Pure Parents

Question:

Yes, thanks, I just went to a story time today, those are great, but only 1/2 hour. Filling up a whole day with a toddler is tough AND hoping to have adult conversation. I’m seriously considering going back to school this year. Laura

Response:

Thanks for the information about FEMALE, I am asking starting the Central Florida chapter with someone else. It is a great organization, we need to get it off the ground so right now we haven’t developed playgroups yet. Laura

Response:

I can certainly sympathize with you!  I am a teacher, so am a sahm for 3 months of the year and by August I really *need* to go back to work. Right now I am on maternity leave until 10/4–so that make 4 solids months of being "mommie" and, although I love my family, I am screaming.  I just get so sick of housework, etc.  I do work on school stuff at home, but that is not real fun because it isn’t very convenient.  I also get time away (another great dh)–but not enough talking to other grown-ups about stuff that uses my brain. In October I am going back to work and my dh is becoming a stay-at-home-dad–his temperment is much better suited to that.  SO–at least this is only temporary! BTW–kindermusik until they are 3 is for parents and children together.  I really enjoyed it, but you get to sing the fun songs right along with the kids. kendra mom to cody, 6 on Saturday; josie, 22 months; and patrick, brand new

Response:

Have you tried story time at your local library? Also religious activities(usually have nursery)may be of some help. J – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Could some of you tell me if I’m nuts and what you all suggest. I am in the > category of someone (post professional corporate america drop out, home 3 > months maternity leave, back to work 6 months part time, now staying at home > full time since Jan. 99). > I have had my daughter in a playgroup since 7 weeks, once a week, I can go to > the local wellness center and workout (on my own as most group classes are > later or early to accomodate working people), they have a wonderful nursery > there…I get out at night if I need to (wonderful husband)..but my problem is > ….. > I AM MISERABLE 2 or 3 days a week when I am not with friends (1-2 days a week I > can guarantee adult contact, the rest, I’m on my own). > I need 3 things that make staying at home tolerable…..2 of them I have….. > 1) Napping daughter (she’s a great sleeper most days) > 2) Doing something to use my brain (I started the Orlando chapter of a national > not for profit mom support group…I’m in Orlando so anyone interested email > me) > 3) I get alot of adult stimulation…this is the tough one I know alot of > people but…my playgroup friends are all doing there "own" thing, either with > family, other playgroups, or content at home….I am not a content at home > mom…I go nutty 3-4 hours in a row at home trying to entertain my > daughter..only one section of our house is really baby proof, although big, > that’s where we are "stuck" if we stay at home….other friends are working or > live farther away….Videos entertain her but I hate to have videos on all day, > and I do love to play/read with her, but not hours in a row……. > I’m looking into Kindermusik, activity classes, AND am already in Parents Day > out 2x a week (well my daughter is) and I use this time to work or get > online…. > Am I crazy or just in continous transition..I am not really happy anymore…..I > don’t want to go back to work (we had a nanny and I just don’t want to leave my > baby again for THAT long, a break here in there okay, and I’m burnt out on what > I was doing at work)……A friend of mine says people would "kill" to be in my > shoes….yes, I’ve heard this, and know this..but some of us are not cut out to > be happy and smiling staying home 7 days a week? Do all you stay at home moms > get out with adults alot or do you find contentment at home? If you find my > computer is in a room that I can only use when my daughter (17 mos) is napping, > as it’s our "office:, I’m getting desperate and seriously considering finding a > babysitter so I can take a class one day a week to see adults and discuss > things..use my brain again. The daytime hours are the problem, not the > nighttime. I love my family time and really don’t need so much of a "break" at > night, I need a "break" during the day……Anyone in Orlando please > advise…I’m already in Moms Club, and starting another moms group but it will > be sometime before that gets going…..any other groups going that include mom > and tots?? or a program that allows you bring your kids while they are watched > in another room close to you, and you can have "big person time", ie. book > clubs, discussion groups etc?????? > I’m not a stay at home mom  and I’m not a working mom? What am I????? Does > anyone else out there fit this description? I feel like I am the ONLY one AND > that this is a very strange mix of not enjoying staying at home, not enjoying > working (and leaving my child 25 hours a week like I was). > Sanity? Suggestions? Others out there like me?? > Thank you!!! and p.s. any orlando moms email me if you want info on the mom and > tot group, I’ll email you my recent press release and meeting info (sept. 15th, > 7-9pm) > p.p.s. what are good sources to find GREAT, reliable, CPR certified babysitters > besides your friends (my friends have sitters that are REALLY busy already)

