DOES ANYONE ELSE STAY HOME ALL DAY EVERYDAY??

Marsha - posted on 05/22/2010

i know the feeling! some days do feel the same over and over again like the movie groundhog day! LOL i have a 10 y/o who also has ADHD and is on meds for that, and a 5 y/o who is lovable but can drive u crazy in a heartbeat!! i get out of the house with volunteering at my kid's school these days since i have quit work; if u could u could get a mother's day out program for ur 16 months old to get some needed time to urself!

Shawn - posted on 05/22/2010

I felt the same way until I joined local mothers group in my area. If you dont have one, consider starting one. I met several other mothers in the same situation and we had play dates (rotating them with each other) chat briefly on the phone when the day is getting crazy and plan a girls nite out as a sanity saver. I have even taken my kids ( I have three twins who will be five and an three yr old) to Barnes and Nobles when it opens to let them read and roam while I look at books. Some libraries offer free programs too. I hope that helps...Chin up girl it will get better!

Jane - posted on 05/22/2010

I feel u! I am a SAHM with an 11 yr old son, 10 yr old step-daughter, 7 yr old daughter, and 20 month old son. I didn't get to stay home with my first two (my ex was worthless and wouldn't hold a job or stay with the kids). I am very blessed to a have a wonderful husband now and we have sacrificed a lot for me to be home with the children until they are a little older. The older three are at school during the day (until summer break anyway). My 20 m.o. son is VERY demanding and has a lovely red-headed temper to go with it. It does get depressing sometimes if I spend too many days in a row at home. I normally run out once a week to do my grocery shopping and errands. I can't run too many other places bc I don't want to waste the gas. We are a family of 6 living on much less than $30K per year so money is very tight. It does seem to help just getting out of the house even if its just for a walk or to play in the yard. I also joined Facebook just to be able to have some adult conversations. I usually get on there while the baby naps. It may not be face to face but at least I can keep in touch with family and the few friends I actually still have left. I stress about what I will do next the most. After being out of the work field for a few years I know it will be tough to find a job.

Michelle - posted on 05/22/2010

you are not alone! I have a 6 year old, and a 2 year old. I go crazy almost everyday! It is the hardest job EVER! I often feel depressed and trapped to the house! I think this is just part of what every mom goes through. I think we need to just realize and be thankful that we are able to have the chance to be able to be there everyday with our kids! BUT...that being said......I understand you! You are not alone!

Mrs. - posted on 05/22/2010

iam in the same sitaution n going nuts i stay at home with my 10 month old i never go out its hard n he will b 1 very soon so i know how u feel it sucks

Jessica - posted on 05/22/2010

I stay at home all day everyday! I get crazy and depressed too! I have four kids to take care of. Mt two and my boyfreinds two ages 3,3,4, and 5. His two go to school so getting them on the bus and off to school is a little bit of a relief...I been trying to take a walk everyday to try and meet someone in the neighborhood so I could at least have someone to talk to, It doesn't seem like anybody really stays home anymore! I live in Old Bridge NJ if any mommys live near and are stay at home moms!

Courtney - posted on 05/22/2010

I have stayed home all day everyday for six plus years. I love it. I am the one to see my babies first smiles, crawls, steps, etc. I am also the one they come to with their hurts and disagreements. I like it that way. They are the things I feel entitled to because I spent x number of hours in labor with my babies (there are four and labors were 7hrs, 6hrs, 6hrs, 3hrs.). I also know that to go out and work full time would be useless because I'd be paying for childcare and only childcare. My kids are ages 6 and a 1/2 to 9mos. It can be hard staying home all day, and sometimes things do get boring. Take the kids out to a park, find a church playgroup or something that will help you meet other moms. I volunteer in my six year old's kindergarten class with other moms and have gotten to be friends with them. (My husband takes the morning off and watches the younger kids while I'm gone) And switch up your routine a bit. If you normally get up and get the kids breakfast and dressed and then start with vacuuming, laundry, dishes; try to switch that part of your routine down, try dishes, vacuuming, laundry. or stop your routine once in a while and take the kids outside to play. As to your son having ADHD, please don't be too fast to diagnose that stigma to him. As the mom of two little boys and two little girls, I am often told that my 6 and 2 yr olds have ADHD but what a lot of people don't realize is that they are 6 and 2 not 16 and 12. Small children are naturally hyper. It's part of what defines them as children. Good luck and I hope this helped. May the God of your choosing bless and keep you!

