I’m a stay at home mom with a one-year-old little boy. Despite the fact that I’m a freak about my son’s nap schedule (when he sleeps we all sleep, and MAMA needs her sleep!), the phrase “stay-at-home” is a misnomer for us. Neither of us, me or my son, could stay at home all the time. So, here are a few relatively inexpensive ways to either a.) get out of the house with your LO, or b.) socialize with other moms and their offspring.
- PLAYDATES, PLAYDATES, PLAYDATES
I know, it’s obvious, right? Well, it wasn’t that easy for me. I didn’t have many fellow SAHM friends, our local kids’ play-place closed down; how was I supposed to have a playdate? Basically, I got bold. I found a local mom’s listserv. I literally emailed the group and said, “I don’t know that many moms; can I join your playgroup?” I had several moms in the same boat email me back, we formed our own playgroup, and we’re currently becoming good friends! One tip: I know it’s difficult to make plans when you have a baby- nap schedules can be inconsistent. However, if you do make plans with other mamas for a date, do try your darndist to show up consistently. The moms will understand when you just can’t, but you’re not going to make lasting friendships if you’re not actually there. - WATER, WATER, WATER
Another no-brainer, right? But, seriously, how else are you going to enjoy the outdoors with a baby in July? A few days ago I got talked into going to our local reservoir (we have a lack of large bodies of water in Colorado) for a little dip. It was a blast! Granted, the next day, the res. shut down due to high levels of bacteria in the water, and I did, in fact, feel queasy, but whatever, right? Concurrently, a friend of mine bought one of those water tables (on sale) and the babies LOVE to stand there and play with the toys getting wet. - FIND FUN WAYS TO PLAY INDOORS
Find an indoor play-place for crawlers/new walkers to beat the heat. There are a few options in our area. One is our local indoor mall. It’s great- air-conditioned, baby can play, and we can stroll around. The second is a place called “The Loft” (in case local Boulder moms don’t know) and it’s marketed as a “café” for moms and little ones under 5. It has a full-on crawler gym area.
Being a SAHM isn’t easy, so I try to make plans throughout the week to break it up for us and add some fun into our days. If we have set plans for 3 of the 5 days of the work-week, we’re hitting our goal! I hope you have a wonderful, plan-filled summer, and if you have other ideas for making it a great summer with a babies or toddlers, do share!
About Today’s Guest Post Author, Jessie Akos:
Jessie lives with her husband, baby, and goofy, lovable dog named Bella in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. Author of YA Lit. Crossfitter. Believer in the power of positive energy. Maybe. You can check out Jessie at Twitter.
Jeannie says
Such a cute little guy.
I laughed about the water and babies/toddlers. I have a niece who could not get enough of playing in the water. Even in her bath, up to age of 6. Now she takes showers.
But if we don’t watch, she fills the sink and will play for a long time. Unless the water spills, no harm done.