Now that the weather is so bad here (dreary) and the holidays are over I try to get out of the hosue on a daily basis...even if it is just to go get a newspaper. All my dks are in school now and I miss the mommy socialization that used to take place on a regular basis wth my preschoolers. It seems once your kids start school all of that stuff...storytime,mommy and me, MOPS, stuff stops. Don't get me wrong...I make it a point to get together with friends as often as I can but it takes work and effort. I also volunteer at school and church. But I miss the regularity of the preschool days when it came to meeting up with folks. I know a lot of people go back to work but there are still a lot of us SAHMs out there!! Any thoughts???

By Pamt on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 03:54 pm:

Sorry I can't help, but I went back to work part-time and also back to school when my kids were of school-age. However, when I was a SAHM I was in a book club and I took sewing lessons and attended quilting classes. Maybe you could you into a club or class or something. I also did weekday Bible studies at church.

By Tayjar on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 04:10 pm:

Well, I work but I know alot of moms who do scrapbooking during the day, they join a walking group, attend park ditrict classes, etc. Maybe join the Y and do a water-aerobics class or something. Sorry I can't help more. I've never been fortunate enough to stay home. Good luck. My sister is a SAHM and tells me she feels the way you do. Hmm, too bad you didn't live in Illinois. I'd introduce you. She's a nut Good luck finding something.

By Trina~moderator on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 04:50 pm:

I'm a SAHM with both kids in school. I keep busy (and socialize) while doing volunteer work at both DK's schools, as a CPS Tech and as a moderator here at MV. I'm also on the board and publish the monthly newsletter of our local Newcomers Club, which has many Interest Groups and social functions. Sometimes it's too much! LOL!

By Dawnk777 on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 05:16 pm:

I never was faced with a whole school day ahead of me, with no people in it. I started working as a lunchlady, when Emily was in 1st grade and Sarah was in 4th and I'm still doing it!

3 years ago, I started working at the clinic, too, so that takes up some of my time and allows me to socialize as well.

DH works second shift, so he is home in the mornings. I love mornings after the kids go to school, because it's like our time together! I miss it during the summer!

By Karen~moderator on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 05:28 pm:

Just as your kids lives are changing and growing in different directions, yours should too.

I've always had to work, but one year I was fortunate enough to be a SAHM. I volunteered at my kids' school regularly, chaperoned field trips, was involved in a local political campaign and was in charge of traffic and safety for our Homeowners Association. I thought I would possibly be bored not working (even though I never WANTED to work, I HAD to!) but I was busy busy busy. All those things kept me surrounded with people and I had plenty of mommy and *other adult* interraction between all the different activities.

I don't know what to say except, look for things to involve yourself in on a regular basis.

By Debbie on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 05:56 pm:

I volunteer at my dks school 2 days a week. I also get together with the mom's from my ds's K class every other week. We met for snacks and coffee after we drop our dks off at school. Our family has become good friends with a few other families and we get together a few times a month either as a family or as couples. I stay pretty busy and don't really feel like I am missing out on adult interaction. If I want to get out, I just call a friend or neighbor and go have breakfast/lunch.

By Breann on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 08:12 pm:

I'm still waiting for the day when both of my kids are in school all day ;) I don't know what I'll do with myself.

I have volunteered in my dd's class. But, that's hard to juggle with having my ds with me, having to find a sitter. So, I think I'll enjoy volunteering a lot more once they are both in school.

I'm not much of a social butterfly. Maybe that will change once my kids are gone and I'm left alone!

By Melanie on Friday, January 6, 2006 - 08:39 pm:

I also keep social mostly by volunteering at our kids school. I serve on the Site Council, Foundation and Parent's Club. Each group has a different blend of individuals, so it's always easy to keep up with other moms.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, January 7, 2006 - 12:00 am:

When my kids were younger and I wasn't working at all, I did volunteer often to work in the classroom and go on field trips. It was fun and my kids loved having me there.

By Eve on Saturday, January 7, 2006 - 08:33 am:

I would find a hobby and maybe you can meet more SAHM's that way. For example, I know there are a group of Mom's who meet weekly to Scrapbook. At one of our local Scrap supply stores, they have an area where you can go in and Scrap. It always looks like fun during the day. Maybe you can find something that interests you that way. Or maybe join a gym and take some classes or swim. Do something for you. Good luck!