Amanda - posted on 05/22/2010

Im a stay at home mom & my daughter was the same way! I started taking her & her younger sister out everyday...it could be for a walk, in the backyard anywhere and she is 100% better. I bet he's just under-stimulated, because it's hard to know what to do especially when you have another child who is a lot younger. I now take both my kids for a walk every day & my older daughter doesn't have temper tantrums anymore, she actually listens to me (for real!) and she is a totally different child now, hope this helps, good luck :)

Christy - posted on 05/21/2010

i am at that point right now. i stay home with my almost 11 month old and i babysit an almost 10 month old. i am currently almost 4 1/2 months pregnant and have been home for over a year. My hub takes the car to work and i STAY home allllll day. yetserday and today i have realized i am at my breaking point. i need some ME time. feeling a little post part'al. :(
I am going to try to make an effort to go to the gym, take walks, get out of the house as much as possible. read books, and find a hobby i can do at home that will make me feel better about myself. unfortunately, us as women have to try to find it in ourselves to make it better. we are strong and will survive. just get some fresh air and keep your head up. :) we can do it!

Shantane - posted on 05/21/2010

I guess I can say I don't stay home all day every day but I am a stay at home mom. We do get out the house enough and I do have a license. We try to get out enough because I myself get "cabin fever" at times.lol!

Shantane - posted on 05/21/2010

Hi! Yes I too am a stay at home mom. I have a daughter who will be 8 on the 28th and a 3 month old son. I pretty much keep myself busy organizing my things(I have a lot) and now spring cleaning. I do go out from time to time with friends to hang out(me time)! I don't get bored at home because i've always worked(the past 6 years+) so i'm pretty much enjoying my time off. i haven't worked in just about a year. Just find something you like to do and keep yourself busy with that....besides parenting!

Jessen - posted on 05/21/2010

Totally understand! I am a stay at home mother of two myself with four animals and a hubby that I clean up after all day everyday same day for the past 7 years. It's groundhog day but, I day dream a lot and talk on the phone with friends, play games with the kids and now that summer is upon us, parks during the day the beach where they can play in the sand, the library and even walk around the mall on really hot days and if we have some xtra $ going to the mall and being good while window shopping could earn them a treat, like an ice cream or soft pretzel and juice. The mall has book stores with starbucks in them, we spend the day there sometimes as well and get strawberry and creme frappachino's it's a nice treat

Hillary - posted on 05/21/2010

Yes!! I feel the same way. I stay home with my son who is 3 years old. My daughter is 5 and is in school half of the day. He was in the crazys two's and he is now in the terriable threes. Hasn't gotten better yet. We do go out since I am in the Moms club. It's hard since he is bad when I take him out. My son drives me crazy. Story time is good at the Library if I just had my daughter.

Loni - posted on 05/21/2010

I am a stay at home mom as well. sometimes i feel the same way.I have a 2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old .I am also pregnant again ...!! It is very hard to stay sain.But we do it for our kids.I also home school them too..

