What do other SAHPs do all day?
I have a 6 month old little boy, and am looking for ideas of things to do with him. I've been in school part-time for the past 4 months, and he wasn't really doing much anyway (besides it was the middle of winter in Manitoba lol). But I'm now done school, and he's getting more and more active, so I'm wondering what other Stay-at-home-parents do all day.
Thanks!
4 Answers
-
Keep him on a regular napping schedule and it will make your life a whole lot easier! Between naps, feed him, play with him, take him on walks, read to him. At 6 months, I switched up activities every 10 minutes or so when we were home. My kids liked taking baths, playing with water in their highchair trays, playing with water outside. We had mobile that they liked watching. Go to the park to watch the dogs run around. Talk to him a lot. Just narrate what you are doing all the time. ("Uh-oh, you spilled some water on the floor. I'm going to go get a rag to wipe it up." etc.) Try to meet other SAHP in your neighborhood so you can have some adult interaction. It gets really lonely when it is just you staring at your baby all day. To help with meeting other parents, start going to the same park at the same time every day and chat with the people you see there who have kids you kid's age.* See if you can start or join a playgroup. At this age, a playgroup is more for you than you kid, but he'll benefit from having a happier dad and eventually he will like socializing with other kids. Don't feel bad taking him along on things you have to do (like get groceries) or things you want to do (like walk down by the marina and look at the boats).
Enjoy the time you have with him.
* "Wow, he sure is cute. How old is he? Is he sleeping through the night? Have you started solids?...."
-
My husband twisted my arm to join a mother's club and playgroup. It was the BEST thing I did when my boys were infants. There were two dads in our playgroup, it was great! Other adults who are doing the same things as you are because you have similar age children is a huge gift to your sanity. Trust me on this.
-
I made a point of one outing a day, even if that outing was to the supermarket. At 6 months, every place is an adventure. Our library has a huge aquarium on one wall and my son likes to watch the fish. They also had a free storytime though, sadly, it only lasted for a few weeks.
I agree with Kristie about finding a parent/child group. You get to meet a lot of other parents and your child gets to socialize. It can be a great place to ask questions, get support and talk to other adults. As your son gets older, the other kids will also be motivation for him. "Hey, how did he grab that toy? I want to play with it too."
Some in-house items you may have never thought would be fun: wrapping paper, magazines (ones you don't intend to read <grin>), tupperware containers, socks, cardboard boxes, cups.
-
I can remember when I felt like the day was nothing more than eat, play, sleep, repeat. And, in some sense, this is what the life of a 6mo old is like.
I think it's easy to get into a routine that doesn't give you the stimulation that you need as an adult, if you're just focusing 100% on the needs of the baby. So, I'd recommend a couple different things:
- Find a nearby park that you like, and you'll meet people there. If you're a Dad, focus on Saturday and Sunday morning, as this is prime "Dad-time" (on weekdays, you'll find a lot more moms at the park.)
- Find some activities that works for both you and the baby. For example, go out to a coffee shop. You'll enjoy yourself, and I think you'll find that your kid will like people watching and eating blueberry muffins. Again, you'll see more dads on weekends, and in general, more dads at coffee shops than at the park.
- Don't be afraid to "pack for the day". For me, this was the biggest leap of faith. Imagine planning to leave the house for the whole day, naps included. What would you bring? What's the minimum? How will things go? At first, it will feel really hard, and you'll come up with a million reasons not to do it (can't refrigerate milk, baby wan't nap well, don't want to bring food, can't pack enough diapers, etc.) But, stick to it, and I think you'll find that it gets easier and easier each time. You don't really have to stay out all day, but having the freedom to go wherever you want without worrying too much about the needs of your child will really help.
- Find a class or two per week to go to. Starting at about 6 months, we started to take our kids to Music Together classes, and really enjoyed the time together. The kids love the music, and you'll meet some other parents as well. At an older age (~18 mos) you can find "gym" or "tumbling" classes that can be pretty fun. Infant swim classes can be fun as well (check your local YMCA)
- Work on doing chores (shopping, cooking, laundry, etc.) when the baby is awake. Don't be afraid to wear your Baby Bjorn around the house! That way, nap time can be "you time" and you don't have to wear yourself down so much.
I second the mom's group recommendation. You may have to try a few to find people you click with, but both you and your child will benefit tons.
- Jason K., May 17, 2010