DOES ANYONE ELSE STAY HOME ALL DAY EVERYDAY??

Meredith - posted on 05/20/2010

I feel your pain. I was a single mom for about 4 years and have now been remarried for 3 years. I have a 21month old son and 8 yr year old daughter.. So I've only not worked for about 4 yrs. The last year has been the hardest. Last summer we moved to a more rural area. It has been a very hard winter and spring for me. I have been in and out of being depressed and going crazy too. My son is wild....witch is soo hard to deal with. I feel isolated and alone. We have found a church and I'm starting to get involved there, also Jo Ann fabrics offers some cheap sessions on sewing and crafting stuff. I'm enrolling in a couple of those. They classes are only a couple hours long so it gets me away from the kids and out of the house without a long commitment!! I love my kids dearly, but I need to still know who I am. My husband has been a dear, he's supportive of me staying home and also of me taking classes!!!



We have a mentally trying task as stay at home moms. It's rewarding in the long run, but getting through the day sometimes can be hard. I wish I had some more word of wisdom. I really just wanted you to know, you're not alone. God bless and good luck!!

Jodie - posted on 05/20/2010

I stay at home most of the time but my youngest is at pre-school and starts school this year. I can't remember what I was like when my daughter was a toddler but since doing a parenting class, my parenting has improved and I make myself take the kids down the park or if I have the money to an indoor play area. I used to take both of my kids (4 & 7) to toddler groups and even though I don't go any more, I'm still friends with most of the parents.
If I have another baby, I will not be spending all my time at home, I will be making more of an effort to go out and socialise. My son has jr arthritis and I thought he had ADHD or autism but turns out that he has problems processing information in his brain and even though he's nearly 8 his mental copasity is that of a much younger child and until we got him assessed, he was a real handful and we were at the end of our tether. He is getting extra support at school and we are alot more understanding so he's alot calmer. I wish you all the luck and hope my advice is helpful.

Sally - posted on 05/19/2010

hi,my name is Sally,i have 2 daughters & i grandchild, to answer your question,yes i too stay home everyday, i stayed home until both girls were old enough to go to school together,now due to my medical problems ive stayed home & not worked for the last 12 years,it does get very tedious,but with the help of good friends & family youll make it

Kristi - posted on 05/19/2010

Hi Lindsay,
You really need to look into joining a parenting group in your community. Your local library might have postings, the community newspaper, your church, school, maybe even try Googling Mom's Groups in your neighborhood, or call a local La Leche League leader and ask for help in finding one (www.llli.org). Whatever it takes, you need support, and the kids in your care deserve a happy caretaker! Don't wait another day... it makes all the difference to get out and get fresh air, participate in activities with the kids, and mostly have someone to talk to that understands! My heart goes out to you. We have all felt that cabin fever. Go get help sister! :) Many hugs!

Charlene - posted on 05/19/2010

I totally know what you're going through!!! I'm going through the exact same thing right now!! You might try seeing a psychiatrist to get a script for an anti-depressant. It can help. I'm dying to get out and get a job, and I don't even like to work! Doesn't your boy go to school? My 6 year old boy is the same way! He's sweet as can be, but has overwhelming energy that he just doesn't know what to do with. We took him to the doctor and they put him on 20mg of Vyvanse a day and the difference is incredable!!! It's like night and day! It's really helping him to focus at school and calms him down! But if the medacine isn't covered by your insurance, it can be pretty expensive. Hope you get it all figured out! And by the way, get yourself outta the house and go to the park!

Sarah - posted on 05/19/2010

I totally understand. I'm a stay at home mommy too. My oldest is 7 and is autistic which makes normal days a little more stressful and my youngest is 2 months. I spend my time taking care of the family and house. It isn't easy staying home. Sometimes I do miss going out on my own all the time. Maybe you can get into a hobie or something you really enjoyed before you were a mom. Or you can talk to your significant other and tell him you really need some "you" time once or twice a week. Get some shopping in. Go to a salon. Or if you have a group of friends try a pot luck lunch/dinner once a week. You get to socialize and if they have kids you lil ones get to play too. Lastly you can take you daughter for a walk with the stroller while your son is in school. The exercise makes a world of difference and it's even better you get a walking buddy.

