Stay at Home Mom Needs Advise

You can do searches and find local groups that set up playdates (like in yahoogroups). Or just bring her to the park. My kids can't get enough of going to parks! Or even put her in a stroller and go walking. Crafts! Kids love doing crafts and you can do it together. I wish I was bored at home... LOL There's ALWAYS something to do here esp. in regards to keeping up the house (we have 3 kids)!

i love to stay at home with my kids. i have two wonderful kids that i love to spend time with. but i also love to get out. i clean during the day but then again i go where ever i want to when ever i want to. we had a money issue with that so instead of getting a regular job i started doing the home parties with FOR YOUR PLEASURE. i now have money to take my kids where i want to so you may want to look at doing the smae thing. i get to stay home with my kids and enjoy them and when i need money i do a party. i make 40% commission. what job is better than that right?
L.

I had to laugh and admit some envy when I read your note. I wish my life were so calm and organized. I have 2 boys, both tornados, one with some special needs that require speech and ot therapy, different schools for both, and a husband i love who's hours rotate depending upon the coverage needed at the hospital. That and a mother who is different.

So, after i stopped laughing and the sheer thought that someone in this world has time and energy and organization to spare, I was comforted to know there is still hope for me!

All of the suggestions are good, but here are some more and some sound presumptous but only because I don't know you personnally:
-get the play date thing going if you can with other children from church, the neighbourhood, or siblings of students from your son's class.
-volunteer at the school, or the library.
-Volunteer at your local politician's office.
-Call Easter Seals or a local group in your area that specializes in treatments for children with special needs, and ask if there is any group or program you can help with. I would have killed for 30 minutes to wash my hair and body when my son was at his worst. But, the bad thing is, depending upon where you help and what you do, you may see some children in very dire straits, with very little loving care.
-Sit back, treasure your family, and know that there are some moms out here who are tickled pink that there are others with some calm and order and time. As I said, it gives me hope!

Enjoy the holiday season, and hug your children and husband!

Hi T.,

I wanted to give you my two cents worth on this topic...I agree with some of the other moms out there. The library is a great place for a playdate. I believe all the Houston libraries have a story time and they are a lot of fun. I go to the one in La Porte and my 3 year old has a blast. Everytime we leave the house he asks if we are going to church or the library.

I have also met moms through mamsource. We have had a group of 4 ladies and children meet in Deer Park at the McDonalds and let the kids play in a safe place and just had lunch and visited with each other. Just send a private message to some women that you might like to get to know better and if you hit it off, meet them with your kiddos for a play date. That is what we are all here for, to network with other moms.

I also was getting bored at home and tried watching kids in my home for awhile, but that was more than I could handle. Then my husband broke his leg and had to have surgery - they threw in a metal rod for free :) - and could not work (police officer) for 7 weeks and then was on light duty for two more months. So I had to find something to do from home to make money. I heard of lots of different things that were fantstic business, but they just were not what I was looking for.

Finally, I found a company that I knew was a perfect match for me and I joined their team in May of 2005. It's called Photomax and we provide a service to peolpe who are looking to preserve their photographs (old paper pictures, new digitzed photos, cell phone images and video) and have them safely backed up and digitized. Once they are digitized, there are some wonderful things you can do with your photos...(i.e. Photo Books, Movie Magic DVD, mouse pads, posters, puzzles, playing cards, greeting cards, calendar...etc.) You can make some very emotionally moving gifts. Every grown man that I have given a Photomax gift to has cried while looking at the gift. It is incredible what pictures/memories of our lives can do to people!

We also just launched an incredible new service that is absolutely the most awesome thing I have seen. It is called MaxCast and it allows you to have your home videos (or business presentations, virtual resume, walk through of a house you are selling, child's soccer game, karate tournament, birthday, birth of a child....list goes on and on) all available online to those people you wish to share it with. In other words - instead of needing to have someone over to your house, pull out the video camera, hook up all the wires, find the right tape, fast forward or rewind to the right spot and then be able to show the video - now you can have it all on your own channel at MaxCast, edited just how you wnat it, and organized into different chapters (just like a rental DVD) and you can play it instantly online anytime anywhere. No wires, no tapes, no rewind and fast forward. And best of all, if you have family that missed the 'big event' you can send it to them and they can watch it almost immediately.

