Housewifes and Stay at Home Moms....I need your help!?

Question

I do work but I have arranged my hours to be weekend only. That gives me the chance to spend Mon thru Friday with my 9 month old baby girl. The problem is, I find myself becoming incredibably lazy. I spend all day in my comfy clothes unless I have to go somewhere, and I find myself napping when my baby naps.

My husband works night shifts so he gets home by 6am...the same time my baby wakes up. He takes care of ther until about 10am. After an 8 or 9 hours of sleep, I wake up at 8 and go to a pilaties class from 8:30 to 9:30. My husband goes to bed around 10am and my baby naps. She sleeps for 3 hours, so I have plenty of time to do things around the house, however, I get so sleepy and take a nap. I sometimes do sleep all 3 hours. One day a week I run errands, 1 day I get groceries, and everyday I cook dinner. But It seems like I have so much extra time and only get lazy.

What do you do all day when its just you and the baby? How do you keep from getting lazy?

Answer 1

Sleep it up!  Don't think of it as being lazy when you nap with your baby, because honestly, it's best to be well rested so that you can better take care of your little sweet pea when she is awake.  

Make yourself a list of chores to do, and then give yourself little bribes/incentives/rewards when you get them done.  Dishes are done, then you get: a cup of coffee/herbal tea and 10 minutes on the computer.  DANCE TIME WITH BABY- good exercise for you, fun for baby cakes, you get: 10 minutes of Solitaire.

Answer 2

You spend your hours cleaning, organizing, crafting, reading, walking, or cooking. It very easy to stay active if you try. Gardening and yard work are time filling this time of year. Cleaning and getting rid of clutter is another great option. Take walks to the park ot around the neighborhood. Get to know neighbors and start a mommy group for morning coffee and chatting. The things you can do to keep occupied are endless.

Answer 3

Enjoy while you can it wont last long! Honestly you should try to get things done while shes sleeping you may be getting to much sleep! I do lundry, housework,ironing really its never done.

Answer 4

Put the baby in the stroller and walk around your neighborhood every day.   This will help you get the exposure to sunlight that will help to regulate your sleep schedule.  The exercise is a plus.  The stimulation of a different environment is good for the baby, and as you go around your neighborhood, you will start to meet other stay at home Mom's who live nearby.   That might lead to making arrangements to meet with them at times, and as you get to know them, you will start to learn how stay at home Mom's in your neighborhood stay busy.   Your baby girl is getting close to an age where she will begin walking, and at that time, she will benefit from playing with other small children, so some trips to the park would be beneficial.   Local libraries usually have free "reading time" activities for children of various age groups.   Going to the public pool for a short swim is also a good activity to do with baby.   It is usually very inexpensive, and it is never too young to introduce a baby to water, and get her out in the sunlight is essential for her vitamin D production.  Check your area for free music concerts.  My town has free concerts in the park throughout the summer.  If you go to church, check on "mother's day out" programs.  

Go garage sale-ing on Friday's.   You may find some valuable items that you need.   If you get good at it, you can find items that will resale for a higher value on eBay and make a little money.  



As your child gets a little older, you will have to add some activities that bring the child in contact with other children for playtime.  It will help you keep your sanity and will be good for your child's development as well.

Many stay at home mothers get way too busy, because they volunteer for their church or school, or their family members assumes that since they are home during the day, they can take care of various business errands, so they spend all day running around town on behalf of husbands, sisters, etc.

Best of luck!

Answer 5

I used to take my kids out to the park in the stroller and walk. I would take them to the zoo or museums.  Even if they had no clue of what was going on, I thought the stimuli was important.

When the kids were sleeping I would organize, clean, cook, etc.  There was never a down moment.

Answer 6

well right now it's kind of easy with only being 9 months but let me tell you my daughter is 11 months old and there is NEVER a dull moment.... she is starting to walk and get into EVERYTHING so she keeps me on my toes 24/7. when she takes a nap I try to get the house stuff done but laziness doesn't last long once she's up and running. so if anything I say get the rest while you can because when she starts walking and getting into everything you will be pulling your hair out!

Answer 7

Relax and enjoy the downtime. Don't be so hard on yourself.  Before you know it, the baby will require more attention and you will find yourself wishing you had more time.  I am happy for you that you have the opportunity to have the down time and time to get out and go to pilates. No shame in that!

Answer 8

I am a fellow SAHM and here are my suggestions for keeping busy.  The park is always a great way to meet fellow moms.  Even if you think your daughter is too little, she will enjoy the stimulation of fresh air and sunshhine and watching other kids.  She can go on swings too.  :)  And its free!

Try to find a mommy group near you.  MOPS (Mothers of Pre Schoolers) or MOMS Club (Moms Offering Moms Support) -www.momsclub.org- are great way to meet people and keep you and your daughter stimulated.  

I have an ebay store.  I sell my kids used clothes and new clothes too.  It is fun and I actually make a little money doing it too.  You might like doing this or some sort of side business.  Lots of moms have some sort of work that they can do when the kids are asleep, be it online or whatever.  Are you crafty?  Making hair bows or kids clothing might be fun.

Hope this helps!  If you have any questions, email me!

Answer 9

with a husband and baby like you say they are. ill call you lucky.you must be doing something right.