Angelic - posted on 05/21/2010

I'm a stay at home mom, my husband works off-shore and if we are lucky will only be gone two weeeks out of the month, on busy seasons he can be gone up to a month and 1/2. We decided to have me stay home so our two boys would always have one parent there......I used to get real bored, but you learn tricks to keep you busy. I clean at least one room a day ,so it gets done but i'm not cleaning all day, i brake it up so things always stay clean and i have a little something to do each day. I take the boys and there bikes to our local park , we have ducks and turtles there, we also have a dog and puppy and a cat and kitten to keep us all busy, since we own our own home, it makes it a little easier to, because when i feel like i'm just going to go nuts, i will go paint a room.....I also started working out. When i had my last child, i had a c-section and it is always hard to loose that belly, so i have a goal. Also it may seem never ending and hard to believe, but enjoy this time when they are young, because mine are 6 and 9 and both in School and i'm very lonely durring the day now and would give anything to have there little baby moments back.

Tammy - posted on 05/21/2010

i have 5 kids, 1 with autisum,1 with behairol problems, 2 with asthma & a teanager. i'm currently working from home 4 a compony. it's great fun & it's easy, even doing with the kids at home. here's the web site:www.sugarmums.com.au/stronger. whats the harm in checking it out, it's great money as well & the best thing is any 1 can do it.

Kayla - posted on 05/21/2010

I have to agree with the statement "get out". My son goes just as stir crazy as I do, and he's only 11 months. On the days we are inside all day he is worse. On days when we go out he is so much better. We go anywhere, the park, the store, the library. We didn't have a car for five months, and we just walked everywhere...in the middle of winter to keep sane. I just bundled him up, loaded up the stroller and away we went. Also I had a Doctor tell a friend of mine that too much t.v./internet can cause ADHD in some people. Maybe limit how much t.v. he gets and get him into really active things. Boys need to play and be physical. I hope this helps, and I hope you can find some solutions that will make staying home easier for you. It's not easy for anyone, but it is worth it in the end, because kids need their moms.

Sara - posted on 05/21/2010

I am a stay at home mom. I have three kids...7,3, and 8 months. I have found that getting them into activities such as soccer or dance classes, gets me out of the house a few time a week. And it gives me the chance to have adult conversations with other moms who have their kids in the same activities. I have quite a support system now because I have met all of these other wonderful moms. It definitely adds some chaos to your day but it is worth to be out of the house and talking with adults.

Jay - posted on 05/21/2010

I've felt exactly the same way- Staying at home is hard work and I really feel that it's not appreciated enough by society.
I think this is the key- FIND SOMETHING TO DO! :) I say that almost jokingly but it's absolutely necessary. I set up a daycare for our church and the teachers were going absolutely CRAZY until we set up a schedule of events for the day. For example: 8-9 Breakfast, free play. 9:00 bathroom breaks, 9:15 Circle time (learning time) 10:00 snack 10:15 free play/center time. 11:30 story time/ lunch 12:00 nap! etc.
The key is: keep busy- find opportunities to serve in the community- since you have a 7 year old this is a prime time to show him the valuable skill of helping others and volunteering for your church, community, etc. I promise that if you give him something worthwhile to do it will keep you all happy. His ADHD behaviors can be curbed amazingly well if you simply let him know how to sequence his day and let him know what to expect. (I can help you more on developing sequence charts and other helpful visual aids if you like as well)
Any way...I could ramble on forever about how to set up a worthwhile day that you and your kids will love but I'm going to stop for now until someone asks me to be more specific. :)

Thanks for reading my long winded post. :)
Jay Rosenbaum
Early Childhood teacher and mommy of 2

Kristy - posted on 05/21/2010

I stay home with my 3 little ones and it is a very hard job. I have many friends who think i am crazy and say they would never want to do it. Dont feel guilty if you want to go back to work. If it will make you happier then you will be a better mom to your kids when your with them so in the long run its better for them. They have daycare assistance too if you can't go back to work because of daycare costs. i know i couldnt! Good luck! I truly hope things work out for you. But you definitely need to take care of you first in for most as the whole family will be happier if you do. i know from experience!