I get pretty excited talking about it and if this seems like something you want to be able to use for your family, then go check out my website at www.ThePhotoChic.com

I am not a technical wiz (you would probably laugh if you knew me) but the beauty of it is that you don't have to be. It is such a simple business model and it is very duplicatable, which makes it easier to bring in income. If you are like me and can see the big picture and you would like to get more information about the business oppportunity, then check out this website www.PictureYourBusiness.org

If you want to contact me, my toll free number is 888-909-8306. I would love the opportunity to help you in any way I can.

Blessings,

M. L.

T.,

In addition to the great ideas listed about playdates, you could also start a hobby just for you. When my 3rd child turned one I realized I needed something for myself and started taking piano lessons for the first time at age 33. (The teacher lets me bring my kids and they play downstairs with her kids so I don't even have to find a sitter.) Is there something you really enjoyed before you had kids or something you have always wanted to learn? With only one easy going child at home during the day you have a lot of flexibility.

Best of luck,
S.

T.,
Hey girl!! Theres a wonderfull way to be at home and meet other Moms in your area AND MAKE MONEY doing it!!!I would love to show you how! Please check out http://www.kncpoisonfree.com I hope to hear from you!! *N.*

I went back to work, but soon I am going to finish my schooling and become a Real Estate Agent so I can be home more with my son and make my schedule around what I want to do with my son. Its makes the decision alot easier.

I was a stay at home mom for 3 and a half years. Loved it at first then went crazy. I started with a momma and me class at the local community center were you can meet other moms. That lasted about a year then I got a part time job. about 20 hours a week. I enjoyed the time away from home. I missed my baby though. I went back to work full time and about 3 months later found out I was pregnant again. Took maternity leave and went right back to work. Dont feel bad about working. They enjoy being away from their parent some as well.

depending on where you live... there are usually weekly playgroups or bible studies you could join to meet other moms and kids... try hitting the sonics or McD's that have playgrounds at lunch on wednesdays (or any day really) and intro yourself to the other moms and kids there

usually on wed and thur mornings the librarys have storytimes and that's a good place to interact, too.

good luck

T.,

It's good to know I'm not the only one who's bored at times. I've been a stay at home mom since I was 3 month pregnant with my first (talk about being bored, try being a stay at home mom with no kids yet). Lately I've been busying myself with volunteer work with my church. I also build webpages for several businesses to bring in a little extra money. I'm planning to go back to college (night school) next fall. I wouldn't blame you at all for going back to work. I've thought about it many times, but daycare costs more than I would make. Good luck!

Hi there :)

First, to answer your question as to how to stay busy, have playdates, etc. there are many resources! I noticed that you live in Houston and there are a plethora of opportunities there to get out. Here's some ideas:

* Go to a MOPS group, its a great program for SAHMs! I looked and there are 5 programs in Houston. To find one go to www.mops.org

* Join a playgroup meet up: http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/tx/houston/#Parenting

* Take your daughter to reading time at the library

* Check our to see if any kids museums or the zoo has programs

* Join a church, you'll make lots of friends and meet other SAHM's, here's one in Houston:
http://www.westhoustonchurch.org/

* Sign your daughter up for dance classes/ sports etc

I hope this helps! :)

Secondly, it is ultimately up to you if you decide to go back to work... If it is only to relieve boredom, check out these resources first before making a decision :)

Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi T.,

Check out the local MOMS club chapter and see if it looks promising.

http://www.momsclub.org/

They organize playgroups and playdates. I found this group about three months into my SAHM adventure and it was great. I probably would not have made it without my girlfriends and social interaction. We would meet up and let the kids play. It is so much better visiting museums, parks, storytime- with someone you know. It also helps to socialize the kids and let them make some new friends.

Hang in there- maybe try working from home since you have some free time. Nice way to test the water and see if you're ready.

Hello Theresa
My name is S. I am a sahm also I have a 2 1/2 year old baby girl..It does get hard at times but I would not trade it for the world.. We just move to the area 6 month ago so we sre some what new here I hang with a group of moms we started our own little play group twice a week an we all have become close friends it is great=) But you have to do what you feel is best for you an your family If your interested feel free to email at ____@____.com on info of our group we would love to have you.. Also it is a group www.firstcolony moms.com you can check that out to see if that will work for you too.. Well good luck with what ever you chioce..

