Any suggestions for stay-at-home parents who are "bored" with being home?

1. 73

   breathe2travelposted 12 years ago

   Any suggestions for stay-at-home parents who are "bored" with being home?
   
   Repetitive daily chores, children who need attention almost every waking moment (between all of them, not just one child all day long) and no vehicle for travel can lead to b-o-r-e-d-o-m.  How many times can you: play hide-and-seek, bake, make crafts, fold clothes, wash dishes and prepare meals and snacks before you're ready for a break in the monotony?  Any suggestions for parents who desire to enrich their children's childhood, but seriously need an unavailable break?

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2. 84

   Melis Annposted 12 years ago

   Try swapping with a neighbor or friend ~ watch their kids for a couple hours and then have them watch yours. Getting a break from the routine would give you an energy boost and fresh outlook on the daily repetition.

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3. 93

   peeplesposted 12 years ago

   Garden. If the kids are old enough to help put them at one end of the garden and you work at the other end. Another option is quiet time. I make my boys play in their room for 30 minutes each day when they are home and reward them if they do well. Usually I use this time to clean up but sometimes I just blast a cd and relax. I'm a work at home mom though so boredom usually doesn't happen. However feeling like I haven't had a real conversation does. Getting out doesn't usally do much for me when I know I will have to come back to the same thing. I love it but it is mentally draining.

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4. 73

   fitmomposted 12 years ago

   I've definitely had those moments. I've always thrived on being stimulated intellectually. I love to learn and grow. Being a mom has definitely provided plenty of learning and growth, but the repetitive duties make it boring.
   
   When my first child was just over a year, I started a consulting job from home that provided stimulation for my mind and was also a social avenue for me. It fulfilled these needs and was also something that I was passionate about- health and wellness.
   
   Also, chatting with other grown-ups and socializing is key. I love my children, but I do need some time to converse with adults. Even having a play date with another mom can achieve this and let your kids socialize with other kids as well.

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5. 79

   Moon Daisyposted 12 years ago

   Do you have any playgroups near to you?  Around here there are several run by local churches (although they're non-religious!).  They are either free or just cost a pound or two.  They broke the monotony of being at home, my child got to socialise with other children, and I met loads of lovely friends, who are still amongst my best friends now.  There are usually also free activities at libraries and some local baby clinics.
   
   If there is nothing like that near you, maybe you can make your own.  It doesn't have to be large-scale, you can just take it in turns with friends to have everyone round to your home.  The kids will love playing with other children's toys, as they are always more exciting than their own!  And you can relax (up to a certain point..), have a coffee and talk to other grown-ups.
   
   Other than this there are usually singing groups, which the children love.  And going to playgrounds, if the weather is good.  (Or even if it is not).  If there are no playgrounds near you, how about going walking?  You could turn it into an adventure or a treasure hunt, asking them to find things on the way, like a leaf, a feather, or a stone.  Biking or scooting anywhere is pretty much an adventure when you're little.

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