Santana - posted on 05/21/2010

i been there. but my husband and i finger out way to get me outside more alone. i would go get my nails done, go tanning, shopping, and get my hair done. no one would go w me. :) it was nice having time alone. i got to relax and get my mind off of things. plus i do 2 mile of working out everyday. my husband and i have seen it working i am more happy and doing more w my kids and husband. with it warming up we go to the park 2x a week and my husband meets us there during lunch. a happy mommy makes a happy home.

Zelia - posted on 05/21/2010

i know the feeling i am a stay at home mum of four my youngest likes to sleep half the morning so by the time she gets out of bed there is no point in going out as the others would be coming home from school on a good day though i do manage to get out to visit my family once a week for a few hours but once kids are home at 3pm thats me in for the night so i dont go out the door afterwards.

Tina - posted on 05/21/2010

i feel ya i have 4 girls two go all day and one is half day next yr shell be all day and a 1 yr i just started being a stay at home mom this is my second yr and i just feel like i dont have any goals anymore and it doesnt help that i dnt have a car either he works but we barely make it and he doesnt want the baby in day care so i feel like im stuck with no way out i do take walks after i take my 5 yr to school and i am going to try to see if i can do some online schooling and i just put my girls in cheer leading so that will help me on the weekends so when i am home during the wk i think i will be so exhausted that i think i will not mind hat much if i am at home lol thats how i plan to keep my self busy

Sarah - posted on 05/20/2010

I have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 1 yr old and I feel like I'm losing it like I jst can't take it anymore. The house is a wreck and the kids are literally climbing the walls so I hear ya. My husband tells me to eat something get something to drink and deaply breat and it does help! Try to get some sleep when you can that helps out a TON and try to find a moms and tots group in a local church/hospital. Good LUCK!

Elizabeth - posted on 05/20/2010

Is there a park in your area? Where I live there is a long park. If your son has a skateboard or a bike take it with him and put your daughter in her carriage and go for that walk. He will get exhausted and be to tired to wanna act up at home. As for you it would be great since you'll be getting that exercise by walking and that depression will go away when you get that 20 minutes of sun and fresh air every day!!

Anja - posted on 05/20/2010

look for a play group....or maybe some other moms(the seven year old is in school ,right?)...i joined mops(mothers of preschoolers and got a lot of support there...good luck!

Erica - posted on 05/20/2010

I too am a SAH mom, my husband is a pilot who is gone 7 days then home 7 days. It was really hard coping with my 4 kids and having no one to help me before we moved closer to family. I found that going to bible study groups helped me stay connected with other moms as well as adults who had information on things other than child centered topics. I was unable to do story time at the library but that is a very good place to start. We now live in the country so everything is a very long drive for 3-4 kids, but I will drive the hour to my parents house to visit for a day or two just so I don't go completely crazy (now that we live so much closer to them). I hope you are able to plug yourself in somewhere and get some "adult" interaction in, it is so very important. :-)

Sherry - posted on 05/20/2010

I've been a stay at home mom for 19 years now. I'm counting down the years I have left. There will be no empty nest sydrom here. Anyway what got me through the years is getting involved in my kids school. I pretty much lived at thier grade school. You have a 7 yr old, see if you can swap off with another mom at the school and start volunteering at his school. You will be suprised on how much better your child gets treated. Plus it will make you feel better as a mom. Some school events offer day care while you volunteer. Don't let the school say there is nothing for you to do. You can do anything, like read stories to classrooms to watching the kids on the play ground. There is alot you can do. Most teachers would love to have you help out in the classrooms. It's the one that don't that you need to worry about. Oh and it doesnt't have to be just your sons classroom. I use to read to all the smaller grades at my kids grade school.

