Stay at home moms, how do I stay motivated to survive each day?

Question

I have a two year old and a 1 year old. I'm so tired of doing the same thing day after day- feeding, cleaning, changing diapers... I'm bored. I don't want to clean up lately... Any suggestions for new things to do with the children? Playgroups are fun, I do two a week. Go to the park at least once a week. Anything new?

Answer 1

I am a SAHM. My boys are a little older now, but I do remember very well when they were little. I think the best thing I did was let them explore and play. I would give them common things around the house, (we didn't have much money for extra toys or expensive classes) but they could play for hours with straws, cards, "grown up" clothes, ect,, making tents out of sheets.
Family fun magazine is a great resource, they have a zillion ideas and most are pretty cheap to do, and fun.
Do a search on google of your city and "free family activities" our park system always has things like "bat gala" "bug fest" ect,, they also have a mommy and me walking thing (all the walks are OK for strollers)
I never cared if the kids got dirty (Dirt washes off,, that is why bathtubs were made) so I was always letting them play without worring about how dirty they got. So if you don't stress about that (Alot of people do,,, I just wasn't one of them) they can play for hours with water or fingerpaint...
most important, I think, is remember that no mom ever died and at the funeral the kids said "I wish mom would have cleaned more,, or I wish mom had made better dinners every night" Spend as much time as you can goofing around and playing,, that is what they will remember, not that the floor was clean or the dishes always done..

Answer 2

Maybe its time for Mom to get a part time job so you have some outside of the home time. If you worked just 15 hours a week it would pay for the day care and get you out into the world for a short time. Dont expect that money to contribute to the family budget as it will basically be eaten up in day care costs but may save Mom's sanity.

Answer 3

I am so with you hun. My 3 youngest are now 4, 2 and 13 months. I was like you and going cuckoo. I did the playgroup things, parks etc. But I put both my sons into nursery when they were 18 months old. They were so bored at home and needed the stimulation. So now when both my sons are at nursery that breaks my day up. I get to go for a walk, with my youngest and basically get things done that I can't when they are all home. I am also going back to college this year so maybe find something that interests you and focus on that.

Answer 4

Maybe get a part time job or volunteer a couple of afternoons a week. Sounds like you're getting a little stir crazy and need some adult company. Don't worry, soon they be old enough to involve them in sports and things. Then they're active, having fun, learning social skills and you get to sit back with the other moms and laugh at the 4 year olds running bases backwards and picking dandelions in centre field.

Answer 5

I've got 3 kids, 3,2 &1. I just change it up. We all really enjoy being outdoors. If I'm doing work outside, either in the flower bed or garden, I try and have them help me. The biggest thing is to be patient. They try to get in the way. If I'm not able to be outside for whatever reason, then I'll put on Leap Frog The letter Factory or something that appeals to them. Something else that is fun is sidewalk chalk, washable paints. I got a few cheap decorative birds houses and some washable paints and we sat down and painted them. Good luck to ya.

Answer 6

Sometimes all it requires is a change in perspective. I'm a SAHM to 3 kids ages 14, 4 and 2 and I have learned, over the years, that it is not about ME anymore. It's not whether or not I am happy or whether or not I am bored. It's about my children. We watch educationl shows together, we play in the backyard together, we do pre-school books together, we read together and I never have one day exactly like the other. Routines are good for naps, eating, and the like but every day should be different and interesting. It takes very little effort on my part to make that happen around here. More often than not it requires me seeing the world from their point of view and reminding myself that I chose to stay home and raise them because it was what was best for THEM, not for me.

Answer 7

I'm part of that growing number of SAHM. Our area library has a 30 minute story time twice a week for that age group. That allows me to chat with other SAHM, my little one gets to socialize and I feel like an adult once in a while. It is totally free and gives me a whole new network of brains to tap for fun play ideas. I also checked at the local community center and found several postings on the bulletin board for new play groups to include music parties, crafts and reading groups. Don't forget to have fun; this is your opportunity to live your childhood again.

Answer 8

Your kids are very young so your options are really limited but this stage doesn't last long so hang in there. My kids are 5, 7, 9, 11. We spend a lot of time outside since it really makes the time fly by. All I can say is make sure you do something for yourself. When my kids are at school and I put the little one down for a nap I make sure I do something for me. Paint my toes, watch a tv show I like, call a friend, etc. Hang in there girl!

Answer 9

With your kids read, read, read. I can't tell how badly I regret not taking as much time with my kids to read. That is some thing that will be good for your child's future believe me. NOW for you, find time for yourself every day to refresh your soul. Take a bubble bath, sit and have a good meal by your self. What ever it is that you feel may be indulgent give it a try. I am too indulgent with my time, but my husband is a happy man. So take time out for you and revitalize your energy, then you'll feel better and relaxed and can enjoy your family better.

Answer 10

Put them into daycare for 2 or 3 (or more) days a week, so you can just take time to do things by yourself. Women never used to have to handle everything alone, things were much more communal in the past, so don't feel bad if you find it hard. Seriously though, get a job or something, anything to get away from them and get time for yourself. You're their mother, you're the most important person in the family, if YOU aren't happy, how can your family survive?