What do stay at home mums do?

Question

I am a stay at home mum with a 20 month old daughter. I get pretty bored sittin in all day!,she seems ok,but i dont like the fact that 4 the majority of the time we stay in. We live with my mum,so i dont have housework 2 do (my mums choice-not coz im lazy) and we do the supermarket runs all 2gether. I cant drive so that limits a little & i dont have any mum friends 2 meet with. If the weather is good we go 4 walks into town,but other than that i run out of ideas.We go 2 the park 2,but thats pretty boring after bout 20 mins :-) We have 3 days 2 kill as my mum only works part time,so we do things all 2gether on the days she doesnt work.
I hope someone can help! :-)
Thanx

oh & seriously low on cash,so thats limiting 2!

Answer 1

Gosh, you sound like me. I have an 8 month old daughter and my husband and I live with my parents. I hardly have any money and it is soooo boring! We dont do anything... I just wait for the days to go by, pretty sad. Oh and I also dont drive

Answer 2

I'm a stay at home mum as well. My son will be a year old soon. Like you I sit at home the whole time, I don't even get out to go to the supermarket or parks. Housework only keeps you busy for a small amount of time and of course it's sometimes a bit difficult doing it when the baby wants attention. I have no idea of what to do either. I went to a mums and tots group on monday and will be joining now. At least it'll be one day every week that I do get out. Only thing I can suggest is if you have a look for something like that. Not sure how much it'll cost you where you are, but it's not that expensive over here for the whole term. You might even see if it falls on the same day that your mum has off, that way she'll be able to take you. The activities they do are really fun and all educational, which will probably give you ideas for some new games to play with your daughter. Other than that I have no idea - like I said, I'm in basically the same situation!

Answer 3

I know how you feel lol I have a 9 month old, my hubby works from 9am til 6:30pm 5 days a week and we live in a town where i don't know anyone. I do have mum friends but only see them about once a month if im lucky. I don't have much money and even though i drive my car was taken away by hubby due to not being able to afford it now.

I can't work just yet as no childcare options (grandparents work) so i sit in all day or go for long walks.

But when i go for walks with lil one we go to the local park, have an ice cream, visit the museum which she loves and then just look around the shops seeing what i can't buy lol

Is there any way you can get a job on the days your mum has off? even a few hours cleaning, it will not only give you a much needed break but will give you some extra cash and a bit of zest in life.

My father in law is retiring at end of august so im going to look for a job, im 24yrs old, too young to be stuck at home pegging out the washing, i need some motivation and earning some cash will do that.Also you'd get to meet people and not have them just interested in your baby but interested in you.

Answer 4

Hi I used to be in your position maybe I still am as all my children are home educated.

It sounds like you a do a lot with your daughter, when you go to the park you say it gets boring after a while, have you tried looking for wildlife while you are there, when mine were that age they used to love hunting out spiders, worms, birds etc.... then we would talk about them after.

Or if it is more 'me' time your after I don't know what you enjoy but I wrote poetry and stories about my children as I watched them playing or I would sit and draw pictures of what they were doing, basically just incorporated what I enjoy doing into what they do. Communication with other mums etc.... I had no need for this so I cannot answer i'm afraid.

I hope this helps even just a little.

Answer 5

Your Mum works part time. Would it be possible for you to get a part time job that matches in with her hours. She could watch the baby while you work, earn a little more money so that the time you all have together will be more precious to you all. If it is not possible to get a day job then there are part time evening jobs which may suit and not cut into your days with your daughter. If you do not wish to work, or even if you do, then you can find out where your Mother and Toddler groups are and make friends for yourself and your daughter.

Answer 6

I only work 8 hours a week so I'm a SAHM for most of the time.



I do a lot of housework (never seems enough), go to baby groups with my 7 month old son, play with him etc. I have also been using the time to try and finsh off my piano and singing exams (I got to Grade 7 piano and Grade 5 singing) so when he's quiet I'll do a little bit of practice.



I still never seem to have enough hours in the day!



I know what you mean about being bored though, I get lonely a lot, but I tried working and couldn't stand leaving my son with a childminder so now I just do 8 hours a week pub work (7 -11pm Tuesday evening and 12-4pm Saturday day) when my other half can look after our son.