Theresa - posted on 05/20/2010

Yes i know what you mean i stay home taking care of 4yr-9yr-13yr 15almost 16 but the older three go to school and im home with the 4yr old all the time and my 13yr old has adhd so yes i know what you mean girl ok. and im a single mom ok even harder ok

Cheryl - posted on 05/20/2010

I have been a stay at home mom for over 20 years, I am also a home daycare provider. Staying home all day with young children is hard work and not always mentally stimulating. I started doing volunteer work in the evenings to get out of the house one or two nights a month. (I served on the BOD of a rape crisis/domestic violence center and considered that my "grown up" time). Also I found activities to take the children to like story/craft time at our local library (which was free) and to several of our local parks. Story/craft time and the parks were a great place to meet other moms who also stayed home so it gave me a bit of socialization. As your children get a bit older, sign them up for a dance class or karate or gymnastics which will also get you out of the house and help the kids get rid of some of their excess energy. I have suffered with depression and at once time was on Paxil. I learned the hard way that to be a good wife and mother you have to take care of yourself!!! If you can, get your husband to watch the children one night a week so you can get out and do something whether it be a movie, dinner with a girlfriend or just reading magazines at the library - anything for a change of scenery. And if you don't like going out alone, have your husband watch the kids so you can take an uninterrupted bubble bath or watch a video. It is amazing how much better you feel when you get a bit of a break.

Alora - posted on 05/20/2010

Hi,
I didn't read all the way down, there were too many, but I think I did read that you don't drive. That makes things a bit harder, but if you live in the city there is almost always something to find to do. The YMCA and public library often have stuff going on that is free or low cost. If there is a park with a rec. center near you they often have low cost/ free classes as well.
I have a 7 year old and a 2 year old. My younger one is not ADHD, but he is very active. We got one of those monkey back pack harness things with the leash for when we go out. He can get it open, so I put it on backward, with the fasteners in the back. That works for us. We try to get out of the house most days, so that we don't go crazy. While the older one is at school we go to story time at the library, or play at the park near her school. There is a Target on our way home, so sometimes we walk there after school to do shopping. I've got a stroller with a big basket under it, so we can buy a fair amount of stuff without me having to carry it. That works well because we get an outing and errands done at once.
If your younger one still takes naps, DO NOT use that time to clean. Use that time for yourself, either on the internet, calling friends, making a treat to eat (that you don't have to share for a change), etc.

Good luck. I hope this helps and things get better for you.

Sophie - posted on 05/20/2010

hi

I know the feeling,i moved from a country to another to be with my man and have a baby, he is in his country i left mine, we have a beautiful 14 months old little girl, i don't have any friends or family here, it just me and my girl, so i try to take her for a walk everyday, it better then nothing and it helps to change air, and not get stucked in house. i'm thinking about to go to see a local association that helps families to cop with everydays life, and people like me that are alone to get in touch with others. try to see if there's things like that in your area, or some moms and tods groupe, try to get more involved in your town or area's life, it can be good.

Another thing you should be careful with is kids are very sensitive, and feel their mother's stress like if it was them, so it's probably not helping if you're not feeling ok.

I hope your son will be ok.

Good luck

take care

Sophie

Crystal - posted on 05/20/2010

Honestly to help me pass the time, I started doing online classes at Kaplan. This takes up an extra couple hours a day, and I still get to be home with my daughter, and I also go to the park a couple times a week with some friends. If you have family and friends around, then go to the park with them, or invite them over or go to their house or something. It doesn't have to be a friend with kids either. Just friends that you trust and enjoy spending time with. Good Luck!!

Simone - posted on 05/20/2010

Go out to the park, is there one that is fenced somewhere around where you live. Also try meeting other people, even on here in the same situation and start a mothers group. Each mother can take turns at hosting it at their house so everyone can get out of their houses. The more mothers, the more times you'll get out, even if its just once a week, make it 2 or 3 hrs ;-)

Jacqueline - posted on 05/20/2010

I have a 12 year old Boy who is a huge handful, not diagnosed ADHD but sure acts like it, also have a 2year old boy, and I just had a baby girl. I also have been watching my nephews for the last 3 years who are now 4 and 6. I too have felt like I was going crazy. But one thing you have to do is stay on a strict schedule with snack and lunch and nap times, but in between those times you can really mix it up. Maybe art activities, learning time, go to the park, or just go outside...Bubbles are always fun. Keep your boy busy, lots of activities so he doesn't get bored, boredom leads to trouble. Give him timed responsiblities, like a race, keeps it interesting and fun, especially if there is a reward for staying on task and completing. Try to fit exercise into your day, include the kids. Exercise can really help your mood and boost your metabolism, helping you to tackle the daily tasks that come with being a stay at home mom. And remember to breathe, sometimes take a step back and take a deep breath to relax...everything will be all right as long as you stay in control.

