SAHM= Insane
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SAHM= Insane
| Thu, 04-20-2006 - 11:56am |
Anyone else? I feel like my job of SAHM is totally insane. It's harder than any office job I've ever had. No breaks, no help, lots of isolation.
I have 2 year old twins and the only help is my husband who works very hard. He's so crazed he's near breaking down. I'm so exhausted from all the reading, playing on the floor I'm too tired to do anything for myself. Much less field trips, cleaning and cooking! Tight budget not allowing for vacation or much help.
I'd love to hear from other moms and dads who feel like a nervous breakdown is around the corner.
Thanks!

Hi,
Oh boy! Is there any way at all you could get a sitter or friend for just a few hours? You need a break! A few hours to yourself to totally indulge. Do your kids still nap. My son is 2 and during his afternoon nap - I do NOTHING except read, watch TV, eat chocolate and even take the occasional nap myself. This is the perfect break I need from the daily chaos. Also, join some mommy groups - get some adult conversation back in your life. That totally helps. Look on-line for a mom and tot group near you.
Tight budget - me too. But its summer now. Take the kids to the park and let them get dirty and play while you sit on a blanket and try to take a few deep breaths.
Can you afford a mini-vacation. One night somewhere in your city? If not, how about a day trip to a local attraction?
Hope things get calmer soon for you. Take care of yourself!
Josee
Julie
Hi Josee:
Thanks, I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who still naps!
Believe me, I've thought about all the ideas you have given. They aren't in the cards right now. The girls are in a stage where they just run off and they require tons of supervision. It's too exhausting to take them by myself. I actually took them to the store the other day and I had become the mom I always felt sorry for. It took me over an hour just to pick up one thing and a stranger had to actually help me with the girls so I could pay. They were systematically dismantling an entire display!
We play out in the yard (baby pool) sometimes... it's very hot out, 90 or so already. Outdoor activities are no fun when it's that warm for us.
I've tried some play groups and am totally disenchanted. The moms don't seem to share values that I do. They don't pay much attention to the kids interaction with one another. Some kids act aggressive or they always want to have lunch at McDonalds. We just don't really mesh... I'm always surprised by how little attention they seem to pay to their kids. I can't tell you how often kids come up and introduce themselves to me, or sit on my lap with no parent in sight. I can't believe they can just wander up to a stranger like that. I think that must be my issue sometimes. Perhaps I just care more than lots of parents which makes my job that much harder.
I do have a sitter once a week for a few hours, which is so expensive. I'm lucky to get anyone for $10 an hour, most in the area will easily pay upwards of $20 an hour. By the time I've showered and run a few errands my time is up. It can wind up costing an easy $100 for my DH and I to have dinner and a movie after paying plus the sitter fees.
The only family around are grandparents who keep themselves very distanced. They've only offered to watch the girls once so we could have a date (in over 2 years) ! Don't even get me started there girl!!!!
I know this totally is all just a phase and it will get better. I just need to hear from some other moms who are feeling the same. It always helps to know you aren't totally alone.
Truly a Desperate Housewife!
Hello! Mom of twin 5 year olds here. I also have a 7 year old. It does get better. I found that at about 3 and a half the twins got better at playing with each other and needed me less. Also, as they get older, it's easier to take them out on errands.
Hang in there! It will get better!
Erin
Hi, I don't have twins but I have been a preschool teacher with a large group of kids all the same age. I have found that the more structure and routine you have with this age...the easier things seem to go. If you don't have one already you might want to have a schedule. Schedule breakfast, craft time, outdoor time, tv time lunch time ect and nap time. Being