Emily - posted on 05/19/2010

I know the feeling. You have to make time for yourself. What worked for me was joining the YMCA. My YMCA will watch my two boys for 2 hours everyday while I work out. You may not want to work out at first but just having 2 hours alone was my saving grace. I eventually started to work out too and that made me feel even better. The YMCA has free classes (once you join) where you can meet other mothers and people so you can get some social interaction. The YMCA will also modify your monthly fee so you only pay what you can afford. But the most important thing is to get out of the house. They may also have classes/sports that your son could join and expend some of his excess energy. Hope this helps. Emily

Samantha - posted on 05/19/2010

I am home all the time as well. I have tried explaining this same problem to my boyfriend...it gets depressing doing the same thing over and over again. What I have been learning to do is have friends come over while my daughter is sleeping...or go over to a friends house for play dates...something that has to do with human contact other than your child. I completely understand where you are coming from.

Stacey - posted on 05/19/2010

I have been a stay at home mom for 6 and a half years, I have also gotten very depressed at times. I have found that it is important to take time for myself. My best friend, who is also a stay at home mom, and I try to have some time out from time to time just the 2 of us. If we just go out for coffee and leave the kids home with their fathers or grandparents for a few hours it helps A LOT.

Kathy - posted on 05/19/2010

You have NMT (no me time). Set a date night for yourself; 1 night bubble bath or something for just you. Make a date with your man. EVERYONE goes through this.

Cat - posted on 05/19/2010

i have found my local community centre to b gr8 for me and the kids we hav a play group twice a week for 1 1/2 hours its gr8 for the kids social development and also to share my highs and lows with the other mums I have a 6 month old and a 4 yr old lil boy with autism.... the other mums hav been gr8 as it has been hard for me to hav quality one on one time with my new lil one and they help out by keepin an eye on him while i spend time with her and vice versa.... also it weres my lil man out a liltle as he is stimulated and not been in the same 4 walls.... I hope there is something like this 4 u in ur community all the best :)

Laura - posted on 05/19/2010

Sounds like you need to get aaway by yourself once in awhile. It can be hard, but maybe check out local free playgroups where you have contact with adult and your child can play. Hang in there, maybe you need a project pick up on something you like, maybe crafts, kniting a hobby can help.

Rachel - posted on 05/19/2010

I go a little stir crazy since I'm with my 4 month old son 24/7, 7 days a week. My parents live over 1000 miles away, so I don't get real breaks. I do what I have to do. Just remember to breathe and talk to someone you're close to.

Victoria - posted on 05/19/2010

I have post partum depression and im a stay at home mom. believe me, everyday i feel like im goin crazy. i come up wit things to do each day. i have a 2 year old and a 5 month old. my 2 year old and i do little lessons each day, plus exercises. i come up wit excuses to get out, like meals. ill find a new recipe and make an extra trip out to get the things i need. of course, u have to stick to ur list. otherwise, ull get impulse buys and it adds up. wen its nice out, call a friend and have them meet u at the park. walk the mall on bad days. we also go to church sun mornings and wednesday nights. both times, it gets us out and the girls go to nursery. they have fun and i get a break. i try to get my husband to take me out but hes the sole breadwinner and an emt so his hours are outrageous. wen we do get out, its refreshing. try to get ur son active. just give him plain paper and see wat he can do wit it- glue, glitter, scissors, markers, crayons, etc. i bet hed surprise you!

Silvia - posted on 05/19/2010

I'm a SAHM too & to top it off, my husband is in the army :/ I sometimes feel alittle over/whelmed being home all day but i find things to do like workout or read, or even browsing the internet like i am doing right now on circle of moms. Continue to be strong and Keep your head up!

Christy - posted on 05/19/2010

I am feeling your pain. I am also stuck at home all day everyday with a 4 year old and a 14 month old (both boys). We only have one vehicle at this time. So I dont even have any way to go anywhere. Not within walking distance of a park or anything.

