Am a SAHM of dd age 3 and she goes to pre-school at the moment. I have really struggled with the summer holidays. I don't really have many 'mummy' friends; I know a few to say hello to but no more than that really. I've struggled with keeping dd occupied day after day, I've tried to take her out to things that are going on locally but we don't have much money so we are a bit limited. When we do go to things (e.g. the park, the farm, family event days with face painting and bouncy castles etc.) dd seems to have a good time but I feel painfully aware that it's just me and her whereas all the other mums seem to be in groups together having fun and I suppose I feel a bit on my own. The days when we are at home are hard work - I do my best to occupy her but inevitably she will get bored and restless and start playing up.
I am very shy but I got a bit brave and asked a couple of the more approachable pre-school mums out for play dates. I think it went fairly well (although dd doesn't really socialise very well with other children, which I worry about) but neither of the mums have been in contact again so maybe they're busy or just not that interested. My mum and mil offer to come round or come out with us which is lovely but also makes me feel a bit pathetic! I do worry there's something wrong with me!
I have bumped into several other pre-school mums during the holidays and they literally ALL say how the holidays are flying by, how busy they've been meeting up with people etc. etc. Facebook is full of stuff like that too. I daren't admit that I hate the holidays! I guess I feel inadequate because I don't have this amazing social life and I can't provide dd with endless playmates. I worry I've failed her and that I'm a rubbish mum and I also feel exhausted with all the effort!
Please be kind and reassure me that I'm not as alone as I feel!