My mum is elderly and in poor health so can't help me out much but I go down to see her about once a week too.



My partner recently lost his job and is frantically trying to find a new one before our money runs out - if he can't I'll have to go out to work and I can't face leaving my son! Leaving him with a childminder just ripped me apart especially when he used to cry when I left him.

Answer 7

You could find out if there is a Sure Start Children's Centre in your area (just type it in to a search engine). They have loads to do for children under 5 and their parents, such as baby yoga and they often run various short courses such as baby first aid. Since some Sure Starts are local programmes, while others are now Children's Centres what is on offer varies from each centre so if there is more than one Sure Start close to you then you can see if the others offer different activities. Once you have registered with Sure Start, you will be able to access any of the services they provide, registration is free as are most of the activities available.

I had two children, with an age gap of 12 months and Sure Start was my salvation! If you don't have a Sure Start in your area try going to www.direct.gov.uk and click on the parents section. Failing that, you could always do my housework as it is NEVER ending in my house!!

Answer 8

Are there any mother and toddler groups near you? They are very good as they allow your child to see new children and play with different toys - more importantly, they give you a social network away from your mum. I know that your mum is a Godsend but sometimes it is good to talk to other parents with children the same age. You can then arrange to meet up and go to the park etc with them which will make things more interesting.



The mother and toddler groups near me on charge £1 - £1.50 for a session, which isn't too bad if you only go to one a week. For that, you will have a brew and your child will get a drink and a snack.



Good Luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Answer 9

there are lots of things you can do ,like instead of eating lunch indoors on a nice day have a picnic ,join your local mums and tots its usually only a small donation for tea and bikkies ,you will meet mums there ,and if you make some friends you will always be round someones house having a cuppa ,put aside one day for swimming or something you enjoy doing together that might involve spending a small amount of cash,if you get in touch with your health visitor she will give you a list of local activities like tumble tots and singing groups mini strikers ,all of those are a couple of quid at the most ,last of all when your daughter gets a bit older you will find there isnt enough time in the day ,and also dont wish your time away cos the little years really fly by ,good luck.x

Answer 10

I hear you, my sister is a stay home mom and it seems I'll be doing the same after having my baby (just found out I'm preg). I'd advise you what most people are saying, read to your baby for a while, play games with her, um....walk outside with her...give her long baths LOL...um....I don't know, I'll have to ask my sister what she does. I know she keeps herself busy because she has to do the house work but it seems you don't need to, unless you ask your mom to let you help her so you don't get bored. Get on the internet...maybe get some kind of degree or study on the internet so you can work from home...maybe part time...would that help? is that something you want to do?...um, I don't know...I think my sister is bored most days eventhough she has to do everything at her house, she still calls me like 2 or 3 times a day ! LOL...sometimes I visit her...she has 2 beautiful kids and is 5 months pregnant.

Answer 11

Ask your health visitor about baby groups. I got to one 2 or 3 times a week. It's free and they even have snack time for the kids which is free too.

If the weather is good go and take her to a park or if there's not one near you just go for a walk with her.

I have an 11 month old daughter and I look after my friends 2 year old most of the week and sometimes I don't really know what to do with them.

There are lots of websites for mum where you can meet mums in your area.



http://www.netmums.com/coffeehouse/ - click on meet-a- mum in friends and

support



http://www.titchybabies.co.uk/



http://www.bumpsnbeyond.com/forum/



there are lots more.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 12

do cheap arts and crafts with her. or color, is she trying to use the potty yet, that is always a blast,lol. try the zoo. or books from good will, talk about animals, and the looks of diffrent people. take about where her nose is your nose is have her point and learn body parts.eyes, hair,feet,elbows. try toodler puzzles they consiste of 3-5 peices. read her a book. next time when u go to the park if there are other mothers there try to get togeather a play mate for ur child while the other mother gos shopping or something. i have 3 children and was the only source of income for 2 yrs. 800 month and bills where 850 month. thank god for food stamps,wic, and good will otherwise we would not have made it.

Answer 13

I am exactly the same boat as you. My boyfriend works 6 days a week, i don't drive, i don't really have any mum friends, money is a problem and my mum and dad live in France.



