Staying at Home with Elementary Age Children

Updated on November 21, 2008
J.S. asks from Gulf Shores, AL
4 answers

Hopeuflly this request makes sense...I am looking for some advice from other stay-at-home moms. I have always worked part-time. Some of the time I love my job, sometimes I don't. It's totally flexible, so I can work around my kids schedules. It is stressful, and I put in many hours at home. My husband is getting a raise soon-yahoo!! Now, for the first time ever, I will actually have the option of staying home and quitting work. My concern is, my youngest will be going to Kindergarten next year. So, I'm not sure if I really want to stay home with all my kids in school. What do other moms who stay home with elementary age children do all day long (minus the cooking, cleaning, errnad running, etc. that I already have to do with a part time job). I think I'd love being home full-time. It would definately relieve a lot of stress in my life and allow me to enjoy my kids more when their home. I'm just not sure what I'd keep busy with all day long? I can definatley work more hours with them in school full-time so the money would be great, but...I'm not sure I really want to. Can other moms of elementary age children give me some of the pros and cons they see about staying home full-time.

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L.K.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi J.,

Good for you!

I worked full time, by my choice until my kids were in 5th grade and kindergarten. For me once my son got to school age and kept asking if I could go on the field trip or come into the classroom and help the teacher I needed to take a look at staying home.
One thing I did was volunteer in the school/classroom. BUT BE CAREFUL you can get sucked in to do much more than you had ever intended! And once you say yes, they never go any further. It took me a couple of years to realize that when you say NO they ALWAYS find someone to do whatever it is!

But also find something outside of school to get involved in. There are tons of organizations that always need volunteers for whatever.

Read. I couldn't believe how little I actually read when my kids were little. Now are there are days I may just read an hour or two without interuption.

Take a bath, without interuption! I also didn't realize how I had just gotten into the quick shower routine.

Beyond the cooking, experiement with recipes and meals. I know I fell into the quick, easy and cheap but once I quit work I started doing more cooking, trying new recipes and enjoyed it. And actually the family enjoyed it as well.

Exercise. Find a gym or just take a walk. I have an IPOD and will just walk for 30-45 minutes. That did and still does so much for my mind, health and stress level.

I hope this helps. If I had to say anything, first get involved in the kid's school. It's amazing how much you learn about the school, teachers, cirriculum and politics when you are up there doing things. But again, be careful.

Get involved in your community but most of all take care of yourself. There is nothing wrong and many things right with mommy taking care of herself so she can care for her family!

Love and enjoy it! It will be gone before you know it.

Lori K.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.T.

answers from Kansas City on

I became a stay at home mom back in April. I have a kindergardener and a almost two year old. I am involved with my sons class as much as I can with having a younger sibling. I also watch my 1 year old niece. I know how money can become an issues once you stay home so I suggest getting a Wii fit. I know it costs alittle bit but this way you can still work out without paying for a gym. I also agree to just take care of yourself maybe go work at a daycare for a few hours a day that way youcan still be there in the morning and at night when he gets home.

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R.M.

answers from Kansas City on

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C.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I am not at this stage yet, but I know lots of moms who are. I have actually heard several moms say that they are busier now that the kids are in school then they were when the kids were little. You can always do PTA stuff at the kids school. The schools always are looking for more volunteers. You could also find a hobby. Learn to do crafts or something that you have always wanted to learn but haven't had time too. I have also know lots of people who either went back to school themselves or just took a few classes here and there for the fun of it. If you do it and then start getting bored, you could always find another part time job again to fill in some of that time.

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