do any of you find it really hard being at home everyday all day?

Ashley - posted on 02/03/2009

Hello, I am not alone on this situation it seems. I am new to the site. However, I agree totally with you here. Daycare is extremely expensive and I can't afford to work and pay daycare. I became a stay at home mommy for my now 4 month old son. At the beginning it was really hard for me because it was so quiet at the house. But since he is now able to laugh and play with me the interaction has made it much easier to stay home and feel really good about it. I even started a little daycare for my family and friends just so that my son would have the social time. It's been great.

Sarah - posted on 02/03/2009

Yes ive fond it hard at times to be at home all the time. When my daughter was first born it wasn't so bad because my husband was at home with me...he travels for his job and he had some time off. but then when he started going back to work and leaving me at home for a week at a time i found it difficult but at least then i lived in nashville and would get out of the house about everyday. But we moved to evansville, in when my daughter was almost 3 months old, once again at first it was alright because i just had so much to do getting the house in order. Then we traveled with my husband up until the end of november. Since then i've been in the house. Let's just say i hate winter. I can't wait for spring! Then we'll be able to get out of the house and enjoy the nice weather. I've just decided that no matter what i've got to make the effort to get out and do something...even if it is just walk the mall.

Rachael - posted on 02/02/2009

I uderstand that completely, My husband works away so I am home will my little man day in day out! I love him to bits and being with him is wonderful but I do get a tad lonely (i sometimes go to my mums or inlaws) but I have decided to go back to work 2 to 3 days a week, I work in child care so I can take my little one with me even though it does cost a bit... We got to do what we got to do! Being a mum is not always that easy!!!

Joanne - posted on 02/02/2009

yes i do i cant stand it being in the same 4 walls everyday. Ive got 2 little ones and one on the way in 2 weeks.

Chelsey - posted on 02/02/2009

I've always said I want to stay home and raise my kids if we can afford it...and even though it gets a little old staying home everyday I'm lucky to have a very supportive husband who is willing to give me time every night for myself. Going to the gym or for coffee with friends can be a huge relief...and even taking part in Mommy and me classes such as swiming is great for breaking up the mundane routine of being home every day. Play dates can also give u some much needed relief (and doesn't cost anything like child care) just as long as u are willing to do it for other moms as well! Good luck and hang in there...being a mom is the hardest job in the world and no one can argue with that!

Vanessa - posted on 02/01/2009

i know what you mean i have just recently gone back to work, but before hand i was at home for 1 yr and i was totally going nuts lol... i know child care costs alot but if you were to find a daycare parent is is soo much  cheaper depending on where you are i only pay $5.00 an hour and only pay for the hours i use... it's a god scent lol... even if i'm at home i tend to go spoil myself it's great... i love my kids but will go crazy being home all day everyday everyone needs a break..don;t feel bad we all do it.. :)

Stephanie - posted on 01/31/2009

School has been canceled all week because of the weather and my kids were driving me crazy being in the house. Usually i go to school when they do so i get a little bit of free time in the morning. It keeps me sane. I love being with my kids, but when they are with me all the time i need a little free time. Even if that means studying.

Mel - posted on 01/31/2009

Hi Rachel,im a stay at home mummy with my 2 year old son all day everyday and it can become very challenging and wear you down alot.. I found sanity from my community health nurse who put me onto 3 different playgroups that only cost a gold coin donation and also most local libraries have rhym time free of charge,its a great way for me to meet new people and for my son to have little friends to play with

Kelli - posted on 01/31/2009

i feel the same way, on one hand i miss work terribly and adult interaction but on the other i wanna watch my son grow and not miss anything. i am finding it extremely difficult and have just been diagnosed with post natal9 months down the track, my partner and family are really copping it and i feel so guilty but they dont understand wat its like to sit home all day every day with a baby. apparently it does get better (so im told).

Sarah - posted on 01/31/2009

yeah i find its really hard staying home all day with kids.im going crazy.i have 3 kids and 2 step kids that we get on weekends.its hard to have them all together.thank god for school two of my girls are in school.but i stay home with my 22 month old and im going crazy.my husband dont want me to go back to work till my daughter can tell us whats going on at daycare and he says why work when your whole pay check will all go to daycare.dont get me wrong i love my girls there my life.but i need a break sometimes.

