new stay at home dad

[wesathomedad]

Help,
Firstly being a stay at home dad is a real pain in the head, because of all the smiling I'm doing that is.Joe is my little boy and he is grinning for England, and therefore of course I encourage this, but I get blinding facial muscle induced headaches. I expect they'll fade. So, any tips on filling the days, educational activities, fun things, how not to go crazy watching repeats of balamory.
I will keep posted as time goes on, for now its very rewarding, if not tiring. I find having Joe as the centre of attention 24/7 exerpts a different kind of exhaustion and fatigue than most other regular 'jobs' I've had. Is there any way to switch off or relax, when I try I doo feel a little guilty and neglectful, and besides its just about the best and most delightful thing I could ever imagine doing.
Anyhow, little one has Bronchiolitis, so off to administer big cuddles now
for now

[alibauble]

Hello and welcome to Mumsnet. How old is Joe? I've two ds's aged (almost) 5 and 3 1/2 and yep they keep me busy. Quick tips for filling in the day

• playdoh
• painting
• baking - going you know you want to
• soft play centre
• playgroup - yes men do go too
• playground - wrap up warm
• swimming

Hope that'll do.

[wesathomedad]

Hi,
My little lad is nearly six months so he's just begining to find his awareness, grab stuff, laugh and chortle, nearly sit up, move around on his bum, teething weening and trying to talk. All good really, so its at this kind of stage I need some suggestions for. All the above will be noted and done in due course im sure.
Ah, bed time.

[santasbaby]

Hi, welcome to mumsnet.

Some ideas for you...

...local playgroup or parent and baby group. Most villages and towns have one and they are great for adult and child alike.

...are you or ds mum in contact with any of the other parents from your ante-natal groups? I sill meet weekly with the friends I made there - a real support on those bad days, and it's lovely seeing the babies grow and play together

...swimming, playground, or just going for a walk. Dd is 11 months now, but at 6 months ds will enjoy anything you do with him!

Have fun

[wesathomedad]

Hi,
Yep, I suppose I should make a concerted effort to link up with fellow ante-natalist,and friends, I know I'll need that support more often than not. Today has been a bit tough for instance with his rattling chest due to bronchiolistis. He's the first child so I just have to trust what the doc says, but sometimes I just wanna make it better somehow, with a big magic cuddle, but he kinda squirms, shouts wriggles and laughes in the most endearing manner. Its a real contradiction, but the learning process is fascinating.

[GlowormsMakeNiceXmasLights]

I remember a fave game of DS when he was that age
strap him in his pram
crinkle up some sheets of newspaper under his feet
the crinkly noise and sensation kept him giggling for ages
(it need to be a pram I guess, dont think it would work in a pushchair)

[Walnutshell]

Hi. Don't worry too much about switching off, get the bits of relaxation when you can, some days can be pretty tough!

I remember posting 'what do people do all day' when my ds was 5mo (now 14mo) and to be honest, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you're fairly occupied and enjoying the time as much as poss, then Joe will be too.

Have you tried a sling of some sort? There are plenty of non-girly ones out there and it means you can do a bit more while he just watches from a nice snuggly position next to dad. They really do learn a lot from just being with you as you go about your daily business.

Hope the bronch improves.

[mumblechum]

Remember also that you dw will expect you to have the house clean and tidy, the washing and ironing done, dinner ready and for you to be naked but for a frilly pinny (well that's what my dh expected when I was a SAHM - thank God I'm back at work!

[wesathomedad]

Well mumblechum,
I do cook, clean, iron and wash as well as decorate and renovate. I have a pinny also, though not with frills. If it wasn't winter and I had curtains in the kitchen I would consider the naked bit too !!! watch this space

[FrostyTheSnowMarsLady]

[HappyDaddy]

wesathomedad, i was a SAHD for about 18months, when my wife went back to work.

I found the full time having to be switched on and paying attention the hardest. As you mums will testify, you never really get a minute to yourself. Having said that, I loved every second of it and recommend it to other dads wholeheartedly.

I found a browse on the internet every now and again or a quick game on PS2 was very relaxing while dd was asleep. I did feel a bit guilty though.