New here, pulling out hair
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New here, pulling out hair
| Thu, 05-19-2005 - 12:24pm |
Hello, everyone. I may have visited here in the past, but am not sure. Anyway, I have a little issue I need help with. Or I guess a big issue, seeing as it is a daily thing.
I know that I overthink everything, so that's a big part of my problem...but here goes.
I stay at home with my 14 month old son. We live in a little apartment, and my husband works two jobs and goes to school when it's in session. So I am alone a lot. My problem is that I sometimes am at a loss with how to interact with my son, yet allow him enough of his own time. I don't want him watching too much t.v., so I let him watch a 30 minute Baby Einstein, and sometimes Sesame Street. But that's it. I just constantly worry that at any given moment in time, I am not doing right. I feel like he gets so bored. I take him to the park, but he's still small, and it's HOT already here in Texas, so that doesn't last long. There is a play park at the local mall, and we go there sometimes. I just have no idea how to balance my chore time and alone time with his structured play time, independent time, outings, etc. How much of each does he need? Like I said, I overthink everything, so I am constantly worrying. Especially because I have no idea what exactly he needs. I worry that I ignore him, then I worry that I smother him. I worry he doesn't play with other kids enough. (I've already researched several mommy groups in the area, nothing is panning out. Thinking of starting my own, if possible...) I can't think of other places to take him. Again, we were going on walks, but it is already so hot outside, we both just get so miserable. I also miss out on a lot of sleep at night, so when he does nap, I usually do, too. (Maybe not the best idea.) I bought some crafts things for us to do together, and that seems to do okay. But that only takes so much time!!!
How does everyone structure their day? How much play time do you spend with your child, versus play time with himself? How do you organize your chores: cooking, cleaning, etc. And how do you get your alone time? I also want to start to try some writing, but that NEVER happens. Just really desperate for some guidance and ideas. Anything you can offer is more appreciated than you know. I hope I haven't completely rambled and sounded like an idiot!
I know that I overthink everything, so that's a big part of my problem...but here goes.
I stay at home with my 14 month old son. We live in a little apartment, and my husband works two jobs and goes to school when it's in session. So I am alone a lot. My problem is that I sometimes am at a loss with how to interact with my son, yet allow him enough of his own time. I don't want him watching too much t.v., so I let him watch a 30 minute Baby Einstein, and sometimes Sesame Street. But that's it. I just constantly worry that at any given moment in time, I am not doing right. I feel like he gets so bored. I take him to the park, but he's still small, and it's HOT already here in Texas, so that doesn't last long. There is a play park at the local mall, and we go there sometimes. I just have no idea how to balance my chore time and alone time with his structured play time, independent time, outings, etc. How much of each does he need? Like I said, I overthink everything, so I am constantly worrying. Especially because I have no idea what exactly he needs. I worry that I ignore him, then I worry that I smother him. I worry he doesn't play with other kids enough. (I've already researched several mommy groups in the area, nothing is panning out. Thinking of starting my own, if possible...) I can't think of other places to take him. Again, we were going on walks, but it is already so hot outside, we both just get so miserable. I also miss out on a lot of sleep at night, so when he does nap, I usually do, too. (Maybe not the best idea.) I bought some crafts things for us to do together, and that seems to do okay. But that only takes so much time!!!
How does everyone structure their day? How much play time do you spend with your child, versus play time with himself? How do you organize your chores: cooking, cleaning, etc. And how do you get your alone time? I also want to start to try some writing, but that NEVER happens. Just really desperate for some guidance and ideas. Anything you can offer is more appreciated than you know. I hope I haven't completely rambled and sounded like an idiot!

I just want to start of by saying welcome!
Hi and welcome.
I am sorry your having a rough time. I would recommend you start a mommy group, but remember that at your sons age this is mostly for you :) Most babies his age are not ready for parallell play yet (not that he won't benifit from the practice). Just find some easy going moms who know things like, biting and hitting are going to happen at this stage.
As for schedules, well I am just a schedule person but it is not for everyone. When my oldest was small I had a schedule but I would always keep in mind that rules are made to be broken...lol
Children your sons age do not have the best attention span yet so you could schedule some time, maybe 4 10 minute blocks were you have, music time, craft time, large and small motor skills and reading time.
Here is an example schedule (I had this saved in a folder lol)
6:30- Wake time
7:00- Sesame Street and milk
My name is Mel.I have been staying home for 4 years with my two boys, Andrew and Dalton.
I think that so far you are on the right track. Things will fall into place and you will find more to do. He needs his alone time. Use that time to do the things you need to do.
Try joining a moms group for your area. We have some nice ones on IVillage.
Hi!!
We all feel like this I think at some point. My best solution for myself when I start "getting the mommy blues" is get out - and do something, anything or find something to get involved with.
Playgroups are very helpful - nice to know that there are others out there feeling the same thing. If you can't find one, start one.
Corinne
http://corinne.momexecs.net