hello from a frazzled stay at home mom

I went back to college last semester, 16 hours (5 classes). Missed my three children terribly (ages 2-7) and decided that I probably would never work outside the home as long as I had children there. The socialization was fun, though. But it was just two days a week. How on earth would I handle working full time? I had always planned on returning to work, but that one semester totally changed my mind.

I was missing a life, too. Then I realized that this IS my life! It's not what I had before, or what I had dreamed it would be, but I love it now and wouldn't change it. Sorta a "don't know what you got til it's gone" type of thing. But I realized it before it was gone.

You are one smart lady Jenny. I still admire your decision, though I was a bit surprised.

Kim, I can empathize with you. I work PT now, but am contemplating FT next school year. My kids will be in 1st and 3rd grades then. It is a tough decision.

Andrea

Wanting to best and the most for your kids but also wanting the best and most for yourself.....or at least SOMETHING for yourself. I have been there and would say am there at the moment. What is it with difficult 4 yr olds? I live with one also. He is a strong personality and easily frustrated so that most things are an explosion! Especially b/w he and DH! I am not sure how old your other ones are and these are just suggestions.....maybe a little time apart for you two.........she can be in preschool a couple of times a week and you taking that time to TOTALLY do something for yourself. Not the regular mommy thinking of "I have a couple of hours, I need to do this and this and that and this......" But really taking that time for YOU! Like I said I am not sure the ages of your other kids and how that would work but seems like you just need a breather! To get your head straight and take a deep breath from mommyhood!

Just know we are here and you are welcome to vent. We are in this together!!!

You will be in my thoughts!

Jana

I think how easy it would be to leave the house in the morning and not think about the dirty dishes, clothes and leaking faucets. I daydream about wearing sophisticated clothes, and wowing folks with my elequent speech and ideas. Then I realize, the dirty clothes, dishes and leaky faucet will still be there when I get home. I look at how quickly my kids change now in a day(I have 4), and shake off that nitemare!
I love being at home, we worked hard so that I could do this. Once the kids are in school, I will go back to a volunteer job, but my days in the work force are over. Thank goodness!
AnneP.
A child enters your home and makes so much noise you can hardly stand it--then departs, leaving the house so quiet you think you'll go mad. -Dr. J.A. Holmes

I stayed at home for awhile with my first, and had to return to workfor our medical insurance. When I had my son 2 1/2 years later, I did stay at home full time. I was always lucky enough to have family close by and they babysat. I worked 3 days a week, one day she would be with my mom, one day my mother-in-law, and one day with my grandparents. It was such a perfect soloution, and I realize how blessed I was to have them. My third was born 5 1/2 years later, and again I stayed home. Having been on both sides of the fence, and after talking to hundreds of moms over the years, (I am a hairstylist), I truly feel if you can work just part time its great! It gets you out of the house, gives you and the kids a break from each other, and you feel like you are contributing to the family finances. While your kids are with another person, it gives them a chance for change. They get the opportunity to interact with someone other than "MOM". After a few hours away, I would return home revived, and ready to tackle those dishes and laundry! I am the type of person who, the less time I have, the more I can accomplish. If I am home all day, it seems nothing gets done. With working a few hours, I have to be more organized. How 'bout other moms? Libby