I have found a fantastic website that's helps you meet mums in your area, as well as telling you whats on in your area, whats free to your child, and what you can do at home if your bored etc....

heres the website www.netmums.com

Take a look i found it really helped me, and gave me ideas where to take my daughter for free.



Oh and if you take your daughters red health book to the library they will give you a free smartstart pack with free books..



http://www.youbabybookmagic.org.uk/book_signup.php

Answer 14

I have kinda been in a similar situation to you and understand why you want to look after you baby yourself. Guessing by the way you spell mum (like me) you are in the London area? (or at least uk?) Have you ever heard of Sure start? I have been joined with them since my 6 yr old was a baby but he is too old now. They give out free books (well they did then). They have loads of free activaties for you and your baby go to...like music, play groups, days out for picnics and that kind of thing. Google Sure Start and see if there is one in your area. If you are in US, then all above has been a waste of time! lol...Good luck x

Answer 15

My boy is almost 18 months old and I feel your pain! I have found relief in forming a mother's group. There are usually Mom websites in almost every town....places to meet other Moms (or ask your library or pediatrician's office).



Now we get out twice a week to meet other Mom's.... we do playdates at one of our houses.... or we meet at a Starbucks (one has kid's music on Wednesdays)....or we go to the park/zoo together. The kids get to play together and the Mom's get time to talk!



Hopefully you can get around without a car by using a bus or other transportation in your area. Try to learn to drive, if possible....you will feel less trapped and dependent.



Good luck!

Answer 16

first off well done for sticking up for yourself! i know it can be hard and there is only a certain amount of playing with toys and reading kiddie books and adult can cope with. try and find a hobbie or somthing. how about college? there is so much you could do and you childcare would get taken care of for you. or how about doing some volunteer work at a toddler group or somthing.

im sure you will find something suitable if not just remember your baby wont be a baby for long so enjoy doing nothing with her.

Answer 17

I am also a stay at home mum and it can be a bit boring at times ! see if there are any local Parent and Toddler clubs about ( a lot are free too) , check out your library cause they run toddler rhyme afternoons (free) and also your local leasire centre for toddler swimming groups also go onto the surestart website and see what is local (they are free too !)

Know what you mean it can be boring watching kids tv on a rainy day.

Hope it helps

Answer 18

Find out if your local library has a mum and toddler group or check the parks in your area,they may have a one o'clock club.I was the same with my first child it was only when she started nursery and i met some other mums that i knew where to take her.My library toddler group only costs 60p a session aswell!!!

Answer 19

when i was a stay at home mum with my little boy i joined a mothere and toddlers group i made freinds and my little boy was happy in the crech with kids his own age used to go there twice a wk one day we used to just sit in and talk and then on the outhere day we used to go horse riding bowls and stuff and we only had to pay a couple of quid a wk look for one in yr local area do u and yr child the world of good





hpe u find one close tohome as good as the one i was in

Answer 20

i think you are right staying at home with your child i am only just working again part time and my daughter is nearly four and at nursery school, i used to be bored in the day as well its hard trying to find things to do. we just used to go swimming, to the park or do baking together its easier in the summer with the nice weather but mother and toddler groups are always good cos you are still with them but they make friends too.

Answer 21

hi I'm a stay at home mummy of 4 and boy its boring and hardwork doing the same stuff day in and day out i also don't drive my only advice is to try and find some mother and toddler groups in your area seriously you ll drive yourself into depression if you just stay in the house all the time(i'm talking from experience)

Answer 22

Suggestions - do all, some or none!



1) Walk somewhere else. Your daughter is learning all the time. Even if you're just walking around a housing estate, you can talk to her about the things you see.



2) Play dressing up. Doesn't have to be expensive. Make her a black cape out of bin liner. Make a paper crown. Let her stick bits of shiny paper and cotton wool and buttons on it. Make papier mache masks - just mix PVA glue (dirt cheap) and water, then paste strips of paper onto a balloon. It's lovely, messy, cheap fun.



3) Paint pictures. She won't care if you can only afford to buy one colour. Throw an old sheet on the kitchen floor, strip her down to her nappy, give her some paper (buy a roll of wallpaper lining paper - 20p!) and let her go for it with whatever paint and whatever bits of her body come to mind.



4) Chuck her in the bath after all the painting and sticking. Get in with her! Bathtime splashtime is great fun with mum, it's cheap, cheerful, gets her clean, and gets her confident with water.