Julie - posted on 05/20/2010

The local libraries almost always has a ton of free programs which would help break up the day. There is always the park and if you have a local mall by you that has an activity center inside that would be another option. Try and right down a schedule for yourself at the beginning of every week and plan ahead, it will give you something to look forward to. Also, try to at least take a couple of hours for yourself during the week, even if it is just reading a book at the park or a bike ride. I put my kids first almost 24/7, but I always try to take a little time for myself. My husband does movie night with the girls every Friday night. So as soon as the movie starts I head out for a few hours for some me time each week. Just getting out to Target and walking around the aisles with a Starbucks in hand is a great way to unwind for yourself.

Kelly - posted on 05/20/2010

Its not that I don't like my kids and I'm bored all the time. I love my kids! And I hated my job.

Midge - posted on 05/20/2010

When I became disabled, my youngest daughter was almost 4. Not working outside the home was the best thing that could have happened to me. Not having to get up early or getting the kids dressed in a hurry. I was relaxed. Two went to school and the little stayed at home with me. While the other two were in school, I made sure my little one was not bored. We had fun, we went places, we watched tv, she helped with chores, she went swimming in the bathtub with her bathing suit on, still today, I am not bored staying home, my kids are grown, but my grandkids live with me, they are 4y/o and 17 months old. They're a handful, yes, but wow, to be a kid again. Blowing bubbles, or playing in the sand, or playing with snow, kids are not just play, we work also. The 4 y/o helps with the dishes and my 17 months old knows when she makes a mess, she gets a paper towel and cleans it up. Playing teaches learning.

Melissa - posted on 05/20/2010

Go to Meetup.com They have TONS of stay at home moms group i joined one and it really helps.

Stephanie - posted on 05/20/2010

Rachel- I couldn't agree with you more! I was just reading and thinking the same thing of how sad it is that so many people seem to not like their kids and not love being at home raising them. I had a great career before I became a mother and put that on hold to be able to stay at home and be a full time mommy. My children are my #1 priority and there is nothing better than being at home with them. I also don't understand how some of you can get so bored- there is so much to do when you have kids. I never stop! When I'm not cooking, cleaning, bathing kids, potty training, etc., we go outside and do fun stuff. Go to the park and play, invite someone to go with you- there are alot of very cheap and free things to do. Stop wallowing in self pity, pick yourself up and do good by your children. After all, you are the reason they are here. And if their behavior is bad maybe it's a reflection of their example.

Steph - posted on 05/20/2010

I stay home all day everyday with 5 kids alone..no breaks, no end, crazyness all the time...4 boys and 1 girl ages 6,4,3,1 1/2 and 6 weeks so i have more then a good idea on how things are for you :) if you ever wanna chat LiLMama2025@hotmail.com is my email feel free to add me to FB or MSN or just hit me up in an email :D Good luck with things darlin'

Sarah - posted on 05/20/2010

I would go crazy if I stayed home all day long. I have an almost 3 year old and a 4 month old. I encourage you to look into your local resource. Our Adult Education program has "classes" for parents and children. We get out every morning and go to the playground (which is where most of the classes are) and he can run off some energy. If you stay home all the time, you are going to go crazy because your kids are going stir crazy. Go to the park, a museum (that doesn't mind noise), some place that your kids can get some outside stimuli.

