What I thought being a SAHM would be like:
- Sitting in the shallows of a zero-entry pool, enjoying the extra bonding time with my kids.
What being a SAHM is actually like:
- Being tossed into the deep end of a pool that is filled with hungry leopard seal pups. You know, the ones they show on Planet Earth that eat other creatures for sport.
Ok, in all fairness, that’s a bit dramatic. I know darn well that being a SAHM is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. But I figured the rewarding aspects would easily and quickly outshine the tough parts.
You guys – I have no idea what I’m doing. Parenting two small children is hard. You know the emoji with the eyes wide open in a stunned expression?
That is me. Every day.
I’ve had friends and family ask me what I think about being a SAHM and if it’s something I’d want to do full-time. There are several things that make it tough to answer that question honestly, because they are all things that would be different or nonexistent if I was a real SAHM instead of a pretend SAHM.
- The stress of searching for a new full-time position. Job searching is soul-sucking. It’s awful and it takes its toll emotionally.
- It’s been very isolating. I don’t have SAHM friends, play groups or a “moms network” to keep us busy and break up the day. Many days, the only adult conversation I have is a short phone call with Mike.
- The kids are used to a stimulating environment at school. It’s a learning process for them to play independently and/or without constant feedback from me.
- Mike’s been traveling a lot. No explanation needed for that one!
Each day does get a little easier. I applied wise advice from a friend and worked hard to set up a routine. Our days at home are pretty predictable:
Breakfast
Playtime
Hannah Nap/LJ Show/Mommy Dressed
Morning Activity (park, library, errand, activity)
Lunch
Kids Nap/Mommy Break & Chores
Snack/LJ Show
Afternoon Time (play, craft time, walk, maybe an errand)
**interminable late afternoon….**
Dinnertime
Playtime
Bath/Bedtime
I am enjoying our time together, but whew! This is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be!
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