Call all SAHM/SAHD's

kayla's mama wrote: What do you do for "you" time. Since I have become a SAHM recently I feel as though I have lost who I am, kwim!!! I don't have the freedom to go out during the day because I watch a little girl and I do not take her anywhere so my "me" time is after she leaves and when Jason gets home. I'm just curious. TIA

1lilpeanut2love replied: take a shower, getting on PC

that's all I can think of for now!!

luvmykids replied: Thats the exact reason I stay up so late, after DH and the kids fall asleep I pretend I'm *alone* aaahhhhh. I do whatever sounds good, PC, reading, TV, painting my nails.

Nothing replaces getting out of the house by yourself, even just a little bit here and there. Going to the grocery store alone sadly counts as "me" time, I try to at least stop off at Starbucks or Baskin Robbins and flip through a magazine or something.

It's hard.

AlexsPajamaMama replied: I know what you mean! I guess it is just part of being a SAHM. Nap time is my "Me Time" I try to keep up on the housework during the morning so I can enjoy the peace and quiet for 2 hours while DS naps.
In the evenings after dinner is Daddy's time to play with DS...so if Im lucky I can stand at the sink and wash dishes with no interuptions or even *gasp* enjoy a bubble bath with a good magazine!!
Once a week I clean my Dad's house and my Nana (My 74 year old grandmother) watches Alex for a few hours. Even though I'm doing housework, I soo enjoy the time alone. And Nana & Papa get to spend time with Alex.

Chiflata2003 replied: Nothing really. I mean I am on the computer during the day but I always have to get up and tend to my dd so it's not like it's completely me time.

Momof3inMe replied: I also do all my "mom" work in the morning and spend naptime as "me time". I am very lucky to have DH to help with kids at night so I can have some down time if I need it.

MyLuvBugs replied: I work while at home.........Yippee, Great "me" time, huh?!?! But on the days when I'm just sick and tired of work, I sew, or do crafty things, or embroider, or crochet, etc.....Reading a book is on the list too, but just more towards the bottom. lol

now that DH is home all day, we've worked out a schedule, so that he and I can both get work done each day and yet still have time for the kid and each other or personal time. Just remember that it's not the amount of time put into it, but the quality of the time. So, if you need to once a week, stick thekid with DH and go get your nails or hair done, or just take a walk, or a LONG hot bubble bath. When the kids are napping....read a book, learn a new language, or take a nap (that's my fave.). Just try to get the most out of each moment. KWIM?

Celestrina replied: Would you be willing (or able) to get a part-time job? Most stores at the mall have evening hours open. I work 5:30pm to 10:00pm. That gives me enough time to get out of the house and bring home a little extra $$.

MamaJAM replied: I read or go on the computer. I also try to run errands at night or whenever DH is home so I can go alone. While running around to get things done and shopping (which I hate to do) aren't my ideal 'me-time' activities...at least I'm taking some time out.

ashtonsmama replied: Well, I haven't gotten ALL the way back into this yet, but I just like going to the gym sometimes and working out by myself, it lets off a little stress and keeps me energized...if you have someone to watch the kids and you don't have to worry, that's always nice. The gym we belong to has a babysitting/childcare service and they only charge $3/hr. for a max of 2 hrs. but the minimum age is 6 months, so we've got a little longer to go with Ashton...also I love going to Creative Memories/scrapbooking events with my girlfriends, that's always fun.

Just think of what you used to love to do, or what makes you happy, and try something like that!
Good luck, I know how hard it can be, even with just having one baby...

na81 replied: The only "me" time I get is when my daughter is taking a nap. My boyfriend works from 7:30AM till 8:00PM so by the time he gets home, eats dinner, and takes a shower he has about an hour to spend with my daughter and I. I really don't feel like going out at 9:00Pm. I also try to do house work in the AM so I can relax during nap time. Sometimes after my daughter and boyfriend go to bed at night, I stay up an extra hour or so to watch tv, get on the computer or whatever I feel like doing. At times it seems hard to be a SAHM-seems like you lose your social skills-anyone else feel that way?

ilovemybaby replied: Digital Scrapbooking. I love it.

3xsthefun replied: I go out some evenings after DH gets home, and do a few errands, try go to the grocery store alone some nights, and take a nice long bath.

kimberley replied: play online and sleep

AlexsPajamaMama replied:
We have playdates every couple of weeks, gives DS a chance to socialize with some one his own age...and Me Too!! Do you have friends or relatives you are close to you could hang out with during the day? It gets easier, it has for me any way

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: I'm not sure if your daughter is on a nap schedule or not, but I LIVE for naptime! And I have always followed a schedule so that I know when that time is and can plan accordingly. I read, clean, plan dinner, wash clothes, catch up on email, and of course get on here! Other things I do, or at least I did when I wasn't PG, was go to the gym. They have a daycare there, so I take Wil with me of course. And I take Wil out with me all the time...to playgroups, errands, the library, doctors appointments. I know that isn't alone time, but at least it isn't restricting me to the house. You have to get out, and believe me, the baby will enjoy it! There are so many things for kids to do...look through local Parenting guides! I also plan monthly Mom's Night Out with my friends. And we also get a sitter every once in awhile.

Brias3 replied: I'll get out to the store by myself or run by Starbucks if and when my husband is home. Mostly, my "me" time occurs at night when DH is out of town and the kids are in bed.

Very seldom, I'll get a chance to go out for a meal with my sister or a friend if our schedules click and I have someone to watch the kids. I also go for a manicure every couple of weeks either on the weekend or if my mom volunteers to take Mason for an afternoon when the older two are in school.

luvmykids replied:
I swear, manicures are a great cure for SAHM syndrome. They're short, about 30 minutes, but you feel pampered and it's nice to sit there while someone does something for YOU!

And I totally know what you mean about social skills, na81, I (and sometimes my loving DH) refer to myself as a social moron these days. I'm a very social person but being around these kids all the time I almost panic when an adult talks to me! (See manicure, above!)