Advise for a new Stay at Home mom

[Melissa]

I will skip all the details but basically my job has recently "disolved" my position and now I am dealing with the thought of being a stay at home mom. My husband and I are sitting down to look at our monthly finances and see if we can swing it with just me working a few nights at a part time "fun" job. I am 32 years old and I have never been with a job since I was 15 so this is really an adjustment for me. My son is 18 months old and I have always dreamed that I would be able to do this, we were planning on doing this once we had a second child anyways. Daycare just gets too expensive for 2 kids. What I am wondering is how do you keep things fresh and exciting for your child at home all the time? He gets such great interaction at daycare and enjoys it so much. Does anyone participate in any playgroups?

[Jennifer Smith]

It helps me to have something scheduled for each day - story hour, play date, playground, etc. (Check the ErieMoms calendar for ideas.) I've had good luck striking up friendships with other moms at these events and scheduling playdates.

It's also fun when you don't have to rush to make an event out of going to the grocery store or for a walk - channeling your inner preschool teacher and looking for colors, numbers, letters, etc.

[marnie]

Structuring the day - especially weekdays - is crucial. I'm not a SAHM, but when my daughter went to daycare it was essential to her well-being that she understood the routine - they had a set play with toys time, a clean-up time, snack time, movie time, craft/coloring time, resting time, reading time, play outside time, etc. Usually once a week there was an adventure - trip to the park for a picnic, library, zoo. This type of schedule was also what the Villa day camp provided for my daughter this summer.
My daughter is an only child, and an extrovert, so scheduling time with other children was essential. You might want to consider a YMCA membership and a zoo membership. They have lots of stuff during the day that provides interactions with other kids. I know you are probably pressed for cash, but the zoo, in particular, is a real deal.

[Tam]

Being a mother of an only child myself, I find it works out great that I am also a nanny. She always has another little one to play with and is making great friends in the process! Perhaps there is a friend or relative of your's that needs a sitter from time to time or just another SAHM to converse? If you don't get paid monetarily, maybe you and the other mom could trade days so each of you could have an afternoon (a minute, even a second) to yourself.

The most important thing I try to do with Britain is have breakfast, snack and lunch at the same time. It helps her to stay balanced when her blood sugar is stable as well.

It may take you and your child a bit of time to get into a routine, but you'll get there. And you'll love it! Best of luck!

[Melissa]

We are members of the zoo so I am excited to actually be able to use it more now. What does the YMCA offer to a 18 month old? I would love that for myself - be able to actually work out.
Thank you for your advice.

marnie said:

Structuring the day - especially weekdays - is crucial. I'm not a SAHM, but when my daughter went to daycare it was essential to her well-being that she understood the routine - they had a set play with toys time, a clean-up time, snack time, movie time, craft/coloring time, resting time, reading time, play outside time, etc. Usually once a week there was an adventure - trip to the park for a picnic, library, zoo. This type of schedule was also what the Villa day camp provided for my daughter this summer.
My daughter is an only child, and an extrovert, so scheduling time with other children was essential. You might want to consider a YMCA membership and a zoo membership. They have lots of stuff during the day that provides interactions with other kids. I know you are probably pressed for cash, but the zoo, in particular, is a real deal.

[Stephanie]

We have done kindermusik, library, gymnastics, family swim or swim lessons. I do find it hard to find others for a play date, due to everyone's busy schedule. Trips to the store are fun. You can go to the tom ridge center, pres isle, and asbury woods. Your 18th month old, will love www.starfall.com. This will teach his letter, vocab, and eventually read. Also check out sesamestreet.com. There are alot of fun games.

Also remember its ok to let them self play, thats an important skill too. I like to do crafts to. Let him paint a wooden halloween shapes (cat, pumpkin etc..) fingers or brush and then put sticky velcro on the other side and make a mobile.

Have fun.
Steph

[marnie]

Melissa said:

We are members of the zoo so I am excited to actually be able to use it more now. What does the YMCA offer to a 18 month old? I would love that for myself - be able to actually work out. Thank you for your advice.
marnie said:

Structuring the day - especially weekdays - is crucial. I'm not a SAHM, but when my daughter went to daycare it was essential to her well-being that she understood the routine - they had a set play with toys time, a clean-up time, snack time, movie time, craft/coloring time, resting time,
reading time, play outside time, etc. Usually once a week there was an
adventure - trip to the park for a picnic, library, zoo. This type of
schedule was also what the Villa day camp provided for my daughter this
summer.
My daughter is an only child, and an extrovert, so scheduling time with other children was essential. You might want to
consider a YMCA membership and a zoo membership. They have lots of
stuff during the day that provides interactions with other kids. I know
you are probably pressed for cash, but the zoo, in particular, is a
real deal.

For an 18-month-old, I believe they have daycare so you can work out. They also have swimming classes.

[Melissa]

I am going to stop by there this week and see what they have to do. We have a children's museum membership and a zoo membership so that should keep us busy but I am always looking for new things to occupy him and help him develop and be well rounded. Thank you for your advise.

marnie said:

Melissa said:

We are members of the zoo so I am excited to actually be able to use it more now. What does the YMCA offer to a 18 month old? I would love that for myself - be able to actually work out. Thank you for your advice.
marnie said:

Structuring the day - especially weekdays - is crucial. I'm not a SAHM, but when my daughter went to daycare it was essential to her well-being that she understood the routine - they had a set play with toys time, a clean-up time, snack time, movie time, craft/coloring time, resting time,
reading time, play outside time, etc. Usually once a week there was an
adventure - trip to the park for a picnic, library, zoo. This type of
schedule was also what the Villa day camp provided for my daughter this
summer.
My daughter is an only child, and an extrovert, so scheduling time with other children was essential. You might want to
consider a YMCA membership and a zoo membership. They have lots of
stuff during the day that provides interactions with other kids. I know
you are probably pressed for cash, but the zoo, in particular, is a
real deal.

For an 18-month-old, I believe they have daycare so you can work out. They also have swimming classes.