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Response:

You are not crazy!  You are used to being a corporate busy person.  Have you thought about starting your own business from home?  Or volunteering part-time at a library or anything along those lines.  I know that when I was at home all the time I was about to go bonkers!  But then I started my own business (which made absolutely NO money, but I had fun and it gave me something to do and I was above all…HAPPY!), of course now I am working full-time again but there is no way I could stay at home all day without working some. Take heart…you’re not loco! Good luck! Annie Single Parent Support Group www.SingleParents.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Could some of you tell me if I’m nuts and what you all suggest. I am in the > category of someone (post professional corporate america drop out, home 3 > months maternity leave, back to work 6 months part time, now staying at home > full time since Jan. 99). > I have had my daughter in a playgroup since 7 weeks, once a week, I can go to > the local wellness center and workout (on my own as most group classes are > later or early to accomodate working people), they have a wonderful nursery > there…I get out at night if I need to (wonderful husband)..but my problem is > ….. > I AM MISERABLE 2 or 3 days a week when I am not with friends (1-2 days a week I > can guarantee adult contact, the rest, I’m on my own). > I need 3 things that make staying at home tolerable…..2 of them I have….. > 1) Napping daughter (she’s a great sleeper most days) > 2) Doing something to use my brain (I started the Orlando chapter of a national > not for profit mom support group…I’m in Orlando so anyone interested email > me) > 3) I get alot of adult stimulation…this is the tough one I know alot of > people but…my playgroup friends are all doing there "own" thing, either with > family, other playgroups, or content at home….I am not a content at home > mom…I go nutty 3-4 hours in a row at home trying to entertain my > daughter..only one section of our house is really baby proof, although big, > that’s where we are "stuck" if we stay at home….other friends are working or > live farther away….Videos entertain her but I hate to have videos on all day, > and I do love to play/read with her, but not hours in a row……. > I’m looking into Kindermusik, activity classes, AND am already in Parents Day > out 2x a week (well my daughter is) and I use this time to work or get > online…. > Am I crazy or just in continous transition..I am not really happy anymore…..I > don’t want to go back to work (we had a nanny and I just don’t want to leave my > baby again for THAT long, a break here in there okay, and I’m burnt out on what > I was doing at work)……A friend of mine says people would "kill" to be in my > shoes….yes, I’ve heard this, and know this..but some of us are not cut out to > be happy and smiling staying home 7 days a week? Do all you stay at home moms > get out with adults alot or do you find contentment at home? If you find > computer is in a room that I can only use when my daughter (17 mos) is napping, > as it’s our "office:, I’m getting desperate and seriously considering finding a > babysitter so I can take a class one day a week to see adults and discuss > things..use my brain again. The daytime hours are the problem, not the > nighttime. I love my family time and really don’t need so much of a "break" at > night, I need a "break" during the day……Anyone in Orlando please > advise…I’m already in Moms Club, and starting another moms group but it will > be sometime before that gets going…..any other groups going that include mom > and tots?? or a program that allows you bring your kids while they are watched > in another room close to you, and you can have "big person time", ie. book > clubs, discussion groups etc?????? > I’m not a stay at home mom  and I’m not a working mom? What am I????? Does > anyone else out there fit this description? I feel like I am the ONLY one AND > that this is a very strange mix of not enjoying staying at home, not enjoying > working (and leaving my child 25 hours a week like I was). > Sanity? Suggestions? Others out there like me?? > Thank you!!! and p.s. any orlando moms email me if you want info on the mom and > tot group, I’ll email you my recent press release and meeting info (sept. 15th, > 7-9pm) > p.p.s. what are good sources to find GREAT, reliable, CPR certified babysitters > besides your friends (my friends have sitters that are REALLY busy already)