Grace - posted on 01/31/2009

I really think winter is the hardest time. I have been home for 3 years now, and it seems like every winter is when i think I can no longer do it. When spring comes, you can get outside, go walking, trips to the park, ect. Winter is just depressing when you are stuck inside with your kids all day. No matter how much we love them. Everyone needs a break. There are some nights when my husband gets home that I just go to my room and shut the door. I tell my husband to just give me one hour with no kids climbing on me, asking for things, ect...sometimes you just need a break. It doesn't mean you aren't being an awesome mom!!

Kimberly - posted on 01/31/2009

i'm at home with my two boys who are 20 months and 7 months and i find it extremely difficult, although it is becoming easier. It's a huge adjustment. Babies are soo hands on when they're that little you find it frustrating when you can't get the little things done around the house. You feel like you should have more time to get things done because you're home, but most days it's the opposite. Hang in there.

Jenn - posted on 01/31/2009

I also found this to be a difficult transition, i found thats keeping my daughter (whos 4 1/2 months ) on a schedual it became easier to have me time, i used E A S Y Eat, Activity, You time...... its a struggle st first but its saved my sanity!

Kathleen - posted on 01/31/2009

I know what you mean, but- I have GBG 3 month old triplets... SO I am always so busy!
Oh, and Child care! AH! We will all go broke!

Brodie - posted on 01/31/2009

I know the feeling!! i stayed home for only 2 months with my son, for finacial reasons i had to return to work. But with my daughter, i stayed home with the two of them for 9 months. i was going for a year but by the ninth month i felt almost like i had cabin fever! i felt like i was being left out by the world. My husband was still enjoying life, but i almost trapped. lol. i loved my children, but 24/7 they sometimes got on my nerves.  i decided to go back to work part time. and now i work 4 days a week and stay home 3. i don't work longer then 5 hour shifts so i am still raising my kids but i get to interact with people of the world! i'm also joining a kickboxing class that's 45 mins long, just to claim some of my freedom as a 25 year old female!!! i love my family, and i don't ever want to resent them in anyway, so i had to get out a little bit. lol.

Jasmine - posted on 01/31/2009

Absolutely!!!! I am at home and have been off work since July of last year. My daughter is going to be 4 months old on the 15 of Feb and I am almost manic, not to mention I have zero ambition so I am gaining weight as well!!! I try to keep busy , butr you can only clean the house so many times before it begins to feel borderline OCD. I am no longer patiently waiting for spring when I will eb able to get out and walk with her, as I am also vehicle-less.  And i live on the east coast of Canada so currently we have a ton of snow which makes going anywhere a pain in the butt! You are no alone my dear!

Alysha - posted on 01/31/2009

Not only am I stuck at home with my little man, but I'm also without a car once my boyfriend leaves for work. So the winter months have been really hard, but you make due. My parents are great about watching Phoenix for a night or so every month so we get time to ourselves. And I've found even going out to the local mall or gym to be a live saver.

Jenn - posted on 01/31/2009

I had such a hard time staying at home with my son. I would get that cabin fever especially when it is so cold outside. You should see if there are mommy and me classes at your local rec center or if the town has has classes like that. I joined one before xmas and really enjoyed it. It is so nice to interact with other moms and your baby gets some interaction with other children.

Sarah - posted on 01/31/2009

I wish I could stay home with my baby for the next year, but finacially we cannot afford it. I am on maternity leave until the middle of March. I do find it boring sometimes and often find myself getting "stuck" at home and doing nothing productive to do. I wish I knew other moms who also have babies or could find a mommy and me to join. Do you have any mommy and me groups in your area? I know what you mean about child care being so expensive! It is hard with the weather being cold it really makes it hard to get motivated to go out.

Larissa - posted on 01/31/2009

i find it very difficult at times to be home alone all day eveyday. i am 20 years old and i am a single mother of a 2 year old and 10 month old twins.  i dont really have a life and its hard for me to work, with all the kids. i know how u feel

Shannon - posted on 01/31/2009

I so understand you!!  I've been home for the last 19 months and it does get to be a bit much at times!  Even my 3 yr old says I'm tired of doing the same thing everyday!  We only have one car and my husband works 35 minutes away....

Toni - posted on 01/31/2009

im in that spot right now to. i stay at home with my 1 1/2 old and my 4mnt old.i love them dearly but it drives me crazy sometimes. i dotn get out much one because of the snow and two i dont have a car at the moment so im always stuck. my boyfriend works nights so he sleeps all day then works all night. its very stressful to me. but i work out and pick up some hobbies to do. like book scrapping, candle making. i also make candies. it keeps me busy. so hopefully i helped.

