Hello A.,
You didn't mention how old your daughter is. I have a very similar story to your, work since 16, left a very successful job to be a stay at home mom. At first it was tough for me. I'd be breast feeding, thinking about all house work I wanted to get done. During one of those moments - it hit me, she will not be breast feeding forever, she will NOT be little forever. And sure enough 7 years later, she is a walking, talking, growing little girl.
In my limited 7 year experience of being a stay at home mom, the first years were the hardest. I didn't know any other moms in my area, I was not used to not being a money earning individual. I think that was the hardest part for me, not earning money. I am not a big spender, but I enjoyed contributing to the family expenses. That was my first hurdle to get over, it was okay to spend money wisely even though I wasn't earning it.
My second hurdler was figuring out ways to be with other moms. I researched mommy groups. At the time I was in CA and I found the best parenting classes ever. Look for these through local hospitals or state agency if you can - parenting classes. They not only got me out and about with my daughter, I was inspired to be a better parent because of the information I learned. Some of the best advice I got in those early years I received through those parenting classes. Highly recommend you search some out if you can.
When preschool time came, I enrolled my daughter in a mommy and me class. I wanted to be with her, but at the same time, she was needing the social avenue that she would require later in school. These classes were through the local recreation center. There were art classes, mommy and me classes, exercise with mommy classes. Lots of movement time for my growing girl.
This was followed by actual school - preschool and then grade school. My daughter is now in her 3rd year of school and I find myself volunteering for PTA stuff left and right. It is my new job. It keeps my mind going, it keeps my days full AND it not only benefits hundreds of children, it can eventually - if I'd like it to, go on my future resume. PTA was created for moms like me, I want to be involved in my child's education, I was to keep my own brain busy and I want flexibility so that I can be there when my child needs me most.
A last little tidbit on this much too long post - I took the opportunities with my daughter to introduce her to things that I LOVED as a kid. Instead of heading to the park each time I needed out, I'd drove to a stable and we'd walk the isle looking and petting the horses. I'd pull over to the side of the road and we'd go pick wild flowers. I even pulled over to a massive series of mud puddles and let her go to town in them - I was seemingly prepared with towels and a fresh set of clothes. I took my daughter to dog shows (agility to be specific) and today she joins me in my favorite hobby - my old profession - dog training - we attend and compete in dog agility shows together - which has been one of the more rewarding hobbies I've ever had.
Most important realize that today my be the last day your breast feed, the last day you change her diaper, the last day you help her out of bed. Today my be the last day you make her lunch or pick her up. She is going to grow, change and become her own special person. Reach out to help yourself grow and change too.
Positively,
M.