SAHM's Who Used to be Working Moms, Did You Structure Your Days?

[CurlyT]

Hey there:D I am currently a FT mom who brings my son to daycare each day.

I am planning on being a SAHM next year when we move to Florida. I always daydream of my days filled with raising the kids, taking them to the library for story time, nature trails, and play dates until they are in preschool and then I go back to work PT. (Okay, you can stop laughing now!)

My question is am I dreaming? Since my work days are always so structured with meetings and juggling projects, I always think that I will be able to run my home to a similar degree to the way I structured my work days. For example, on weekends when my son is with us all day, I always have something line up for the day, play date, walks around neighborhood, checking out new playgrounds, shopping with mommy, and etc. We rarely stay at home all day.

How did you adjust to the lifestyle change and do you think you run your home with kids similar to your working days? Will I be singing an entirely different tune when I become a SAHM? :confused:

Thanks ladies!

[Lydia]

T, I just started my career as a SAHM on Monday! I had a very hectic work schedule and had Maddie in daycare from 3 months on. (so for about 2.5 months) I am trying to figure out a routine for us and I think it's going to take a bit since she had a schedule at daycare and obviously it's different now.

Email me, I want to show you pics! Are you still on LJ?

[basketcase]

I'm not quite sure if this is what you're asking, but yes, I do structure my days now that I SAH...it's the only way I can stay sane. The difference now is that I need to be much more *proactive* about structuring, whereas at work everything was structured for me. At work I was used to just doing whatever was put on my desk, kwim? As a SAHM, it's up to ME to structure the day, arrange the playdate, join the playgroups, etc.

I think it's very possible to run your home with the same type of structure, as long as you can be flexible, too. There will be days when your son will wreck havoc on whatever you had "planned" for the day (i.e. won't nap), so you need to go with the flow. But I'm very much in favor of structure and routines. I think it's good for moms and the kiddos, too -- helps them know what to expect each day.

Good luck with your new endeavor!!

[kimthebride]

We have fairly structured days. Kind of by chance at first, but it worked so I went with it.

We have mommy/baby activities 3x a week in the 10:30-1pm timeframe, then usually do something (coffee, lunch, errand) with moms afterward so get home around 4pm. Since his naps & feedings work well around this timeframe, we schedule the other 2 days the same no matter what we're doing: shopping, groceries, visitiing friends/family, movies, relaxing at the park, etc).

Before we go we have tummytime, playtime, reading at home, and when we get home we bookend it with more home play, maybe a Baby Einstein dvd.

Then our walk, bathtime and bedtime routine.

I find he got himself on a schedule, so as long as we stay active in that kind of a timeframe he thrives. On days we lounge about the house, his naps and meals go a bit askew and he's not as happy.

So no, I don't think you are dreaming! :)

[lady1297]

I think it's possible. Just remember, somedays will not have the results you want. I do the same things in the same order. The only varience is when he's having a bad day.

For example:

Up
breakfast
clean up
playtime
nap
Change into clothes for the day
errands
lunch
nap
errands if there are anymore or cleaning
fix dinner
play outside with daddy
dinner
playtime
bath
bed

There are little variences. Errands can be play dates, shopping, visiting Grandma, whatever, but it always occurs after morning naps. And sometimes the naps are longer than other times, so errands maybe shorter or longer. I have a list made up of errands for the week and try to judge early on when I can get the longer ones done. On a shorter nap day, I dont' even try for long errands since I know afternoon nap will have to be earlier. I also allow afternoon nap to be in the car if needed, but try to never have mornign nap anywhere but in his bed. (exception is when we visit great-grandparents who live 2 hours away).

[BTB]

I'm working on (finally!) establishing a this-on-Mondays, that-on-Tuesdays type of structure, and have been happier since - it's nice to look back on the day and feel I've "accomplished" something concrete. :)

[CurlyT]

Thanks so much for your responses! It's good to know that I am not that far off from my expectations. I guess flexibility is key as a SAHM:p I must say I am looking forward to being able to stay at home with the little ones:D

Lydia, you are so fortunate to be able to stay at home with Maddie! That is awesome! I haven't been on LJ is such a long time. I love these boards though, I will be on CC a lot more:D LJ had too many rules! You just have to be logged with CC.

You can email me at curlymommy@yahoo. I would love to see pics!

P.S. How's S doing? Did she get married yet? I would love an update:p


Thanks again ladies!