Becky - posted on 01/31/2009

I'm just about at the end of my maternity leave with my yougest child, and I am ready to get back to work.  I love my children very much and it hurts me to think that someone else is probably going to see her first step or hear her first word, but for the sake of money I have to go back.  I find it really hard to stay at home in the winter when we can't get outside as much (my daughter was a preemie so she can't go outside with me and my son all the time).  It gets to be depressing after awhile.

Tina - posted on 01/31/2009

I have never been a stay at home mom but when I was on my maternity leave for 12 weeks I was ready to go back to work after 2 weeks. I am not the type to stay home, even on the weekends. I work 3 1/2 days a week. It is enough to get me out of the house but also enough that I am with my daughter quite a bit. We found someone that watched kids out of their house. It is nice and for us very cheap. My daughter is there 2 1/2 days a week and we pay $50 a week. I also joined a MOMS club in the area so on my days off that gives me something to do with other people. I love my daughter but sometimes I need some time away from her. With #2 on the way I am sure I will be back to work a lot sooner than 12 weeks.

Louise - posted on 01/30/2009

Yes i know how u feel, i worked full time bfore i had my little boy

and now i get so frustrated because i do nothing but sit at home and do the same thing everyday.

Sara - posted on 01/30/2009

I have an 8 month old and I worked from the time she was 2 months till she was 5 months then i quit and have been at home for 3 months, I LOVE IT, yea it gets difficult at times, i get lonely and irritable, and i miss having people to actually have a conversation with, but i think its worth it. we have an amazing bond that ive never experienced in my life. i do need time to myself sometimes, im fixing to start a mommys day out program and i hope it works out, but my mom stayed at home with me and i thank her for it.... i want my Bailey to thank me for it one day also..

Glendeen - posted on 01/30/2009

I absolutey see where you are coming from! My partner thinks that I have it easy but he doesn't realize that I dont get to hang out with the 'guys' at work, get in the shower when I want, or even go out for a coffee with a friend for some adult conversation. My daughter is almost 10 months old and I am just dying to get out there but at the same time I want to be home with her and my future children even though I do miss work sometimes. It dies get to be very lonely at times.

Julie - posted on 01/29/2009

Yeah, I stayed at home for the first 2 years...it gets really lonely.  Maybe you can try finding other stay at home mom's in your community to do things with?  Or plan different activities such as window shopping at the mall...going to the park...I know it can be a hassel sometimes though going out with the baby, but it does help to get out every once in awhile.  See if where you live has anything at like a sports center or community center for stay at home parents and babies?  I wish that I had the opportunity to stay home with her now though, only bc it seems like this is the time that would be the most fun with her since she's 3...Maybe you could get a part-time job too?  Something a couple nights a week just to get your sanity and ADULT TALK in? haha.  But I wish you the best!  It's a tough job being a mom sometimes!

Brandis - posted on 01/29/2009

i agree i do find it difficult sometimes. im 21 with an 18 month old son.i love staying at home with him i get to experience everything he does, nut my husband is the one with the car and the one that works. (i wouldnt drive his heap of a car if my life depended on it) so im stuck in the house all day..with my son and when my husband comes home from a 8-9 hour shift he wants to relax too, but i want a break as well. i would love to have my son in daycare maybe once of twice a week just to be able to socialize with other children, but if that happened i would probably go crazy cus i wouldnt have anything to do all day plus its so expensive. im torn between the too.i dont really put too much trust into a daycare just because of the bad things i hear about them. i know what ur going thru.

April - posted on 01/29/2009

Ok I am a better mom for working!!! I have three boys 10,5, 18 months, I stayed at home with my middle one and became very depressed and felt like an aweful mother to both of them. I currently work full time but 3 days a week it's perfect. I work and feel great accompishing something besides being a mom but then i look forward to activities with the kids, crafts, natures walks, sleding, I am better for working. More power to those who can do good for you

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2009

I went from working full time, along with going to school full time, and I was a college softball player. I had softball practice from 5:30am till about 9am then class till it was time to go to work. And I was a bartender (at two places, so I worked full time plus) so work till 11pm or later (as late as 2am on weeknights). Then I got pregnant, and quit bartending (due to the smoky invironment). I was a catcher in softball, so I quit playing, but still practiced somewhat (until I couldn't move anymore..lol) and now I stay home... no more school, no more softball, no more work. I am used to go-go-go... non-stop. I was so depressed for a while, my doctor was very concerned. I am still trying to adjust (my daughter is 8 1/2 months)... I go out almost every thursday night (with my mom and aunt, they are fun but not my best friends) so that helps but being with friends would be better I think... any ideas for me, let me know, because I think I am beyone bored some days, I need help too!

