Do any other SAHMs ever feel like this?

[thrifty gal]

Lately, I have been so down in the dumps. I don't want to do anything. I have housework to do, but I have lost my motivation, and I just feel trapped. Although, dh and I decided it would be for the best for me to stay home until our little girl went to school (and I still feel this way), I just feel so bored. You can only clean the house so many times, and lately I don't even want to do that.

I have gained weight, and I feel icky. I am so sad. I need some excitement or ANYTHING!!

And, then I get so irritated with my mil who is so together. I'm sure she has her off days, but you can never tell it! She works 2 jobs, always looks great, is constantly working on something, and if I just get the laundry caught up I feel like I'm doing good.

Thanks for letting me whine.

[PrairieRose]

Jennifer what you're going through is very common. You need to get out of the house, get some sunshine and exercise, be around other adults. We tend to get depressed when we are at home with only the children all the time. You need some stimulation. Just do something, anything outside. Wash the car, sweep the driveway.....it will make you feel better afterward.

[forestdale]

Hi thriftygal.

I'm sorry you're feeling down, it's something we all go through. You will always have periods when you feel that nothing is right, just remember that those times pass.

If you've made the decision to stay home with your child and you're okay with the decision, then do some motivational reading to try to boost your mood. There are plenty of threads here at FV that motivate me to do housework and even to start craft projects. This was a huge change for me and I'm loving it. I also love Martha Stewart's site and a few others. Surf through our threads here that reflect your interests or the housework you have to do and see if that helps. It might also help to organise yourself with a written housework program.

[kimmee]

when I went stir crazy I joined a tennis group and later a Volleyball team and finally a bowling team - all of which I could bring my kids too. You just need to figure out what you might be interested in and then get out and find it. Try something new - there are craft classes at Michaels, quilting groups at local fabric stores, pottery groups, oh and MOPS which might be perfect for you at some local church!!

[handmerounds]

Hi! I am also a stay at home mom. I know exactly how you're feeling. I'm new here, but just since I've been at this site I clicked on a link to www.lainesletters.com . She has really motivated me!! I have seen a big difference just since reading her letter's. Give it a try! Also, I am taking a class this semester on children's literature. I also sell on ebay, which has really been a positive factor. It gives me an opportunity to bring in some money and it keeps me busy. I pick up nice things like brand name clothing, books, etc at yard sales and resell. I have two toddlers so now its harder for me to go and take two. Before I'd put my baby in the stroller and my daughter would just find the toys. Anyway, I've managed to make a little money by doing that and just cleaning out the clutter in my house. I've found too that the less junk I have around the easier it is to clean.

I Love this website, it has really been a blessing in my life along with Laines Letters. Good luck and hang in there!!!

[guest2]

Sweetie

I think we can all relate to what you are feeling. I think you have gotten some great advice here already. Try to remember that your child is getting the best care she can from her Mommy who is willing to sacrifice to be home with her.

Take some time today to just play with your daughter. Get silly, dance and sing off key! My kids all loved when I did this with them.

[Michelle]

I feel the same way. Some days are really bad, especially lately because the kids haven't been sleeping through the night, and I've been really tired.

Other days are pretty good, and I wonder how I could have ever felt down before.

The best thing for me to do is to just get up and do *something*, *anything*, and then I feel much better. I find that the more I do during the day, the better I feel in general.

I hope you feel better soon. Just know that you are definitely not alone

[Darlene]

Yep, I still have days like that.Sometimes it helps me to think of being Mom & taking care of the house as my job and an important one at that. Like some of the other ladies have suggested get out of the house for a bit, take a walk, visit the library, volunteer. Parks are great places to meet other Moms who are doing the same thing you are.
Don't let your Mil fool ya, she's not all that.
You are doing great even on the days when only the laundry gets done. Hang in there!!

[pip]

I DO know what you are talking about. It's really hard to stay motivated and get things done during the day, especially because running a home consists of doing the same things over and over and things don't stay a certain way after you've completed them. It all has to be done again and again. I'm rambling, I know. I, too, find that if I can just do something, anything, it gets me moving to do other things.
I'm in that same kind of rut right now. I did sign up for a community ed. yoga class and I try to walk on the treadmill 4-5 times a week, which helps my energy level. Maybe I need to check out flylady.net again. That is a helpful website you might want to look at, too.
I wish you the best. Try not to be too hard on yourself. You are a person of worth, even if your house is not super clean.

[pita1213]

are you near a mall? no, not to go shopping but some of teh malls have mallwalker programs in the morning that might help ya meet other SAHMs. it would at least get you out of the house on rainy, cold days when you can't walk outside.
if you belong to a church, you could see what mother's groups they have or women's groups too. most have a nursery for those with kids. sometimes the library will have groups that meet there, or if ya have a community center near by, they may have a class you'd like to take.
but you aren't alone in your feelings

[DaisyLady]

As a sahm of going on 17 years(except for 2/12 years on the night shift while my hubby looked after the homefront) I have to admit that it is not always a bed of roses. The other ladies here have excellent advice. You need to find an outside activity, something just for you. Also don't forget to make time for you and your spouse. Yup, that's right...Date Night

[pkellyc]

Funny, I remember working and feeling the same way. I felt trapped, bored and tired all the time. I came home and could barely get supper on the table, the kids bathed and ready for bed. I felt if I was missing all the important things in life. Try a change in your routine, get in touch with someone you have lost touch with. Focus on the seasons. Do something for just you, and do not feel guilty! We do need food for the soul sometimes, it makes us a better mothers. a better wives and a better friends.

P.S. don't sweat the small stuff. I don't know about your house but in my house the housework is always there the next day.

[thrifty gal]

Thanks for all the great advice!! I am feeling a ton better since I posted this. The next night me and my best friend went Christmas shopping without any children and hubbies. We had a blast! Also, my dh did the sweetest thing for me. He bought me roses, and Tim Mcgraw's new cd just to cheer me up.

[pip]

[simplemom]

I'm so happy you're feeling better, Jennifer. and I do know what you're going through....There were some days I felt like this, too when the boys were young....and even now and then it happens. Just remember to take very special care of yourself. It's a big job being a mom.