Response:

Check out Mothers Centers at www.motherscenter.org Heidi

Response:

You might want to check and see whether there is a local branch of FEMALE (Formerly Employed Mothers at the Leading Edge (or at Loose Ends)). You sound like they might suit you–they’re basically women who have chosen to stay home with their kids, but they’re very open about the fact that its not easy. I joined and have gone to several meetings here, and they’re all very nice. I don’t go often, mostly because I’m not feeling so stressed anymore, and they’re not very close–plus my son is in preschool in the a.m. so I get a break, and that’s when most of their playgroups are scheduled. They have twice-a-month KIDLESS meetings, at least our branch does, and they have a discussion topic each time, then they hit the local coffee house for chat/vent time. Their website is: http://www.femalehome.org/female.htm I just glanced at it, there are seven branches in Florida, but I don’t know the state, so no idea if any are in/around Orlando. Good luck–and there are lots of people out there who don’t think its easy. Try to find the balance that works for you–it may be just some variation of what you’re trying now. Becky – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Could some of you tell me if I’m nuts and what you all suggest. I am in the >category of someone (post professional corporate america drop out, home 3 >months maternity leave, back to work 6 months part time, now staying at home >full time since Jan. 99). >I have had my daughter in a playgroup since 7 weeks, once a week, I can go to >the local wellness center and workout (on my own as most group classes are >later or early to accomodate working people), they have a wonderful nursery >there…I get out at night if I need to (wonderful husband)..but my problem is >….. >I AM MISERABLE 2 or 3 days a week when I am not with friends (1-2 days a week I >can guarantee adult contact, the rest, I’m on my own). >I need 3 things that make staying at home tolerable…..2 of them I have….. >1) Napping daughter (she’s a great sleeper most days) >2) Doing something to use my brain (I started the Orlando chapter of a national >not for profit mom support group…I’m in Orlando so anyone interested email >me) >3) I get alot of adult stimulation…this is the tough one I know alot of >people but…my playgroup friends are all doing there "own" thing, either with >family, other playgroups, or content at home….I am not a content at home >mom…I go nutty 3-4 hours in a row at home trying to entertain my >daughter..only one section of our house is really baby proof, although big, >that’s where we are "stuck" if we stay at home….other friends are working or >live farther away….Videos entertain her but I hate to have videos on all day, >and I do love to play/read with her, but not hours in a row……. >I’m looking into Kindermusik, activity classes, AND am already in Parents Day >out 2x a week (well my daughter is) and I use this time to work or get >online…. >Am I crazy or just in continous transition..I am not really happy anymore…..I >don’t want to go back to work (we had a nanny and I just don’t want to leave my >baby again for THAT long, a break here in there okay, and I’m burnt out on what >I was doing at work)……A friend of mine says people would "kill" to be in my >shoes….yes, I’ve heard this, and know this..but some of us are not cut out to >be happy and smiling staying home 7 days a week? Do all you stay at home moms >get out with adults alot or do you find contentment at home? If you find >computer is in a room that I can only use when my daughter (17 mos) is napping, >as it’s our "office:, I’m getting desperate and seriously considering finding a >babysitter so I can take a class one day a week to see adults and discuss >things..use my brain again. The daytime hours are the problem, not the >nighttime. I love my family time and really don’t need so much of a "break"  at >night, I need a "break" during the day……Anyone in Orlando please >advise…I’m already in Moms Club, and starting another moms group but it will >be sometime before that gets going…..any other groups going that include mom >and tots?? or a program that allows you bring your kids while they are watched >in another room close to you, and you can have "big person time", ie. book >clubs, discussion groups etc?????? >I’m not a stay at home mom  and I’m not a working mom? What am I????? Does >anyone else out there fit this description? I feel like I am the ONLY one AND >that this is a very strange mix of not enjoying staying at home, not enjoying >working (and leaving my child 25 hours a week like I was). >Sanity? Suggestions? Others out there like me?? >Thank you!!! and p.s. any orlando moms email me if you want info on the mom and >tot group, I’ll email you my recent press release and meeting info (sept. 15th, >7-9pm) >p.p.s. what are good sources to find GREAT, reliable, CPR certified babysitters >besides your friends (my friends have sitters that are REALLY busy already)