Mirdza - posted on 05/19/2010

It sometimes can get crazy, I know, I 'm a stay at home mom as well. I stay home all day. My son has ADHD as well so is very energetic all the time. Just remember that they are only young once and they grow up very quickly, so try to do some fun things with them like go to the park, or the swimming pool, or even a little hike. They will enjoy getting up and spending time with you. =)

Wendy - posted on 05/19/2010

why don't you put your 7 year old in a sport or something, I stay home too. I have 3 they are 14 and 5. When my older ones were that age I too felt like I was losing it, I ended up putting them in sports and thats what they have been doing ever since. I am busy driving around and taking them to practice now that by the time our day is done, they are exhausted and so am I.
Wendy

Jenn - posted on 05/19/2010

I am a stay at home mom as well. Stuck with no car, nowhere to go and overseas away from friends and family. I love my daughter and the baby on the way, but I feel ya. I feel stuck. My husband is military and doesn't understand that even though he's working he's still getting away. He also goes on Temporary assignments and I'm stuck here while he's off travelling. It gets to me sometimes but you also have to think that you are doing the best thing that you can possibly do for your two kids. The best thing I can tell you is try and see if a friend will watch them for an hour or two. Make "me" time. I know its a ton easier said than done but even if its taking a bath at some point during the day. things will get better its really hard I know and there will be times you want to rip your hair out and just walk out but it will pass. Just remember to try and take care of yourself a little.

Brenda - posted on 05/19/2010

OMG yes! I had to join a playgroup that meets once a week to get out. I don't like the sun or heat in the summer tho so we also go to Wal-mart and just wander around looking at silly things. Anything to get out of the house even once a week is such a big help.

Stephany - posted on 05/19/2010

I feel your pain....My 13 year old was diagnosed with ADHD at 5 and has been on medication for it, he does alot better with the medicine but still has way too much energy all the time, and my baby is 2 1/2 and I am home with him alone all day, it does get boring sometimes and I feel like I am gonna lose it too, but I just push through it, it is depressing at times, it always helps me to just try to remember that we do not want the baby in daycare because of all the bad stuff that happened in them (not all of them, but some of them) I play with the baby, do the housework, and then I have chore time for him ( which is actually just getting him to pick up his toys in the living room), he wants to go to school so bad becuase he sees his older brother go to school each morning, so we have "School time" which is when we watch his "your baby can read" videos and work on his alphabet and numbers ( he loves it he thinks it is actually school) and when I get really bored out my mind I call my best friend and talk to her...I do know how you feel, it is boring from time to time, but just remember you are creating a bond with your child each day that will be beneficial when they are older....

Bella - posted on 05/19/2010

I feel the same. I have a 8 month old little girl and recently separated from her father and moved back in with my parents. Im home everyday all day with her. Moms like us need to get out with other moms and kids.

Kelly - posted on 05/19/2010

I don't have an ADHD child, but I am home all day everyday and have learned that you NEED alone time otherwise everyone feels the same way you do. Join a gym with child care or find a hobby group that you get to go to once or twice a week. You should also have a chit-chat with the significant other about them taking the kids for a couple of hours and letting you have free time. Think of it this way, they helped make them so they can help take care of them. You will be happier, so everyone else will be too.

Kelly - posted on 05/19/2010

I don't have an ADHD child, but I am home all day every day. For my sanity I joined a gym with a child care center so that I can go for an hour or so a few days a week, get outta the house and move, my daughter can play with someone her own age and we both get a little change of scenery. There's an indoor and outdoor pool so we can also do that. You also need to have a talk with your significant other! You need to establish a time that it's just YOU time and they can take care of the kids. It's hard, but only fair because until you get some time and refresh it's just going to make everyone unhappy.

Jennifer - posted on 05/19/2010

I stay home with my kids and I have found a different class in my community for every day of the week. I also have not spent much money. The library usuals has classes that are free. They read and do a craft ect...Also if you check out the community calender of your paper and watch the grocery store add board you will find different things like a baby and toddler gymnastics, mommy and me dance, swimming, ect... Not only does it help you be around other moms and adults but the kids learn social skills and don't get so bored they tear your house up and tire you out..You should enjoy staying home not hate it, so find some activities to get you out even if it isn't every day..good luck

Nicole - posted on 05/19/2010

Hi Everyone
Sorry if there is advice on here like this already I couldn't read 350 posts :)

I run a day home. I am home all the time with my 2 daughters 4 yrs old and 20 mo. I also look after a 3 yr old boy, a 2 yr old girl, a 19 mo old boy, a 12 mo old boy 3 days a wk and one day a wk a 3 1/2 yr old girl.

