Any stay at home mums of toddlers?

[CaribbeanSunrise]

I have a two year old DD and an older DS at school. I find most SAHM have fallen into it and don’t enjoy it, or nearly everyone else works full or part-time. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t all rosy all the time but I love being a SAHM and feel incredibly lucky we are in position that I can be. Would love to chat to others who feel the same!

I was a SAHM to 2 under 2 and it was NOT fun for me, I completely lost my sense of self. Ended up going back to work P/T when my youngest turned 2 as I needed something else, something for me. Conversely, my mum was a SAHM to 3 and didn't go back to work until we were all in high school. She loved it.

I'm a SAHM to a toddler OP and I absolutely love it! I always knew that's what I wanted to be. I'd never even consider using childcare.

I feel the same! I’ve also got a school aged child and an almost 2 year old and savoring every moment as they grow so fast. Don’t get me wrong, some days are long and hard but it’s a real privilege to be there for every milestone/development, and to play and learn together. My little one will do two mornings at nursery once she turns two as I think it’ll be good for her but I really will miss her so much!

@Totesmagoats I can see how two under 2 could be very difficult. I hope things are easier now 👍

@ThejoyofNC this is how I feel, I knew when my DS was born I couldn’t go back to my 9-6 work, I would have sacrificed a lot to stay home. Luckily and I am aware of just how privileged a position we are in, DH’s career took off.

I did it, and loved it. I especially loved the time with each child on their own, when it was just me, eldest and bump, and then when the eldest started nursery at 3, me and the baby. It felt like such a privilege and I would not have missed it for the world. Lost my shit now and then but broadly, had a blast.
They’re teenagers now but in weather like this I’d have had them out in the back garden in their nuddy, filling the paddling pool, making a water slide with plastic sheeting, body painting with poster paints or painting feet and hands and galloping up and down a big roll of wallpaper. Not necessarily in that order.
Have all the fun there is to have. I teach and that is enormously good fun parents allow me to have with their little darlings!

Ahh @Fizzysticks this is so sweet. I love the slow days with her.

Today we ‘swam’ in the paddling pool and played puzzle games. It was such a simple but lovely day. It’s not always perfect but it was one of those days where I think I’m so lucky to be present to see these moments.

I was a SAHM to three under one (that’s not a typo). I’m now separated from my husband as he left me a year ago. I am FAR from the woman he met and I regret so much

@Lolamorte this is such a beautiful post, thank you for sharing. What great ideas on painting feet and hands on a roll of wallpaper. I love this. It will be on our summer to do list.

They are 5 & 3 now, the youngest has only ever been in nursery 2 half days a weeks as I work evenings so. I guess I have the best of both worlds. I'm around during the day for them and Dad takes over and does tea, bath and bed. I'm glad you love it and I agree that it's a privilege to be able to spend all that time with your kids, they're only young once.

I am so sorry to hear that @alcoholnightmare Three under one sounds very tough. We have a big age gap (9 years) and I think it really helps although I think when one is at nursery or school it gets easier even if not this big a gap. Life didn’t quite go to plan but we got there….

I hope things get better for you @alcoholnightmare sending strength and good wishes

@Totesmagoats

Thats a really nice balance you’ve got now, definitely the best of both worlds ❤️ I’m thinking two half days or maybe three half days once DD reaches almost three. Will see how it goes

I'm a SAHM to a 2YO and 4month old baby. Absolutely love it. I mean it's hard work, but I can't imagine going back to employment any time soon! Love being with my DC. We are very lucky, like you OP, we can afford to live this way x

SAHM to 3 boys. My 5 year old does start school in the summer and my 3 year old will go to school nursery so I’ll only have one baby each week. My heart ☹️ Time truly flies. Very lucky!!!!

Mine are early 20s now but I was a sahm and loved it.
I was lucky that DH was fully in support. He did so much to help too. I went back to freelance work when the younger one was 8, so was still able to be flexible to work round school hours and holidays.
I have never regretted it, but the early years were definitely my favourite.
Enjoy every minute while you can!

Awe this is lovely. 🥰