Would love to hear from other SAHM. I still feel like I am barely surviving. When does it get better?
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So I only work one day a week which makes me feel like I'm almost a SAHM (and am working notice atm). Mine has been sick recently and waking through the night when she usually sleeps through. It's been about a month and I am despairing so can only imagine how you feel? Screen wise I keep it minimum although it's been more while she's been unwell. Some days it'll be an hour then other days it's none so it balances out. I refuse to feel bad about her watching TV, she loves shows like numberblocks so she's learning, or if she's watching the gruffalo or bluey she tends to wander about and chats to the various animals, she's not just brainwashed she's interacting and enjoying herself. If you're worried about screens have you considered a yoto player or Tonie box? She loves her yoto and it's been a game changer for when I'm busy! When she drops naps I'm going to try doing quiet time with the yoto. We do nursery 4 hours a week and that time is AMAZING for getting shit done.... When she's not sick 😂😭
The days we get out of the house are the easiest. I have a list of indoor and outdoor activities! I've started involving her in housework and making it part of routine e.g always load the dishwasher after breakfast, she used to complain but now she helps, or has her yoto. I found it helpful to tell her what we're going to do when I've finished the task e.g stickers, or ask what she wants to do. She's getting a toy Henry for her birthday cos she loves him and gives him kisses 🤷🏼♀️ On difficult weeks my husband will take her for breakfast alone some mornings. She is very clingy but that's improving. When we're both exhausted as well we use the weekend, he does whatever Friday eve, I get up Saturday then I have Saturday eve and Sunday morning. Then we do stuff together in the afternoons. Hang in there, it will get better but it's different for everyone. I let mine scream when I went to the toilet btw and she's gotten over it now and just shouts "mama pooper" until I'm back😂
I think you need to work on getting baby girl in her own bed so you are both getting a proper night sleep. It might feel impossible but co-sleeping doesn’t sound like it’s working for either of you. I would say for us as we are getting good sleep it’s 90% enjoayble snd 10% challenging (mainly with meals) but I feel as though if you get sleep sorted you will feel so much better . Hang on in there 💙
First of all, I’m sorry you are going through this! It’s not easy at all. I am a SAHM as well and 35 weeks pregnant 🫠 my girl doesn’t attend nursery as well, and is very clingy, wants to be picked up, I have no family around and husband works long hrs so pretty much same situation as you. She sleeps in her cot which has one side down and is attached to my bed. I stopped BF her 3 months ago because it was getting really painful cause of pregnancy and then she started sleeping through most of the time, still sometimes wakes for a cuddle or is looking for me… anyway, getting out of the house every day saves my sanity!! I signed her up to different classes, playgroups, library-we basically have activities 4 days a week. Also I let her help me with housework like emptying the dishwasher,cooking, cleaning…it takes me longer to finish stuff but at least she is not whining and is happy and occupied. Screen time not every day for us but i honestly wouldn’t feel too bad about it, what ever
Helps to get through the day. Also my daughter is not comfortable around other adults too and it’s really hard sometimes. I hope it gets better for us , but then I am having another one soon so I’m 💩 myself how I’m gonna cope😂 I hope things get better for you soon…I truly understand how you feel.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and ideas. It’s so helpful to know I am not the only one. It is definitely easier when we are out.
I’m not a sahm (I couldn’t cope) but I would maybe try nursery or a childminder if you can, once or twice a week. My son goes on a Monday and a Wednesday, and i decided not to work a Wednesday and it’s made such a difference to my mental health. It’s my day to get things done or actually rest. I was really worried about leaving him with a childminder but was surprised how well he settled, his first few days he only went for an hour or so and he did cry and so did I but sometimes before I even got home (5 mins away) I would have a picture of him smiling. He now runs in and doesn’t want to leave and has made all these wee friends so it’s been the best thing for both of us and I was very against sending him so maybe worth a try. X