I have 2 scheduals set up (mostly as a guide) so I am not trying to think up things everyday, like what am I don't for lunch. I have an activity schedual and a meal plan (would be happy to email or post them both and you can modify or ck it out.

With the busy crazy 3 yr olds, lots of people think ADHD or many of it's other forms. In my experience this is a normal 3 yr old level- very activie doesn't listen well or at all, has mood swings, can be agressive or just not realize their weight and strength.
3 yr olds still need a nap in the afternoon, for at least 2 hrs. This doesn't have to be every day but at least 3 x a wk but 4 would be better. This will help immensly with moods, adittude and listening.

Here are some ideas
-Limit free play time
-turn on tv or a movie while you make lunch
give kids warrnings of change (and stick to it) eg I'm making lunch watch this and when it's ready we are going to sit down. OR (at the park) 5 mor mins and we are leaving - at 2 mins tell them 1 more slide and lets go (or what wrks for your kid) BIG HERE, DO WHAT YOU SAY don't give in to crying or pleading
-Have nap time in the same place and same time everyday
-Do a craft, dance to music, play games like patty cake or puzzles, bake some cookies with the older one when the baby is sleeping, dress up time (Boys love this too!)
- Get out for a walk or to the park anywhere for fresh air good for all ages and Mom too

Talk to some day homes in your area and see if anyone can take on a older child 1 day a wk (with kids his or her age). Kids also need interaction with their own age group, older siblings with a baby will some times fall back on baby levels like not listening (cause babies don't respond when talked to), whinning more, etc.... this is for more attention.

Most of all YOU NEED at least a few hrs to yourself 2 x a wk if possible. NO KIDS ALLOWED. ppl to help out with this, Dad, grandparents, aunts or uncles, your siblings, a neighbour, another Mom with kids that you can trade babysitting the others kids for those few hrs.

Hope this helps anyone wanting those scheduals or more ideas email me through my site at www.freewebs.com/princessnursery

Good Luck Ladies!

Brandi - posted on 05/19/2010

find something to do with ur little ones. whether it be taking a drive or going to the park. i know that my ass cant stay in this house all day with them, so i try to find activities that are going around my area for them to enjoy

Amanda - posted on 05/19/2010

I know what you mean, girl. But being a stay at home mom also means doing the shopping, taking the kids places(school, doctors, etc.) Do you do these things? I try to keep myself occupied by finding a project to do and making time for it everyday. You have to have time for yourself if you are going to be a good mom to your kids. How else will stay sane? Hang in there, sweetie.

Jenny - posted on 05/19/2010

Currently I'm caring for 3 kids (3b, 5b & 6g) and am expecting in July... I lost my job in July of last year, so it has been a very different life for the last year. Somedays are harder then others, but now that the weather is getting nicer there are more good days then bad now, but winter was really getting hard!

We don't have a lot of money - actually most people fall over when they find out how much we live on, but we don't do anything that cost extra funds. We do go to parks & playgrounds often though. I try to walk my daughter home from school at least a few times a week & on Mondays if the weather is nice I take the boys with me & they all pay on the schools playground for about an hour. Sometimes there are other parents there & I can talk to them a little. But we also try to go to the local metro parks at least 2x a week for walks w/ the dog or the kids ride their bikes w/ daddy chasing them & momma woddling along. We usually go about a mile - 1 1/2 miles... anything more then that makes me sorry later - my hit will hurt for days & make it hard for me to do much of anything. So, we keep it under 1 1/2 miles. Other then that, our main outings are grocery shopping & doctor appointments.

It does take a while to get use to the change & somedays it is hard to deal w/ all the energy of the kids. That is why I do try to walk a little cause it does help to relax. I also like to garden to relax & it helps to make the house look better & the food we get tastes so much better then the stuff from the store.

I hope you find a way of relaxing - it does help!! Take care!!!