Bernadette - posted on 01/29/2009

It is very hard to be a stay at home mom. I used to work full time also but now I am on a indefinate layoff and just found out I was pregnant for the 3rd time. Best thing you can do it comes up with activities for you do do each day and maybe join a gym witha  daycare. Good luck you sound like a great mom!

Amanda - posted on 01/29/2009

I totally know how you all feel, my problem is I live in the country and there are no buses or anything for me to go anywhere, as I do not drive. I could very well loose my mind some days, I cant even walk to the corner store, as that is more then an hour away. I m trying to find people in my area and groups that maybe I can start attending with my little guy so that he dosent become as board as me somedays.

Sarah - posted on 01/29/2009

yep i am always trying 2 find sumin to do i feel as tho my little boy gets bored but there is only so many times u can take them to the park!!! i end up sleeepin and eatin as i gave up smokin when he was born!! not sure where you are from but try netmums-google it they inform you on all activities you can attend!! x

Angela - posted on 01/29/2009

I do find it difficult at times. It's like please, give me an adult to talk to! We try to get out as much as possible, just to run to Target, or the park-anywhere really. Even if I don't talk to the other adults when we are out, just the idea of being out helps.

Tori - posted on 01/29/2009

i stayed at home after i had my youngest.... and it drove me crazy! i had to be out of the house and doing something....find someone you trust with your kids and explain the situation and maybe get a private sitter going... mine costs 600 a month for both kids, but well worth it.

Sonya - posted on 01/29/2009

i agree with becki.  i had a small daycare until my highrisk pregnancy. my son is 3 mos old now and i want to dedicate at least 6 mos to just him and my 3 yr old daughter but it is a great social idea. not only for the kids for us as well.  keep strict hours tho so as not to run into family time. ive found some ppl will take advantage if you dont stick to your guns about hours.

Becki - posted on 01/29/2009

aww i Know excatly what your going through before i had my daughter Emma i was working 14-17 hours a day in the oilfield. It has now been almost 3 years since i've been able to work ( due to the fact as soon as i got Pregnant i was put on strick bedrest)  It is very hard, And you are so right about child care costing an arm and a leg!!! What i did was started working from home. And i know what your thinking, but you most likely dont make anything, I run a day home out of our house, and it is wonderful! ( and great money) I get to still spend time with Emma, she gets to interact with other childern and its a great way to meet new moms in the area. Maybe look into somthing like that??? hope it helps you!!!

Dawn - posted on 01/29/2009

i'm a stay t home mom to 2 kids. at first i loved it when it was just my daughter and me. she was so easily transported so that i could just pack up and go somewhere for the day. but my son on the other hand is not so happy when we go anywhere. especially now that i have to bundle him up...he HATES it!!! my outings include church, the store and visiting my mom who lives 5 minutes away. i'm itching for spring already and being able to go for walks again at least!!

Michelle - posted on 01/29/2009

I do !!!! I have 5 children ages 10,7,4,3 and 7 monthsI have been a stay at home mom for 3 years now, i need adult interaction so bad i do the mommy and me play groups and get 2 hours aday but i want to go to work, there is really nothing stopping me,i guess child care costs, and since 3 are in school all day i would need something that coinsides with the kids school times. Financially we are not struggling but a little more money can not hurt but then why work when the costs will godirectly to child care it makes no since i am not gonna pay to work. So i guess thats why i stay home, i get depressed at times I tend to be lazy, i guess i just gave up. When the rest come home the house livens up a bit but at the end of the day i kinda beat myself up and say i didnt accomplish anything today. I hear you and i am in the boat with you, the internet can only let you escape so much. hang in there.

michelle

Stacy - posted on 01/29/2009

I'm a stay at home mom. I have three kids. I have two boys and one girl ages 2 3 and 7. My little girl is in school thank god. Don't get me wrong I love her but its so different with her home. I don't know what it means to take a shower or go to the bathroom by myself. I have been doing this ever sence I was 18 and I'm almost 26 now. There are times I just want to run away for some alone time but I can't. The good thing about it is that I do get to stay home with them and I'm very thankful I do cause alot of moms don't. But it does get really hard.

