New SAHM...need Ideas!

I am a SAHM to a 19 month old little girl. So that she would have social interation with other children her age I started watching another little girl close to her age during the week for extra money and playmate interaction for her. Also we go on playdates and Gymboree for fun and exercise. We also take her to diffrent Metro Mom's events. This Feb we are going to the Stroll Art event where you can meet other moms just like you.

Hope this helps.

The libraries have "toddler time" where they have stories read to them and get to have a little social setting. I take my son to the indoor toddler playground at Northeast Mall so he can play on a padded floor no matter what the weather's like, and there's always another child (or four) playing too. If the weather is nice, find a nice park (I'm surrounded by several: some have too many children that tend to be older kids, some are empty but nice for mom/son time, and there's another one that I LOVE that's never empty but is age-appropriate). Really, you just need to explore them and see. On Thursdays I go to a Bible Study and my church provides a few hours of free childcare there, and he LOVES playing with his friends at church, so maybe your church does something similar? I joined the HEB mom's club which was fun: it was active, always had something going on, and the children can play together then. We'd also go on "field trips" to "anywhere" (Grapevine for a train ride, Pet Smart for some free fun looking at the animals, etc). Really just keep an eye open for an opportunity: don't just walk past the salt water aquarium at the doctor's office or library, stop and take some time to watch and point things out and ask questions. The free magazines that you can find at the library or Tom Thumb (like Suburban Parent or Ft Worth Child, or whatever the local magazine is for your area) are GREAT resources for classes or events that are going on for the month at the zoo or....anywhere. There's a lot out there!

Try to join an active mom's playgroup, and if you can afford drop him in daycare occationally to do somethings you need to do.

I second the MetroMoms events. In my experience, moms groups are sometimes clicky and I found it exhausting getting together without a planned activity, which meant we sat around and judged.I've been to 3 MetroMoms events and they are well planned and fun. The best part is you meet other moms casually, without having to feel like you need to click with them because you belong to the same group - MM is not a group, just an events program. The website is metroplexbaby.com, which also has a great events calendar to give you ideas on stuff to do. Good luck! I know the transition is hard but well worth it!

To maintain the social stimulation that your son wants, you should try to hooked up with a playgroup. Given your son's age, an active Mother of Preschoolers group (MOPS) would probably be most appropriate if you can find a good one in your area. You might also try some classes. Many places will let you do a free trial to see how your son likes it. (Like Soccer-tots, Gymboree etc). Might also be fun for you all to take a swim class together at a place like Elmer School which has an indoor pool. Story time at your local library or bookstore are also good outlets. If he really seems to be missing daycare and craves the social aspect of it, you might consider a 1 or 2 day a week mothers day out program where he might get a 1/2 day of social fun with friends. Best wishes to you. I know you must be excited to be able to stay at home with your son. Happy Holidays!