Beth - posted on 05/19/2010

Are you able to take the children on outings? When staying home gets too overwhelming to me I take the kids to the park, or to visit with a friend. Also, I don't let myself get depressed. I make myself take a shower and clean. If I have to I load them in a stroller and take a walk.

I stay home with a 2 1/2 year old, a 7 month old and after school an 11 year old.

My 11 year old has a problem listening to me. I have found that if he is getting really bad I find whatever it is that he enjoys the most at that time and tell him if he doesn't listen he is going to have that thing taken away for a period of time if he doesn't start listening. Not long, whatever would impact him. Could be 10 minutes, could be over the weekend. Whatever is the least amount of time that would impact him.

Also, are there any groups such as Parents As Teachers in your area? These type of groups usually have at least one meeting a month for mom's to get out and talk with other adults.

Your local library may have programs for youngsters too. If you take them to the library you could take some time and pick out something for yourself.

The park has been my salvation, really. Usually there are other adults at the park that are willing to talk too. They are probably at the park for the same reason.

Hope some of this helps.

Sara - posted on 05/19/2010

I'm in the same boat!!!!
I am at home with my 6 months old, 2 year old, and my 6 year old, and my oldest really does have ADHD, but i find trying to keep the kids busy and playing keeps my sanity in tact!!

Lerin - posted on 05/19/2010

I have a 7yr old & 17m old and stay home. I always wanted to be a SAHM and I knew it wouldn't be easy- I also homeschool my daughter (another choice). It is hard. But I asked for this and wouldn't have it any other way. I'd really much rather be with my kids all day than not- I'm very thankful that I can stay home with them.
But that doesn't mean I don't have my days, and I have them more than not. My 7yr old would most def. be labled ADHD if she were in public school & my 17m old more challenging at this age than my 7yr old ever was.
I'm a homebody by nature, but I get stir-crazy/cabin fever really bad now that I'm home all the time, so I never pass up the oppurtunity to go anywhere. I always put on nice clothes (not super-dressy, but more than everyday stuff) fix my hair & wear makeup and I think that helps alot.
I also go to the YMCA at least 3x a week and that's prob. what has helped the most, b/c it not only gets me out of the house, it gets me away from the kids and I get to do something all by myself for once, but with other people... make sense?

Angela - posted on 05/19/2010

I can see this seems to be a challenge for many and I am part of the club too. I only have one child home with me all day (age18 months) however I find myself cooped up and bored and sick of looking at my house everyday. Babysitting is not for me because I am still bored but making money true but what you need is social interaction right? I mean how much social interaction can one get from more children???
To add to my challenge I moved from the USA to The Netherlands. Due to language and culture differences I find myself feeling alone even when I go for a walk. I do not have the luxury of small chat at a coffe house, in grocery line etc. Making new friends is hard and work.
I ended up a bit depressed and finally I realized I had to DO something about it. I am in the process of doing just that.
What I decided was I would have to do things differntly than what I was comfrotable with and try new things even if I thought it was not for me. I have joined a Mom Tot group, I plan to start a club of my own not sure what but maybe a cooking thing or whatever. I also utilize the library.
When I first started out I thought I am not like these people or what do we have in common etc. My rule now is to give any new things a month try out. Because you never know what you can LEARN to enjoy. Who will come up for a chat with you etc. This something I had to learn living in a new country and that is sometimes you have to make new ways to make yourself happy.
I admit I have joined up with some people who lets say were not my cup of tea or they were not friendly to the outsider from American etc. But I gave it my best and then do not take it personal and keep going and working because I am worth it! If I find one good friend or have one nice day etc. it is all worth it. It a process and I have faith it will get better.
I no longer expect my husband to get it... He just can't try on my shoes and walk in them. So be it.

Angel - posted on 05/18/2010

i do to. my son is the same way. i know how u feel

Heather - posted on 05/18/2010

Go out for walks, thats what I do because I was doing the same thing. I only have a 6 month old but I all became the same day after day. As for your 7 year old do some cafts or something, get out and do yard work or anything to have him help you and keep him occupide. Get motivated, I had to and I feel much better.