S.

Go to the places that other stay at home moms go. I dont know about Houston, but around here, McDonalds at lunch during the week has Moms in the play area. Also any local parks. Also try walking in your neighborhood. That is how I met almost all the Mom's I know, stay at home and otherwise.

T.,

I too am a SAHM. I have 3 kids, a husband, 3 dogs and numerous other pets to take care of. And guess what....I too find myself getting very bored. Don't be discouraged by those that think you are not a good mom or are doing something wrong because you have extra time.

I use the FlyLady method for keeping my home in order and have plenty of time on my hands that doesn't have to be spent cleaning something in the house.

I have homeschooled (for over 4 years) and sent the kids to school.

Your daughter is at a good age to start with a K3 program if you like. Most programs are only for 1 hour a day or so. You can research for some on the internet or just go to your local Barnes and Noble, they have a homeschool section.

Other than that, like alot of others have said, library story time (B & N has one too, you can sit and have a coffee with the other moms while the kids do their thing), parks or just go to the mall. You would be supprised at how many SAHMs are in the mall during the day. You can meet some at the food court etc.

If you have to go back to work for monitary reasons, then don't feel guilty for doing that.

I wish you luck in making your decision.

Jo

I suggest checking out the website meetup.com, you type in your zip code and it shows you meetup in your area. Usually there are a few playgroups listed that you can join.

I am a stay at home mom too..I have two kids. My son is in school all day and my daughter is quite to some degree. So what I did was after I get throught with the house. I started sewing her dress up clothes. So now that she has her dress up clothes she will stay out of my night gowns. I love to sew and make thing that may not be up your ally that is what i like to do.I have a friend whos mother makes quilts and she is going to show me how to make a quilt and hope to make one one day for my daughters hope chest.

I just wanted to give you a couple of websites to look for a playgroup to join. The first if Meetup.com, if you look there you can specify city and type of group you are looking for. I don't know where you live, but I am sure there are plenty of groups. Another is Yahoo groups, I belong to a great mommy group that I found through Yahoo. Also, MOPS (mothers of preschoolers)they are an international program with many local chapters everywhere. I belong to groups from each of these sites and I have to say they have all helped me adjust to being at home and they provide so much information from other moms who go through what I am going through and entertainment for my babies! Good luck and let me know how it goes for you!

Sincerely,
A.

well this may sound a little harsh, but i don't think you can be bored as a SAHM. between laundry and dishes and cooking and cleaning on top of being a MOM to 2 kids, i don't see how in the world there is time for boredom. my question is...why are you staying home? if it is to truly be influencial in your daughter's life then you should be playing with her and teaching her at every opportunity. teach her ABCs and numbers and shapes and colors and if she's mastered that, maybe it's time to start teaching her to read. exercise with her, cook with her, clean with her, and just PLAY with her. she is still a little child, she needs interaction with you. and if you aren't willing to take the time to do all that with her, then daycare is probably better for her b/c at least she will get interaction there.
i said it may sound harsh but i believe that's what being a SAHM is really all about. it's not about taking care of the house...i do that, but only b/c i'm already home TAKING CARE OF MY KIDS

Theresa,

I am also a Stay at Home Mom and have been for about 1 1/2 yrs. I have two daughters (ages 4 & 2 1/2). My 4yo. is now in pre-k 3days a week but my 2 1/2 yo. stays home with me. I have done a few things...I have enrolled her at The Little Gym (off Luetta and Champions Forest) once per week. We love it! My 4yo. also goes there on a different day. Anyway, my 2 1/2 yo. does keep me busy but she is getting to that point where she really wants to play (and plays well alone). When her sister is in school, I think she just likes that she does not have to share any toys! :) I too had been looking for a play group before my 4yo started pre-k but really did not find much. I have now found myself so busy that I don't know if I would have much time. I have also started up my own business with a Jewelry Company (Silpada Designs-www.mysilpada.com/A..ledesma). This has also been great for me because I was starting to feel as though I needed more. I run my own business which I love, I get out 1-2x's per week and goto parties (not your normal direct sales...no presentations!!) Now, I really can say my life is complete! Oh, also...check out The Woodlands Mall-there is a play area for kids and alot of SAHM go there during the day. Anyway, I just wanted to share what we do.