Miranda - posted on 05/20/2010

I have a 8 month old. When I first decided to be a SAHM in December I thought I was going to go crazy. I started using nap time as ways to let relax and have me time not cleaning time. It works really well. I try to get out the house as much as possible too. I hope you figure something out that helps. You are definitely not alone:)

BEATRIZ - posted on 05/20/2010

I stay at home 24/7 too. But I try to have activities for my 2 girls (almost 4 yrs old and and 19 mo ). One day we might go to the library to read books and some others to the park (wich works perfectly because having physical activity gets them tired and will go to bed exahusted!!). I never expect things to go well, they might misbehave but I rather deal with that out there than at home:).

Even a trip to the store with them is fun. I think having a schedule could work, nothing big... you can start fitting new activities in to your day and one day you'll find yourself enjoying your kids and yourself.

Twila - posted on 05/20/2010

Most young children don't listen. It's just a part of growing up and as for going stir crazy...find something you love to do(hobby, craft, etc..) and do it!

I have a 6 year olf and a 6 month old and for a while I was pacing the walls and then I started to write and take pictures, next thing I knew I was at home writing for magazines. Eventually I branched out and now haul my youngest to some awesomely fun places(zoo, science center, etc...) to write articles about them and take pics for the articles. All of which I get to go to at discounts because I became a master at finding deals. As a stay at home mom it's one of the many things I was able to learn. I'm just one example of many moms out there who started doing what they loved at home and eventually became good enough that they started making money off of it.

Part of what will help with both the kiddos and the depression, but yourself on a schedule and whatever you do, don't slack off. Children aren't the only ones that need consistancy in their lives. Trust me, it'll make a huge difference.

Nicole - posted on 05/20/2010

I too stay at home all day every day. I have a 4 yr old boy, and daughters that are 11 and 15. I do go stir crazy and know exactly how you feel. I have had some major ups and downs since I have been staying at home and have been for about 7 years now. My husband typically works long days and travels for work as well, very hard for me to have time outside the house I have found that trying to keep a schedule (which is sometimes impossible) and making time for yourself is crucial to getting through the day. It is hard sometimes to carve out that little bit of time for you but it is worth it...even if it is 15 minutes or so.

Kelly - posted on 05/20/2010

I am also at home 24/7. I have had bouts with depression, I get irritated with my 5 and 2 year olds some days. But there are also plenty of good days and I don't regret choosing to stay at home. I know its super hard to do at times, but you have to carve out a little time for yourself. It also helps to have a bunch of different things to do and to be flexible. Getting out of the house is must! Even if its just going to the mall and letting the kids go nuts in the play area! You should also work with the counselor to come up with strategies to keep your son occupied.

Kathy - posted on 05/20/2010

BINGO!!!!!

Nancy - posted on 05/20/2010

I was like that in the beginning when I was forced to leave my job and was so used to the money and shopping. But I got my son into sports so that really helped us alot I knew I had a task in taking him everyday to practice so I would really get entertained ! During the week go out sight seeing and bargain shop I really enjoy it with my daughter !

Patricia - posted on 05/20/2010

I recommend (1) showering/pampering yourself in the morning when your partner is still home to get yourself 'outside ready' for the day, and then (2) becoming a fan of your local library (and definitely get a drivers license if you don't have one!). When I was home with my son, I used to joke that we would do the 'library circuit' since we would visit 3 or 4 different libraries during the week for their different story times. We had a very busy social calendar of free activities!! We started going to story time when my son was 3 months old and I truly believe there it is never early enough to socialize your child. My son loved it and it was great for me too as I met so many other women who were also stay at home mom's from my neighborhood. I then joined the mom's club which was also a lifesaver for me and it's cheap - only about $30/year membership, TRULY worth the price. For your older son, I recommend enrolling him in some after-school activities since boys are different from girls in the sense that they have some much hyper energy that they need to expel. He probably doesn't have adhd, he's probably just bored and need to spend some of his energy. Good luck. I hope everything works out. And remember to take care of yourself. A morning shower/pampering makes a world of difference at the onset of each day!!