SAHMs of School-Aged Children

What do you do all day?

If we stay in NY, most likely I will be a SAHM. DD will be in KG next year full-time and I would continue to send DS to pre-school full-time.

What would I do with myself all day long? Please don't say clean!

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Well, I have another year or two before I'm in this position, but my basic answer is "anything I want"

I haven't had time to myself in 5 years now, lol. I plan to get chores and errands done during that time so I don't have to drag the kids to stores or do the cleaning during evenings/weekends like I currently do. I also plan to step up my workout routine, since that's what always falls to the bottom of the priority list right now, and be involved in my kids' school. It will be nice to have options and flexibility.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I still have another year until they are both in school full time, but I'm a Daisy scout leader which can be time consuming and I'm getting more involved with the PTA. Right now I'm chairing one committee, helping out with another, joined a steering committee on the district level that's starting up in a few weeks, and have volunteered for 2 more PTA committees and class mom for next year.

Right now I have about 2 hours totally kid free so I do grocery shopping, dry cleaning and some of the housework then since it's just easier when they aren't underfoot. And go to breakfast and gossip with other SAHMs, lol.

When they are in school full time I plan to volunteer with a few local charities as well.

I know a few FT SAHMs who volunteer to be lunch monitors.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I just started working more now but I used to do things I wanted to do.

Aside taking care of the house, I could try new recipes, go to the bead store and spend HOURS browsing around.

It was more "dangerous" for the wallet. I would end up at the mall all the time.

But essentially I loved having time for myself. I could catch up on my TV shows, nap, play with my dogs outside, do crafts, take care of all the pics on my computer, etc... and essentially never feel "rushed" to do what I wanted to do.

I also started riding (horses) again.

I do my garden, etc...

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Bon bons and Oprah of course!

For the first month, I might acutally do that since it wont happen for another 5 years, so buy then it might actually be Oprah and martinis for a month!

All the things I do now, minus the kids around...grocery shopping, clean, etc. Work at my business during the day, not at night anymore. Get rid of my flab by going to the gym by myslef. And a few lunches with friends where no one at the table orders chicken fingers, chocoalte milk and mandarin oranges!

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

The last few weeks, I haven't really been working so I have been in this role. I am so freakin bored!

I mean it is great I get all my chores and stuff done, but I've always had a job, so I feel useless.

I didn't think of getting involved with DD and school next year.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Ahhh... I can't wait until that day. I'd definitely catch up on house projects or errands, go to the gym without kids in tow, do some volunteer work. There are so many projects I'd like to take on but can't because of the time I have to dedicate to the kids.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I have been home for 2 years but will be returning to work soon. I have been in the "traditional role of housewife" taking care of the house, volunteering in the PTA, Cub Scouts and a little bit in Church. Before I know it its 3:45, DS is home and we start homework and his after school activities. I don't know how I am going to work everything in when I start working again. I don't want to give anything up - well actually I wouldn't mind giving up housework .

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Posted by computergirl

Posted by MrsSchwags

I mean it is great I get all my chores and stuff done, but I've always had a job, so I feel useless.

I cannot WAIT till the day I can feel useless for a few hours I worked all through college, then I worked a full time job, did freelance work on the side, and went to grad school at night all at the same time. I commuted to the city till the day I had DC#1. I have been a 24/7 slave to the kiddoes for the past 5 years. Being useful is SO overrated, lol!!!

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I am curious too bc my youngest is going to K in Sept and it will be hours. I cannot imagine what I will do all day so probably go back to school or something. I don't think I'm ready to go back to work in the city, which is really where I'd have to go to be employed as I was before having kids. Luxury problem I guess so I'm not complaining but I haven't completely addressed it in my mind yet.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I'm a WAHM with a really flexible schedule.
My youngest DD will be going to preschool everyday next year - My other DD will be in 1st grade.

All I want to do is read a book.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Play a lot of tennis!

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

GTL....like Jershey Shore No seriously I can't wait to workout during the day when they are in school! Food shop, chores etc. That's enough to keep you busy til late afternoon.

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

I started working again PT when the kids were both in school for most of the day. I loved being back to making some money and yet having the flexibility to be home when the kids were home too.

Then I realized I went from having no time to my self b/c of the kids, to having no time to myself b/c of work

I would love to arrange my schedule next September for the new school year to work only 3 days/week. That would leave me time to:

grocery shop
get my eyebrows, hair, nails, done, etc.
do laundry so it doesn't pile up for the weekend
cook better planned meals
keep up with the house work
join a gym
catch up on my DVR
volunteer more at the school (lunch or playground mom)
re-do the painting in my bathroom and bedroom!

So many things I could think of! I'd never be bored! And the time goes fast!

Re: SAHMs of School-Aged Children

Lauren is in 1st and Audrina is in a 2day pre-school. I am both school boards plus I volunteer as room mom for each school. Errands, Bills, Cook,Clean,Drop off kids at school, pick kids at school, dance practice 2-3x a week. School functions weekly. Take IL's to dr. appt's amoungst my own. Working on fundraisers for the schools which entails knocking on doors most days when it's planning mode. idk, I'm the damn car all day long running around here and there.
Usually have kids friends over as well.

ETA: I squeeze in a work out everyday as well.

Message edited 3/11/2011 3:39:37 PM.