SAHM

I've been a SAHM (stay at home mom) for 3 weeks now and have some random thoughts about the transition. Overall, it's gone really well. It's amazing how four weeks ago, I didn't have the confidence to 'deal' with my children 24/7. Working a job and coming home to my family was so stressfull, that I never was emotionally capable of handling my kids for long stretches of time. So I was really nervous about this new chapter of my life. I now can say that it's been successful so far.

The first week was kind of rough. Kendall was a walking disaster - falling, hitting her head like 5 times. Taylor refused her naps... EVERY day. But by day three she was cooperating with 'quiet time' and by day eight actually fell asleep after 1 hour 15 minutes of 'quiet time.' Now she does sleep most days after she reads her books for 30 minutes.

So here is my break down on the pros, cons and things to work on of being a elementary stay at home mom.

PROS:
- Taylor - to see her play by herself is awesome. She loves to color and play with playdoh. Nothing else holds her attention long. She enjoys staying home with me and therefore we have less battles. Her behavior seems to be more consistent.
- Kendall - in the three weeks I've been home she's learned several new words and I've started to pick up on what she is saying more (just by being around her. She has become extremly independent. This week after 20 minutes of "I can do it" (slurred into 3 syllables) she can put on her pants all by herself. It's hilarious to watch her and if you attempt to help, she'll pick up and run to a corner to continue doing it herself. She's also peed in the potty twice (in one day). She's asked to sit on the potty many more times but doesn't actually go. Last week, I saw her saw her feed herself an entire meal with a fork - no help from me. It's the little things but I figure before hand we were so rushed for everything, we would never take the time to let her do things herself. It's awesome to see her grow up.
- I feel less stressed (most of the time). I've gotten half the house cleaned up and maintained. I am able to balance my life better. I'm still working 17 hours a week but that gives me time to get a way.


CONS-
- Socially- I do worry about my kids and their need to socialize. They go to Bunnie's 1 1/2 days a week but I don't know if it's enough. Taylor has had trouble sharing and listening there. We've never had trouble with her at any daycare facility/home. Kendall use to love to socialize but recently I noticed she whines at children she doesn't know. I'm not sure if she's 'scared' or 'telling' on them but it's different.
- Weekends are still an issue. When working, I always fell apart on weekends... grumpy, irritable, etc. I was hoping it would be better but not sure. During the week, we have a 'schedule' (not really) and things are semi controlled. However during the weekend, it seems nothing gets done, the house becomes a mess, we all stay in our jammi's on Saturday unless we have plans and by that evening, I'm going stir crazy with all the noise.
- My socialization. I've found myself needing to talk to someone... but no one to talk to. I told Adam one evening when I was wanting to talk and he was wanting to watch TV that he's the only adult I see all week and hope for any conversation.
- Cabin Fever... I think eventually if we don't get out regularly, I'll end up with cabin fever. We haven't done a whole lot these past three weeks so we have lots of options but the fever is still there.
- Weekends - I find myself alittle crazy... needing to get away from the noise and chaos and mess. But at the same time weekends are time that we usually spend doing.. nothing as a family. heh heh.

Things to work on...

- Our schedule. Some days I find it hard to get dressed. My kids are dressed but I'll stay bummed out until late in the afternoon. I know I need to get dressed along with them but just don't find jeans ,etc all that comfy.
- I'd like to do some structured stuff with them - crafts, baking, etc. But haven't gotten there yet. I am not all that crafty and wouldn't know where to begin. If anyone has any ideas for any fun activities, please share them.
- I have to implement some away time for me. During the week isn't bad as I take time off during quiet time and can re-generate. But don't always have that time on the weekends.

Over-all I'm pleased with how things have gone. This was something I knew was coming eventually and have been nervous about it for months. The transition has gone well and I think both me and the kids have adapted well.