To ask what SAHMs of school age dc DO all day?

[OxfordCommoner]

Because I am one, not through choice. I am recovering from severe depression and anxiety and I'm still too ill to look for a new job (had to give up my old job a few months ago). Up until now I've been attending therapy a few times a week, and then it was the holidays so I had three dc to keep me busy.

But they all go back to school on Monday and I'm dreading the long days with just me and my thoughts.

Please can you tell me what you do during the day to keep busy? I'm struggling for ideas that don't cost money. So far I've fit as far as taking the dog for a long walk and maybe starting to iron again after a ten year hiatus.

Any ideas gratefully received.

I'm a SAHM and my youngest has just started school....

• course work
• I run the PTA
• little jobs that have been waiting like putting up a load of photos that I did today.
• decluttering yet again
• decorating - am planning on wallpapering mainly and a bit of painting.
• things that take up time at weekends like varnishing the outdoor furniture and washing the car.
• volunteering inocal nursery
• walk dog
• read
• occasionally nap!
• have some time to myself and not feel guilty!
• find a diet that works
• housework

Since having kids I've had really horrible periods of anxiety and am still on medication so I am hoping a bit of headspace will be a good thing and enable me to get properly better.

I think in your circs I would try to ringfence the housework. I procrastinate over it and then beat myself up about it - not good.

Re volunteering, helping out at your child's school is an easy route if they are still in primary. Ours was begging for Y5 helpers last year, it's not just for YRs.

Look for daytime exercise classes or go swimming. Growing a few veg might be nice, whatever takes your fancy.