Stacy - posted on 01/29/2009

I'm a stay at home mom. I have three kids. I have two boys and one girl ages 2 3 and 7. My little girl is in school thank god. Don't get me wrong I love her but its so different with her home. I don't know what it means to take a shower or go to the bathroom by myself. I have been doing this ever sence I was 18 and I'm almost 26 now. There are times I just want to run away for some alone time but I can't. The good thing about it is that I do get to stay home with them and I'm very thankful I do cause alot of moms don't. But it does get really hard.

Becky - posted on 01/29/2009

I've been at home for the past year and a half or so, and as much as I love raising my daughter (seriously, who else could do it better?), I started to get the itch to do something. I'd talked about going back to work, but of course, that was way too expensive. I started thinking about school, and I'm taking two night classes this semester. Not only is it nice to get out of the house for a few hours twice a week, but it gives my husband and daughter time together. You can find all kinds of scholarships and grants, so you might try that. Good luck!

Maria - posted on 01/29/2009

Im with you. Im not very social which dosent help either. have you thought about going to the library and doing story time, our at least getting out for a walk. Winter is probably the hardest time of the year for us. During the spring and summer, were always out doing things. Even its jsut the two us.  Good luck. It dosent get easier, but if you can figure out how to cope, it will help.

Melinda - posted on 01/29/2009

omg yes...i have  not worked in almost three years... i decided recently that im going to go back.

Jessie - posted on 01/29/2009

Hi there,

I am a new mommy to a 5 month old little girl.  I too worked full time up until a year before she arrived.  And I can relate to it being very difficult to be home all day most of the time, especially in winter when the weather is bad where I live.  However, because we were low on income from me not working, I decided to start selling ANYTHING I could find around the house I did not need  on EBAY (helped get the house organized too.)  And since doing that, I am now in the works of starting my own small business on EBAY making and selling baby hair bows.  So if you want some extra cash, that can be something rewarding to do at home in your spare time.  I miss the workfield, but I personally think I would miss my daughter more if I returned, so this is what works for me. 

Dominique - posted on 01/29/2009

I do now that my daughter is in reception and its so hard to get work lately. I find it really lonely and quite depressing, i mean theres only so much housework you can do lol!xx

Diane - posted on 01/29/2009

YES!!! People think its so easy! You have the easy life.Come on.We dont get 5 seconds to ourselves.When I try to get a pedicure my hubby asks me to take our 4yr old with me,I have but its not very relaxing.I do it to get away.Its the one and only thing I would like to do alone.I also have a 19mo old.My days never stop. Im grateful to do it because I hated my job before but I wish more people would understand.

Mona - posted on 01/29/2009

hi, Rachel..

I`m from Norway,-so I don`t know if this means something to you..-but I`m a home-staying mom for two kids.

We pay for child care two days a week so the kids can get the social part of theire needs,-and that`s when I get the time off.  And I `m gonna find me a night job for about two nights a week.-so I can get my needs to be an adolt ( let`s call it my time-off )

Maybe that could work for you to?-I don`t know...but I know it works for me...heree...in little norway.. 

:)

Leea - posted on 01/29/2009

I also found the transition from work to motherhood a bit difficult. I wasnt prepared for how much time Baby would need & the feeling of isolation & loss of control I experienced after having no one to answer to and having things my way for so long. Dont worry though, you will get used to it :) I found forcing myself to get out of the house once a day, even just for a walk around the block helped alot as well as trying to remain social in playgroups and catching up with friends, even when I didnt really feel like it. As a single mum with no support network, these simple things saved my sanity. I returned to work two days a week when my baby was 10 mnths also which helped alot. Granted, child care is costly, but it is worth it if you think it will ease your tension. Even if you can just afford a sitter once a month so you can catch a movie, get your hair done or do whatever it is that relaxes you and makes you feel like you, instead of just a mother all the time. Needing "You" time doesnt mean you love your baby any less. And from my experience, I suspect they get sick of us too! lol My lil one is two now, and honestly, the overwhelmed feeling that you are feeling now, is now something I only feel every now & then. Keep on keeping on hun, and remember that it wont feel this difficult forever :)