SAHM Activity Ideas?

Question

I currently became a SAHM. It's been easy with the summer because all 7 of my kids have been home, but now my 4 oldest(ages 6, 11, 13 and 14)are in school(my three oldest are already in school, my 6 year old starts tomorrow)and my three youngest(1 1/2 yrs. and 1 week old twins, all 3 girls)are at home with me.

We have a kiddie pool, but I need ideas for the fall/winter. I know park walks and baking, but what else can we do? I wouldn't mind doing a big thing once a week(zoo, mall, etc,), but I need more ideas.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I think it is awesome that you decided to stay at home with your kids.  I thank my husband for letting me stay home with our kids all the time!  I have a six year old and a 1 year old.  This year it will be just me and the little man at home.  We follow a schedule in our house and are fall/winter usually looks like this:  

Mall walking in the morning, letting him play at the indoor mall play center, library, visit local retirement home (they love it), a class or two at the park district, I volunteer at my daughters school and my son comes with, indoor farmers markets, some museums offer free days, finger painting, puppet shows (I built a little theater in our play room).  I have always found that by keeping the oldest happy, the younger one is usually entertained by them.  And since yours are so little just the visual stimulation of doing all the above, would be great for them as well as dancing and singing, they love that!  Good Luck!

Answer 2

Wow, seven kids. Congrats on still being sane. =D

For the little ones, go to the library. Libraries (and bookstores) have regular story hours each week, usually with crafts at the end. Museums often have free kids days, too. Playgroups. We belong to the YMCA, so we take classes there and they have child watch, too.

That's basically what I did as a SAHM. We adore the library and the Y.

Answer 3

I admire you for deciding to be a SAHM!  But just remember mommies need "alone time" too!  I was a SAHM until my two children went to school.  Now I work at their school!  My church has a "Mommy" group, which we get together and let our children play in the Gym or Nursery.  We meet once or twice a week, taking turns bringing in snacks and doing activities.  We've done exercise with them for about 1/2 hour, then let them play the next 1/2 hour.  The kids love to run and kick all the balls in the Gym, while we sit and visit watching them interact.  If you don't have a Mommy group in your area, start one!  It's been a life saver for me!