Response:

Could some of you tell me if I’m nuts and what you all suggest. I am in the category of someone (post professional corporate america drop out, home 3 months maternity leave, back to work 6 months part time, now staying at home full time since Jan. 99). I have had my daughter in a playgroup since 7 weeks, once a week, I can go to the local wellness center and workout (on my own as most group classes are later or early to accomodate working people), they have a wonderful nursery there…I get out at night if I need to (wonderful husband)..but my problem is ….. I AM MISERABLE 2 or 3 days a week when I am not with friends (1-2 days a week I can guarantee adult contact, the rest, I’m on my own). I need 3 things that make staying at home tolerable…..2 of them I have….. 1) Napping daughter (she’s a great sleeper most days) 2) Doing something to use my brain (I started the Orlando chapter of a national not for profit mom support group…I’m in Orlando so anyone interested email me) 3) I get alot of adult stimulation…this is the tough one I know alot of people but…my playgroup friends are all doing there "own" thing, either with family, other playgroups, or content at home….I am not a content at home mom…I go nutty 3-4 hours in a row at home trying to entertain my daughter..only one section of our house is really baby proof, although big, that’s where we are "stuck" if we stay at home….other friends are working or live farther away….Videos entertain her but I hate to have videos on all day, and I do love to play/read with her, but not hours in a row……. I’m looking into Kindermusik, activity classes, AND am already in Parents Day out 2x a week (well my daughter is) and I use this time to work or get online…. Am I crazy or just in continous transition..I am not really happy anymore…..I don’t want to go back to work (we had a nanny and I just don’t want to leave my baby again for THAT long, a break here in there okay, and I’m burnt out on what I was doing at work)……A friend of mine says people would "kill" to be in my shoes….yes, I’ve heard this, and know this..but some of us are not cut out to be happy and smiling staying home 7 days a week? Do all you stay at home moms get out with adults alot or do you find contentment at home? If you find computer is in a room that I can only use when my daughter (17 mos) is napping, as it’s our "office:, I’m getting desperate and seriously considering finding a babysitter so I can take a class one day a week to see adults and discuss things..use my brain again. The daytime hours are the problem, not the nighttime. I love my family time and really don’t need so much of a "break" at night, I need a "break" during the day……Anyone in Orlando please advise…I’m already in Moms Club, and starting another moms group but it will be sometime before that gets going…..any other groups going that include mom and tots?? or a program that allows you bring your kids while they are watched in another room close to you, and you can have "big person time", ie. book clubs, discussion groups etc?????? I’m not a stay at home mom  and I’m not a working mom? What am I????? Does anyone else out there fit this description? I feel like I am the ONLY one AND that this is a very strange mix of not enjoying staying at home, not enjoying working (and leaving my child 25 hours a week like I was). Sanity? Suggestions? Others out there like me?? Thank you!!! and p.s. any orlando moms email me if you want info on the mom and tot group, I’ll email you my recent press release and meeting info (sept. 15th, 7-9pm) p.p.s. what are good sources to find GREAT, reliable, CPR certified babysitters besides your friends (my friends have sitters that are REALLY busy already)

Response: