When my daughters were 4 and 7 I became a stay-at-home-mom. 3 years ago I went back to part-time work. I suggest you set up a schedule and a plan for your days or else you will get nothing done. For example: breakfast, kids watch sesame street,you clean dishes, put laundry on. PLay with kids, clean up toys at noon, do lunch, nap time for kids, you start dinner. You have to figure out the tasks to be done and assign them to days. Vacum on Monday and Thursday. Laundry on Friday and Tuesday. Supermarket Saturday morning (without kids, let themn have dadday time). Once you have a schedule down, put it on the refriegerator and try to manage your day by it. It took me about 2 months to get the hand of things, after then it was a breeze. DOnt' forget to schdule outside play time for kids especially when it gets warmer. Get them nice and tired out for afternoon nap. Maybe you will wnat to switch your chores to afternoon so you all can get out in the morning. You will be great at it! Its the best job in the world!
VALPO1997 2/5/08 4:25 P
First and foremost I am a bit envious of you. However, the thing to focus on as it relates to meal planning is plan ahead. I look into at the week for planning purposes and try to go once a week (ok stop laughing, I'm serious! not saying I acheive it, but I try). For recipes you can get healthy ones at recipe.com or kraftfoods.com. I get the kraftfoods book at home too with recipes in the magazine with coupons. don't take on the hour long meals, because your kids are still your kids and will want your attention (even more now).
The other thing is become very budget aware of where you spend and how you spend for all things. Also, sign up for classes for adult time. From everyone that I talk to that stays at home, they tend to be happier when they get some adult conversations going through out the week.
And most importantly enjoy!
REDWHALEY 2/5/08 1:09 P
Hi there. I am changing my role from being a full-time employee to a full-time mom to my 4 yr old daughter and 2 yr old son.
I have no idea on where to start in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed with all the other variables that come with being home. Any suggestions or websites would be very helpful. I know I have to really focus on meal-planning ahead of time which is very new to me.
We have a family membership at the Y, so that part won't be hard for me.
