This is my first year home alone since ds started kindergarten. I have to say that while I enjoy the downtime and the days go fast, it has been an adjustment. I used to do all kinds of stuff with other preschool moms but now that stuff has ended now that the kids are in school. Besides volunteering at school (which I do) it doesn't seem like there is as much support for SAHM's with older kids. How has everyone else made this adjustment?

By Sue3 on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 12:47 pm:

I opened up a business in my home (hair salon).
That has helped some what.
I joined an exercise place for women also.
It can get lonely at times.
Hang in there though cuz school will be out soon ! AHHHHHHH !
Then we have to ajust to that !
Play dates , fixing 3 meals a day , and being the taxi driver all day . LOL.
you can e-mail me if you would like.
suevachon3@yahoo.com
I noticed are kids are the same gender and ages also.

By Bea on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 01:51 pm:

Mine are not only out of my hair during school hours, but moved out too. I bowl, volunteer, have lunch with friends, walk at the mall several times a week, and attend classes at the university.

By Fionadeassis on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:41 pm:

Learn to play an instrument...meditate.....renovate something around the house...garden....make killer gourmet meals...have tea and read a magazine.........bake homemade bread and cookies....get nails done....take a dance class......watch decorating shows.......really clean out the dirty closets..write letters...do a bit of volunteer work....clip coupons and go to sales......sell Avon.....or Mary Kay(LOL)......

fiona(dreaming about what she would do if ds and soon to be born baby were both in school)...

By Trina~moderator on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 05:47 pm:

My youngest will be starting Gr. 1 next year and I'm wrestling with what I want to do. I volunteer at the school A LOT (2-3 mornings weekly), and am toying with the idea of applying for a para educator/aide/tutor position. Haven't made up my mind yet. I'm registered for a Child Passenger Safety Tech. course next month, and would like to see where that leads me. I'd also like to go to Jazzercise on a routine basis. I do feel pressure to return to work or do SOMETHING other than continue as a SAHM. This pressure has never bothered me before, but for some reason it's nagging me now.

By Dana on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 06:10 pm:

I am more busy with DD in school than I was before she started. I was always out doing mommy/daughter things before K. It was busy but I had large blocks of time to plan things.
She was a full time stay at home child until starting Kindergarten this past school year.

I started a workout routine every day soon after she started. That takes some time there.

Let's see, my day:

5:30am wake, coffee, news
6am: wake DD (she takes her time) watches video til 6:30a...I clean kitchen and stuff during this time
6:30am, we get dressed and head to school by 7AM
7:15, she eats at school, I stay with her
7:45a, I leave the school having seen teacher and kids. On Tues, I stay all day as volunteer
8am, Home. Make DH lunch. Eat breakfast w/ DH, clean until workout at 9:30a
9:3a-10:30a, workout
10:30a, back home and eat rest of breakfast (I am starving after a workout)
11:am- DH leaves for work
11am, the real cleaning begins. Whatever needs doing.
12:30, eat lunch and watch a soap until 1:30p
1:30, leave to pick up DD
2:ish, get home.
2-3p, homework and reading w/ DD
3-5p, play or work in yard, go to park, watch Dr Phil or finish whatever hasn't been done.
5-6, cook dinner
6:30, eat dinner
7:30, clean and bed time stuff w/ DD
8:30p, I GO TO BED! If it hasn't gotten done, it won't get done.

Now all the stuff I have to fit into that schedule: Ballet on Fri, shopping for food, shopping for extras, visiting mom, out to lunch on Wednesday, church Wednesday night, calling friends, seeing DH which is difficult since I go to bed so early, appointments

Honestly, because of driving to and from school, and that break to go work out, I have very little time to get anything big done. I love those days where I find a full 4 hour block of uninterupted time! Then I can really DO something!


I used to dream like Fiona, but found out that school is much more time consuming than you think!

By Kym on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 08:52 pm:

I am no where near there now, 2 in school, one at home and one on the way. I work from home so I am home all day. but IF I was alone here and not working these are some things I'd like to do

1. Write the book I've wanted to write for 10 years!
2. Plant a garden and not kill it
3. Have a clean house for more than 1 hour
4. Become a mentor for Mom's
5. Prepare healthier meals.

I hope you find extreme joy and happiness in your time!

By Coopaveryben on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 09:08 pm:

Wow, I know the day the last one starts school I will be terribly upset......but the way this day has gone it sounds really nice! I can only dream like fiona.

By Mommyathome on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 10:24 pm:

Well, as soon as my youngest starts kindergarten, we are going to try for baby #4.....so that gives me many years until it will be just me at home. But, I hope that I can continue to be a SAHM even when all of my kids are in school. I have lots of projects I would like to do that I know I won't get done with my kiddos at home