To Stay-At-Home Parents Everywhere...
How do you do it?????? Seriously, HOW DO YOU DO IT?
I've been working this job for a month and I am absolutely exhausted! I haven't worn make-up in 3 weeks, I feel like I need a nap about 2 hours after I wake up, and I never get a break. If it's not the kid, it's the dog. If it's not the dog, it's the kid. I am honestly wondering how I am going to manage 2 more months of this. When I first started this job I was worried about how to fill 14 hrs. a day, now I'm more concerned with making it through 14 hrs. a day.
I guess more than anything else I am just in awe at how stay-at-home parents/single parents do it all without another pair of hands. So to all of you stay at home/single parents, what are your tricks of the trade? Please share, because I am at a loss as to how you all function and get everything done.
posted by Jen at
8:06 PM
1 Comments:
Well, I have a hefty supply of things to keep my boys independently occupied...play dough, watercolor, those paint with water books, etc. They are allowed to use them ONLY at the kitchen table, and this is usually what they do while I prepare whatever meal is next. I also include them in the makings of the meal. I am really big on the boys doing things on their own for a little while during the day, whether it is looking at books, coloring, playing in the back yard, whatever.
One lesson I learned with my first is it is very good for them to do things on their own, without my interference, from time to time. I was with my first son every step of the way, and we had some significant issues on getting him to become more independent. With son #2, we are more likely to play with him and do things with him, but at the same time, if he's playing by himself in the sandbox, then so be it. I'll sit in a chair and read a book. If he's sitting on the floor looking at his latest Sandra Boynton book, I don't offer to read it. I let him play with it. And now, he's more apt to play with the book and his animals and "read" to them. Now, if he asks me to read, I will certainly do it, but I'm not going to interfere in what are his big steps towards being his own person, you know?
Watching kids all day IS demanding, and don't get me wrong - the only day I wear makeup is Sunday for church! If I don't get a shower before the boys get up, then I have to wait for naptime or until they go to bed. Its just the way it is.
Good luck!
11:18 PM
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