what do you wish you knew

[Mrs.Greevy]

In the next few months I will be becoming a SAHM/WAHM :woo:

I am looking for any advice or things to know before I do this, what should I do beforehand, what should I expect, anything

DH and I have already been living off his salary and my freelance stuff for a while now, but what else should I be doing?

[~Andrea~]

I wish I knew how much I'd miss adult interaction. I would have taken great steps to keep in to uch with people.

[Mrs.Greevy]

that is my fear, and really the only thing that I think will make this much harder

[magoo]

It would be a good idea to get to know what playgroups, programs, drop-ins, etc. are available in your community. That way, you can jump right in. I find it really important to get out at least a few times a week. :nod:

Also, it's wise not to make high expectations as far as getting a lot of housework etc. done. I'm sure your girls will keep you hopping.

[TtownAnne]

How incredibly mind-numbing some days are. I love thinking of fun things to do with my daughter, but sometimes things just don't go and you spend 14 hours dressing Princess Belle or making Play-doh teeth! (two of my recent tortures, can you tell?) Find a hobby that's just for you AND makes you feel smart (knitting, crossword puzzles, whatever) because there are going to be days when you feel like your brain cells are imploding from lack of use.

[Mrs.Greevy]

that's good advice thank you!

I am very nervous about this next adventure, and it will probably be several months away but it doens't hurt to be prepared.

any other thoughts would be very helpdul

[Karly]

That staying at home watching your kids is a real job, too. Just because you don't actually get a pay check at the end of the week, doesn't mean you aren't working! Don't let any one ever try to tell you that all SAH's do is eat Bon Bon's and watch Soaps! :nono:

[Lynn]

My favorite thing to say when someone asks how much I like/dislike being a SAHM is THE PAY STINKS BUT THE BENEFITS MAKE UP FOR IT!!!
I do have to say that I miss adult interaction and I fear that Aaron isn't thriving because we don't see other children. You might want to look into a Mom's Club or a Mothers and More in your area. That way both of you will benefit from the social interaction! :up:
One of the hardest things to deal with is not being able to fully take care of yourself when you don't feel well. It's not like you can take the day off to sleep in or take medicine that'll make you drowsy. You still have to be up and at 'em to take care of your child.
You might not get a lot of time to do simple things like wash ALL of the dishes, change the laundry from washer to dryer immediately, or keep the bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, but honestly I couldn't care less about that stuff because being home with my son is the best and hardest job I've ever had in my life.

[olcott]

Definitely the adult interaction. Find things you can do NOW. I just finally found a MOPS group, and Trey is almost 2. For the past two years I have had hardly any adult interaction during the weekdays, and it was killing me.

If you don't get everything done that you planned on doing that day, don't worry. It will get done. Your first job is to be a mom, and cleaning and random stuff comes next. My house is pretty clean, but if I had planned on cleanign carpets in a room one day, and didn't get it done, its not the end of the world. Just pace yourself.

[Mrs.Greevy]

thanks for all of your advice

I am very nervous about this, but excited at the same time