5) Check out your local library. They're not filled with old dears going "Shhhh" any more. My library has children's story time, and they all sing and dance together. It's a nice social event for mums too. You might even meet another mum who's as bored as you are.



6) Bake cakes. Obviously, she's not going to be putting them in the oven, but you can buy cake-making kits in the supermarkets for about £1.50ish and it's another messy fun time playing with mixture, spooning it into paper cases, and best of all, decorating them with icing afterwards.



7) Play in the garden. Kick a football around, play 'follow the leader' and take turns. Plant seeds. If you don't have a garden, make egg heads! Hard boil an egg, take off the top and scoop the insides out - have it for lunch? Then put some kitchen roll at the bottom of the eggshell, wet it and throw some cress seeds on. Draw a face on it. In a few days time, he's grown hair - and you can eat it too!



8) Do some of that housework. Your mum says you don't have to do it, but children learn by example. She's not going to be running around with the Dyson, but she can help you load the washing machine, put her toys away, carry your duster for you. My daughter passes me the washing out of the basket when I'm hanging it on the line - she regards it as her 'job' and gets seriously miffed if I do it myself.



9) Get a job. If your mum's home part-time, then ask her to look after your daughter for a couple of days and get out. Of course you love your daughter, but you need some 'me time' too. It'd also bring a bit more cash in, and open up other opportunities for things to do.



10) Read stories together. Get books from the library, books for toddlers with bright, exciting pictures. Read them aloud, pointing to the words as you go. She'll start to make the connection that those black squiggles are meaningful, and she'll love sitting on mum's lap and looking at the pictures. Give the characters funny voices when you're reading. Talk to her about what she can see on the page.



That's me out of ideas for the moment. These are things that I've done with my daughter over the last couple of years (she's two now) and some might be suitable, others not, depending on your daughter's development - they're all different after all.



Enjoy!

Answer 23

Whatabout a mother and toddler group? Or if there's a community centre near you ask them about starting something up yourself and get funding for it. There could be lots of mothers like you about that don't have anywhere to go.College part-time as they usually have a creche for kids and this should be free for you as your unemployed. Good luck

Answer 24

you can play with her...do stuff you can both be involved in...read books, build block towers/buildings, play with play dough, color, fingerpaint...I know she is still really young that is why you will be doing most of the stuff but she will be learning and maybe you will have some fun while you play with her! Good luck! I have some of the same issues! I am a stay at home mom with no money too! :O)

Answer 25

Flippin 'eck! Lucky you! I tried staying at home but it drove me insane. Suggest you find a part time job - it'll save your sanity and do your daughter the world of good to have other company for a few hours a day x

Answer 26

Mother and toddler groups are generally free or cheap. Also local libraries usually have a free baby/toddler read and rhyme group. Ask your health visitor about local groups.

Answer 27

What about local mother and toddler groups? your baby clinic will know about these or your local Library. company for you and playmates for your daughter, bit nerve wrecking at first, but all mums will feel the same first time. Enjoy this time with her.

Answer 28

im on the verge of insanity. & im a single mom. & i dont drive. my daughter is only 2 months & she wont take a bottle so i cant get a job right now. all i can do is wait.

Answer 29

Read books to your baby. Teach her things. You may think dhe doesn't get it, but she will.

Also, pick up a few library books for yourself. I think you'll be surprised what a great time killer reading is. You look up and an hour has gone by.

You could also see if your local library has videos. They usually have the most popular movies and are free to check out.

Answer 30

join in your local mother and toddler groups meet others little ones and you make friends with others too. put yourself out there.

Answer 31

you're probably going to get some sarcastic answer saying they stay at home.

Answer 32

Try getting a Job if not get 1 of those online jobs if u don't have internet then try getting a job that ud enjoy like u enjoy cooking apply @ fast food places if u enjoy stocking shelfs get a job @ wal-mart !!!!!!



p.s how old r u, whats ur husband do ????

Answer 33

spend all day on here like me!!!haha

Answer 34

Get a JOB!!! help out your mom! pay for a babysitter and get a job! then you'll have money$$$ to go out!!! man this sucks!

Answer 35

take care of ya, clean da house, talk 2 thier friends, play wit her husband, i donno anything she wants