Jamie - posted on 05/18/2010

I am a stay athome mom i have a 9 year old with adhd it is very hard
you just have to take a few minuets aday for yourself to talk to a friend on the phone or go into the bathroom and lock the door so you can have a minuet to reflet on lwhat is going on and relax

Lori - posted on 05/18/2010

Been there done that...The YMCA has scholarship programs for kids. Try to find ways to have a little bit of time for you. Take up a hobby, get involved with a church, get a gym membership that offers child care with basic membership or take time to go get a manicure & pedicure. Something for you. Above all best of luck to you....

Julie - posted on 05/18/2010

Start with his diet... feed him less carbs... and for sure NO SUGARS of any kind. They will hype him up.

Take him outside and plays games that wear some of his energy off... have him race to a tree and then run back to mom real fast... and praise him for a good job!

Keep him off of any foods that have dyes in them...

Play quiet games with him and for sure read to him before naptime. Naps are crucial for children as well as moms! ;o)

Spend good one-on-one time with him and meet the needs for attention. It will work; it takes time and love. Touch him with loving touches and stroke his head when sitting next to you and his back or head when you lie him down at night -

I PROMISE: you WILL notice a difference.

NO roudy videos - even roudy cartoons...

Sing to him and teach him sweet little songs you learnd as a child.

Get a lined notebook for kids (Walmart, etc., has them) and show him how to write his name. Color WITH him... he on one page and you the other when baby does morning naps.

YOU are the first and most important teacher and your home is the first and most important school

What he learns from you will carry onto his adult life - you want to have a son who is well loved ♥

Elizabeth - posted on 05/18/2010

Join a gym with a daycare! You can drop the kids off for a couple of hours whenever you want. The kids have a blast playing with lots of other kids, and you can workout, watch TV, sit in the hottub, just take a break... Also, my kids are so pooped from all the playtime that they fall asleep on the way home, and I might get another hour of peace and quiet while they're napping!

Danyeta - posted on 05/18/2010

i feel the same way n my kids is in school all day i m going crazy to i know i u feel n i understand i have nothing to do n everyday feels the same n i dont know what to do i told my boyfriend about how i feel but nothing change

Michelle - posted on 05/18/2010

i have a 6year old boy that doesnt listen too. im just putting it down to the age with them. I hear ya fully. i stay at home now with my 17 month son. i was driving my crazy as well. do able to go anywhere or do anything. I have decided to use the opportunity to get my self in the distance education with open universities. i gives me something and focused on a goal for when my baby hits school age. when im not doing that, im going out for walks. i hope this helps you out abit.

Nancy - posted on 05/18/2010

find a moms group in your area so your kids have some activities, and you have other moms to hang out with too. At the very least, head out to the mall or somewhere with the kids, and walk around (just window shop) - at least that gets you out of the house.

Personally, I head out as soon as my husband gets home. I work out at Curves, so that's my me time. But if you don't belong to a gym or anything like that, you can still head out to take a walk or go shopping or something for half an hour or so to break your monotony.

Good Luck!

Betsy - posted on 05/18/2010

I agree with what everyone else said about planning on getting out. The library, church, or local children's museum usually all have play groups. We also have a Women's and Children's Center in our area that does parenting classes and also organizes playgroups. I think it is run through the hospital. I am home with a 5 yr old boy and 21 month girl and I have found that if I even plan the house cleaning that helps. We pick up one or two rooms a day and BOTH kids have to help. My daughter helps throw toys in boxes and my son uses the canister vac to suck up "dust puppies". I do play group one day, grocery shopping another, and non-grocery shopping another. Then add in all the house work and book reading and coloring projects and it is pretty full. Good luck

Kloe - posted on 05/18/2010

yes im home all day wif my 8mth old lil boy im only 17 and i cnt drive i live an hour away form my family i wanna get out an d do stuff but its to hard

