughter is 11 months. It gets easier, it really does. You have to get out of the house or you will go nutty. I have been there and it isnt pretty. When my son was a baby, I was afraid to take him out for fear he would get sick or something awful would happen. I checked on him several times during the night and at nap times. He was always fine, still is. Paranoia come with parenting, but you cant let it control your life. You do still have to have a life. Simple things around the house if you dont want to get out. Reading, writing, online refresher courses for when you want to reenter the work force, etc... Spring is coming and soon your little bundle will be crawling, so going outdoors is a great option, plus who doesnt need the vitamin D. LOL Hope this helps.

Get out while you can with your baby so young. Once she hits two like mine you wont be able to keep up with her in a store, ect! LOL I have stayed at home with her since birth and currently my husband is deployed overseas so I have no break. I find I have to get out at least a couple times a week even if it is just to the grocery store.

internet businesses are huge, and hire country wide. I work at home for an organic baby online company. The women I talk to actually love it when they hear my son in the background and know they are talking to a mom. I also watch my friends' kids for a little extra money and play time for my son. And a couple of Saturday's a week, I work in a small restuarant in my town. I call it getting paid for a mom's day out. 3 jobs, and I still stay at home. It's a great balance.

Getting out of the house will most likely cure your boredom. It sounds as if your fear of driving with your child is affecting you more than you might think. We were in a car accident shortly after my son was born and I started having panic attacks at the thought of getting in the car. But I had to take the wrecked car to the shop and they gave me a rental. Panic attacks can be scary and I did have to pull over once to get myself under control but I made it. Now we go out everyday without a second thought. Take short trips first and then start planning for bigger trips. Don't let this fear take over your life it will just get worse!

Good Luck

B. M.

How about getting out of the house and make some friends with kids of similar age? You can't stay in forever- it's not good for you and not good for the baby! I am sure there are play groups in your area. Sometimes the local hospitals, church or library will organize new moms' group or story time. Take your time to build your support network while you are at home. I get great advices from other parents. You will find these friends even more important when the kids get older. In our neighborhood, we met many people through our parent co-op. When my kids were younger, we beloned to the babysitting co-op where we help watch each other's kids so you can have a little time for yourself or go out on a date without breaking your budgets. You can start a playgroup if there isn't one you can join. Enjoy your time off with your family. I am back to work part-time again (after 4 years at home) and life is hectic again!