Stay at home parent issues

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm struggling coping with staying home to care for my two children
(one is an infant, the other a toddler). My identity was so wrapped
up in my job as a teacher that I am really having problems
adjusting to changing diapers all day long. I adore my children and
want to do what is best for our CF infant (who is currently
asymptomatic and per our doctors our primary responsibility is just
keeping her well this first year to build up her immune system),
but I am feeling rather overwhelmed with the change and somewhat
depressed.<br>
<br>
Does anyone out there have some good coping strategies? I'm working
on my masters but that is the only real intellectual stimulation I
get beyond the conversations with my husband and the play group
moms (but most of them have always been a stay at home mom and
haven't made the transition from working outside the home to
staying home so they don't identify with where I am coming
from).<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm struggling coping with staying home to care for my two children
(one is an infant, the other a toddler). My identity was so wrapped
up in my job as a teacher that I am really having problems
adjusting to changing diapers all day long. I adore my children and
want to do what is best for our CF infant (who is currently
asymptomatic and per our doctors our primary responsibility is just
keeping her well this first year to build up her immune system),
but I am feeling rather overwhelmed with the change and somewhat
depressed.<br>
<br>
Does anyone out there have some good coping strategies? I'm working
on my masters but that is the only real intellectual stimulation I
get beyond the conversations with my husband and the play group
moms (but most of them have always been a stay at home mom and
haven't made the transition from working outside the home to
staying home so they don't identify with where I am coming
from).<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm struggling coping with staying home to care for my two children
(one is an infant, the other a toddler). My identity was so wrapped
up in my job as a teacher that I am really having problems
adjusting to changing diapers all day long. I adore my children and
want to do what is best for our CF infant (who is currently
asymptomatic and per our doctors our primary responsibility is just
keeping her well this first year to build up her immune system),
but I am feeling rather overwhelmed with the change and somewhat
depressed.<br>
<br>
Does anyone out there have some good coping strategies? I'm working
on my masters but that is the only real intellectual stimulation I
get beyond the conversations with my husband and the play group
moms (but most of them have always been a stay at home mom and
haven't made the transition from working outside the home to
staying home so they don't identify with where I am coming
from).<br>
<br>
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[welshgirl]

get out and about even if it's just for a walk, you go nuts otherwise<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[welshgirl]

get out and about even if it's just for a walk, you go nuts otherwise<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[welshgirl]

get out and about even if it's just for a walk, you go nuts otherwise<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

I dont have much help. My brain has most definitely turned to mush. Even when my hubby gets home I cant seem to kick into adult topic mode. Some days are better then others, but I feel stuck. I am afraid to commit to anything as far as volunteer work because of overdoing even if I dont think I am & of course actually working isnt really an optioin anymore. So here I sit. Although I have thought of taking some stude courses just to use my brain a bit more. I am not much of a help, but I just want you to know you are not a lone. It was hardest when I first stopped working.

 

[JazzysMom]

I dont have much help. My brain has most definitely turned to mush. Even when my hubby gets home I cant seem to kick into adult topic mode. Some days are better then others, but I feel stuck. I am afraid to commit to anything as far as volunteer work because of overdoing even if I dont think I am & of course actually working isnt really an optioin anymore. So here I sit. Although I have thought of taking some stude courses just to use my brain a bit more. I am not much of a help, but I just want you to know you are not a lone. It was hardest when I first stopped working.

 

[JazzysMom]

I dont have much help. My brain has most definitely turned to mush. Even when my hubby gets home I cant seem to kick into adult topic mode. Some days are better then others, but I feel stuck. I am afraid to commit to anything as far as volunteer work because of overdoing even if I dont think I am & of course actually working isnt really an optioin anymore. So here I sit. Although I have thought of taking some stude courses just to use my brain a bit more. I am not much of a help, but I just want you to know you are not a lone. It was hardest when I first stopped working.

 

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only person that feels this way.
<br>
<br>
It is amazing to me how people look at you once you decide to stay
at home. I "hear" rumors that family members are talking
about "what potential" I had in the work world and that
it is a shame that I have let myself be roped into staying at home.
Ugh. Ultimately, I have to do what is right for my child and if
both children can benefit, yea! Now, the hard part is keeping me
sane and getting some time to myself.<br>
<br>
Off to put the toddler back in bed...again...for her nap.<br>
<br>
Anne

 

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only person that feels this way.
<br>
<br>
It is amazing to me how people look at you once you decide to stay
at home. I "hear" rumors that family members are talking
about "what potential" I had in the work world and that
it is a shame that I have let myself be roped into staying at home.
Ugh. Ultimately, I have to do what is right for my child and if
both children can benefit, yea! Now, the hard part is keeping me
sane and getting some time to myself.<br>
<br>
Off to put the toddler back in bed...again...for her nap.<br>
<br>
Anne

 

[lemonstolemonade]

I'm glad to know that I'm not the only person that feels this way.
<br>
<br>
It is amazing to me how people look at you once you decide to stay
at home. I "hear" rumors that family members are talking
about "what potential" I had in the work world and that
it is a shame that I have let myself be roped into staying at home.
Ugh. Ultimately, I have to do what is right for my child and if
both children can benefit, yea! Now, the hard part is keeping me
sane and getting some time to myself.<br>
<br>
Off to put the toddler back in bed...again...for her nap.<br>
<br>
Anne

 

[dyza]

If family members are saying 'what potential' you have then maybe you still have that potential.
Have you considered working from home, dont know if it could fit around your previous employment, but if you had that potential, then I'm sure you could find suitable employment.

 

[dyza]

If family members are saying 'what potential' you have then maybe you still have that potential.
Have you considered working from home, dont know if it could fit around your previous employment, but if you had that potential, then I'm sure you could find suitable employment.

 

[dyza]

If family members are saying 'what potential' you have then maybe you still have that potential.
Have you considered working from home, dont know if it could fit around your previous employment, but if you had that potential, then I'm sure you could find suitable employment.

 

[kayleesgrandma]

You definitely need to get out and mingle at places where there are other adults. Our library here offers bookclub events, (these are offered at night), so you could maybe have hubby babysit. We also have what is called Adult Community Education here where classes are offered to teach you everything from bellydancing to photography. I babysat with other kids while my children were young, so I know how you feel. Wish I had had a computer back then. . . Good luck in keeping your sanity, and remember your truly are doing what's best for you and your kids in this situation.

 

[kayleesgrandma]

You definitely need to get out and mingle at places where there are other adults. Our library here offers bookclub events, (these are offered at night), so you could maybe have hubby babysit. We also have what is called Adult Community Education here where classes are offered to teach you everything from bellydancing to photography. I babysat with other kids while my children were young, so I know how you feel. Wish I had had a computer back then. . . Good luck in keeping your sanity, and remember your truly are doing what's best for you and your kids in this situation.

 

[kayleesgrandma]

You definitely need to get out and mingle at places where there are other adults. Our library here offers bookclub events, (these are offered at night), so you could maybe have hubby babysit. We also have what is called Adult Community Education here where classes are offered to teach you everything from bellydancing to photography. I babysat with other kids while my children were young, so I know how you feel. Wish I had had a computer back then. . . Good luck in keeping your sanity, and remember your truly are doing what's best for you and your kids in this situation.