Rachael - posted on 05/18/2010

I started working as soon as I was old enough to get a work permit (15 1/2) and never had any intention of stopping. I got married, got pregnant, had my 1st daughter, and still INSISTED that I could NEVER stay home. What on EARTH would I do with all of that free time? Well, my very fortunate position at work was lost when the company closed down. I was forced to stay at home when I couldn't find any decent paying jobs in my line of work. At first I thought it was like a vacation; I kept paying my housecleaners and spent my time organizing and doing all sorts of tasks I never had time for while I worked. But then those things were all done, my scrapbooks were caught up, and my 15m old & I were staring at the walls wondering what to do with ourselves (or, at least I was). That was then...and now I miss the days when I don't have much to do. I have a 7 year old step-daughter, a 4 year old daughter, & a 10m old daughter. I have my step-daughter every other afternoon and my other 2 all of the time. I home school my 4 year old while attempting to keep my house clean, laundry caught up, baby happy, and husband pleased all at the same time. We go bowling on Tuesdays, to dance class on Thursdays, picnic and play time at the gardens on Fridays. As I type this, I am ready to fall asleep just thinking about it...literally! I have tried to join mom groups but find that it is hard to get several moms to commit to a certain time every week. And then a lot of groups include working moms so things are planned for the evenings, which I would rather spend at home as a family. My advice: plan something for each day...and soon you will long for the days when you could just sit at home. We do math, reading, writing, and phonics on MWF; science, music, social studies & Spanish on TTh; and art everyday. We do chores together, take walks to the park, visit the library. I even got a membership to the zoo, which is only 30 minutes away; 2 trips would cost the same as a membership & it's tax deductible. I used to feel like I was gonna go crazy, used to long for the time when my husband would come home from work so I could do SOMETHING. But now, when evening time comes, I just long for my bed so I can sleep :) I keep myself so busy with housework, homeschooling, kid classes, and fun "field trips" that I CHERISH the hour or so my husband and I get alone together at night, laying in bed watching TV. Oh, and don't rely on other people...just do things yourself. I make plans for ME & MY KIDS. If you wanna come along, you're more than welcome, but I'm going regardless! Otherwise, you'll sit around everyday waiting for someone else to make time and it will never happen.

Jenni - posted on 05/18/2010

i totally hear ya! i have 2 young kids. if i leave my house more than once in a whole week, it's been a great week! the walls are caving in on me! im sick of cleaning! fb is the only communication i have with the outside world. i just turned 30. each day is exactly like the day before over n over n over again. i have almost forgotten what its like to talk to other adults. you are sooo not alone!!! im from washington state so getting outside EVER is very rare unless you like getting rained on. i dont. i'll definately be praying for you!

Tricia - posted on 05/18/2010

I stay home too. My daughter is 5, i watcher my best friends kid who is 6 months (since he was a few weeks old) and her niece who will be 5 this week. I go crazy at times too. It helps that the girls are old enough to play together in the yard.
I have noticed that when my daughter starts to drive me crazy it is the perfect time for an activity, a movie or a nap. the park, bike rides, painting, or colloring a picture are great for little ones

Becca - posted on 05/18/2010

I know exactly how you feel. I stay at home 24/7 also. In fact, I home school my 7 year old. He was diagnosed with ADD, Anxiety, and borderline Aspberger. In fact the only reason he wasnt diagnosed with Asperger is because of the small amoount of social interaction he gets with playing sports. However, he is no longer even playing sports so he gets NO interaction at all. It is getting really bad around my house. So, YES, I do know how you feel. I cant really give any advice though because I have not been able to figure out anything either. All i can say is you are not alone and you can talk to me any time you need to vent.

Melissa - posted on 05/18/2010

I completely understand where your coming from.... I stay at home with my 3 year old son and 4 year old daughter all day too. the only break I get is when I go deliver papers for 2 hours in the morning. My daughter is ADHD also and, believe me when I say this, she drives me INSANE!!! But she goes to preschool for 4 hours in the afternoon so that helps. Other than that, I just try to take a walk to the park, weather permitting, just to get out of the house every day. I also have some neighbors that have similarly aged kids so we do playdates and things like that. The only advice I can give you is to try and stay busy. I've also found that yoga at night after the kids go to bed is an excellent relaxation tool. Hope I helped and know that you are not alone!!!

Carla - posted on 05/18/2010

hi iam a mom of 5 and i stay home every day i have a son with ADD and 2 kids with spacial needs my kids are 19 17 13 8 and 4 my 4 year old is acting up so i cut out juice like cool ad red juice juice sets her off and found that helps so mutch like night and day but if you like to talk and maybe make a friend iam here