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SAHM with kids in school; what do you do all day?

37 replies

SqidgeBum · 02/09/2020 11:30

I am 31 weeks pregnant with DD2. I cant return to work for health reasons with coronavirus, but can't really do much WFH bar some admin, so I have gone on a sort of early maternity leave/wfh but thankfully fully paid until I give birth. We have kept DD in nursery 2-3 days a week so she has her normal routine, and DH says I need to 'take it easy'. Today is my first day baby free. I have hoovered, have a wash on, done the dishes, mopped the floor, cleaned the bathrooms, and answered some emails. Its 11:30 and I am at a loss. I am usually someone who is incredibly busy and I have a very mentally and physically demanding job, so this is quite a shock to me.

What the F am I supposed to do to keep myself going for the next 9 weeks? SAHM without kids at home all day, what do you do? How do you fill your day between 9 and 3? I am looking for genuine suggestions about things I can do in the house or out and about (with SD and maybe not something that involves going to the shops every day) to keep myself sane, but also so I feel productive.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
GreyishDays · 02/09/2020 12:26

Get everything sorted around the house?

Magicbabywaves · 02/09/2020 12:27

I:
Bake
Sew
Exercise
Paint
Walk
Run
PTA
Food bank

Magicbabywaves · 02/09/2020 12:28

Oh, and I have an allotment.

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Bluewavescrashing · 02/09/2020 12:29

Go for coffee on your own and enjoy just thinking about yourself, not another little person who needs feeding or changing.

Have a gentle walk.

Yoga.

Start Christmas shopping so you don't have to do it with a baby in tow.

Watch a good series on Netflix.

Do some artwork for the baby's room.

Scour the charity shops for nice baby things. I found loads.

Bluewavescrashing · 02/09/2020 12:29

Declutter.

Batch cook.

Write letters to old relatives.

Twaddledee · 02/09/2020 12:32

Take a remote learning course? Aquanatal class?

Bluewavescrashing · 02/09/2020 12:32

Swimming is amazing in late pregnancy.

Read a book... When will you next have a chance?!

Boatonthehorizon · 02/09/2020 12:36

Housework
Cooking / baking
Clean / sort rooms one a day/ week.
Redecorating
Watch TV
Read
Do course
Do exercise classes
Swimming
Go on a walk.

Often though, on non exercise class days, I watch Jeremy vine/ This morning/ bit of housework / watch loose women / then out in afternoon doing any 'jobs' before school run. I try not to run errands or shop with kids so I do it during school day when they're at school.

Many mums arrive an hour before pick up time to get a parking space so it's just 3 hours to 'fill'.

Boatonthehorizon · 02/09/2020 12:42

Also quite important
Make new mum friends, esp SAHM. Your friends who work full time are not going to have your shared interests at the moment.
Meet in coffee houses or parks or play centres or baby groups.
Is there nct?
There's probably an app! People prefer to meet online rather than in real life first nowadays? I met my mum friends at baby groups but that was 10 years ago.

SqidgeBum · 02/09/2020 13:07

After reading through all your responses, I can see I have lots of options to keep me busy. I will look into swimming (I had forgotten they were open again), I can crochet so I will look at hats for babies or those teddies a PP suggested, I will see what needs organising around the house regarding clutter or clear outs, and I will batch cook (because who in reality has time to cook every evening with 2 under 2). I am also going to work on sitting and reading (which I used to LOVE to do) and not feeling guilty. It is something I have always struggled with. I have been sort of conditioned to always be busy and working.

Thank you everyone. Massive help.

OP posts:
BentBastard · 02/09/2020 13:31

What kind of books do you enjoy, maybe we can give you some suggestions?

FizzingWhizzbee123 · 02/09/2020 16:55

Honestly, if this is a temporary thing while waiting for a baby, I’d make the most of it! Chill, watch Netflix, read a book, drink hot drinks while they’re still hot, do a puzzle etc. Do some practical things like sort baby clothes and make sure admin is up to date but I wouldn’t be busting a gut to keep busy. You probably won’t get another time like this! A time free from work, older child and no younger child yet. Relish it and relax. It won’t be forever and it’ll probably fly by in a blink and you’ll miss it.

I’m finishing work four weeks before my due date on accrued A/L and leaving my older child in nursery. I plan on doing as little as possible and just relaxing before getting thrown into the newborn whirlwind.

If it’s a longer term thing, then structure to your day, hobbies etc are important, but short term, just enjoy it.

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