What do you do as a SAHM? NOT a bashing thread!

[java]

On Losing your identity. Is your Identity based soley on your work persona? Are you that one leveled as a person. Work isn't WHO YOU ARE, it's what you do.

For me I was successful and had that experience. Lucky enough to be able to get by on one income, so I am now a SAHM and have been for 15 years.

I don't join Mom's groups. I don't become friends with someone just because they have a child one of my children's ages. I still hang with my friends. Take care of my kids. Make sure they are happy and I am happy.

Believe me the days at first were tough because I think I was very one dimensional I was ALL WORK. But once I peeled off that work layer- there was lots of me underneath.

I have a full life because that's what I want. You can make your life whatever you want it to be. If you are not a sitting on the floor kind of person playing with your kids- how do you envision your time at home? Perhaps that would help to see if you have a realistic idea of what being at home means.

I love my life and am grateful for the opportunity to be a SAHM. I am also grateful for the fantastic career I had that provided me with financial choices.

 

[RahRah573]

I've worked my entire life, since 15....I'm very entreprenurial, so in all the years I worked, it was almost always my own business and/or consulting gigs....interestingly, when I'd decided to actually take a job offer from my last consulting contract, it was the first time I was actually bound to a set work-week with set hours, etc. While I loved what I did, I have to admit I prefered working on my own terms. Long story short, the company got hit in the dot-com bust (I was an IT strategist and had been for more than a decade) and within months of the boom-to-bust our office was shuttered and everyone laid off. I'd made a lot of money in my years of working and saved like the dickens since I couldn't spend it all....and decided to take a year or two off to travel....yes, I had that much saved.

With so much time available, I found I had so many things I wanted to do and could now do....and had time to invest in a new relationship too....it was during my "sabbatical" from working that I met my husband to be, fell in love and when he asked me to marry him and I said yes, we talked about my going back to work.....in the time we dated until our engagement, I'd traveled to Italy, UK, Scotland, France, CA, FL and a few other places.....and was getting settled into the idea of getting going again with my consulting....DH-to-be asked what my previous schedule was like and I told him honestly - 90%+ travel to client sites during the week, usually get back on weekends, head back on Sunday night or Monday morning - typically could expect to take two-three months a year off if I captured well-paying contracts. He didn't quite like that schedule....LOL! And I didn't like the idea of not having him in my life - and the more we talked, the more I realized I didn't have to go back to work, so I didn't.

Shortly after our wedding, I got pregnant and now continue on as a SAHM...do I itch to go back to work? Hell no! What I have done in the almost five years since DS was born is basically capitalized on my previous experience and I've started things I can do from home with a few hours a week - I launched a website targeted toward families with kids since none existed in our area, that includes all the things you can do with your kids and a calendar of events so you know what's coming up in a week, month, sometimes even a year in advance. I launched and maintain DH's company website and I've helped friends starting businesses or needing a website facelift get that done. Basically the web-based things I do require little of my time and can be done anytime I want to do them. I like that.

I like the freedom to do whatever with DS - whether it's going to have a lunch out or the playground for an afternoon; going to the beach club or taking a day-trip somewhere interesting.....I'm free to do as I wish each day without having to clock-in somewhere. I like that.

DH's schedule is crazy-busy, but he always makes time for DS on weekends and gives me a break.....so I get alone/me time, which sometimes I need/want and other times it's just nice to have, so I take it. I'm definitely not the Mommy who does arts & crafts all day, or even plays all day with DS....sure I'll play with him - games, hide-and-seek, tag, tossing a ball, etc. - but definitely not all day long....I look at it that in life, one isn't entertained morning until night and he needs time to find things to entertain himself, so he isn't DEPENDENT upon me to provide non-stop, around-the-clock entertainment for him! So far, so good...at almost five he loves to play with me or DH, but also loves to play on his own with his cars, trains, and other toys.

Mommy groups? Not for me.....too catty and gossipy.....but hanging with other Mom's (or Dad's occasionally) at the playground and just having a converstaion, doable now and then. My days are pretty full and can't say I have any regrets - I do everything to keep our house running smoothly - food to finances - and at this point wouldn't trade my life for my previous life, even though I used to love, love, love what I did.....now I love, love, love what I do, and that's being the best SAHM I can be without attempting to be super-Mom or perfect - none of us are perfect and I think doing the best oyu can is the best you can do!

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Being at home has been great for me. I got really sick and put on bedrest with my son, then the place I worked closed down. So for me being a SAHM was never my plan. But once I was one, there was no turning back. I love being at home with the kids. I have been one for 7 years now. My day usually consists of Laundry, Dishes, cleaning, cooking, the normal daily grind. But then we do dance, T-ball, Basketball (both depending on the season). We go to friends houses for playdates, and also have them come here. We play outside a lot, go swimming. And many other outside activites. We learn, do art, play games, and all kinds of fun rainy day stuff too. And then sometimes the kids play by themselves or together, while I get my stuff done. I do not help with the bills or handle anything financial. My husband earns it, so I let him take care of anything to do with the money. When he wants or needs an opinion on something financial, I give it, but don't really like to. And when I can squeeze it in, I like a little Y&R too.

So I love being a SAHM, wouldn't trade it for anything. I am also an artist, I enjoy photography, and I love to cook and decorate cakes. The only thing about working that I miss is the money. I have always had friends outside of work, and I still have them, plus many more I have made through the kid's sports, and the school. At one time after my daughter was born I substituted some at the school, I imagine that when they are both in school I will likey go back to that or perhaps start painting murals professionally, but whatever I do it will have to be something where I am still available to my kids first. That is why I like substituting, I can say yes or no, plus I still have the summers free. The same would be the case with painting, I could set my schedule, but would still be availble to the kids if one was sick and out of school.

 

[natnelliesmom]

Let's see! I have been both a working mom and a SAHM. Right now I stay home 95% of the time and teach a few classes at our local nature center.

I am busier when I stay home, then when I work full time! Because we are home during the day, the house is being used and getting messy. I do more cleaning. I have to make BF, lunch and dinner, instead of the kids eating at daycare, and my picking something up on the way home for dinner. So that means dishes and a messy kitchen. Not to mention food on the table/floor and faces.

Instead of the kids making messes with toys at daycare- those messes are here at home. Toys everywhere!
Basically anything that a daycare does for your children, you have to do yourself. Teaching, entertaining, cleaning etc. Trips to the library, aquarium, playground are on my time.

My husband expects more of me when I stay at home. He thinks the house should stay as clean as when we were out all day long, and that I should be able to run errands during the week instead of doing them as a family on the weekends. He often leaves me tasks to do, like drop things off at the drycleaners, tax office etc., that he would have done himself if I was working.

I find all of this to be VERY rewarding and I enjoy it... but it takes up ALOT of time- and that is what you asked about.

You will have no problems filling up your time. While I know you said you don't like mom groups... most SAHMs find it helpful to share some play times with others just to have some daytime adult conversation and to have a like-minded mom to discuss issues with.

Hope you find this helpful!
-Sarah

 

[Fintastic]

But then when I really think about going back to work, I start to cry. I would miss my kids too much. Deep down I love staying home, and being here for them. I don't want someone else raising my kids, even if I am not the perfect mother that they deserve. I love them, care for them, and I hope this time in their lives is reflected as they grow. That they will remember me being home when they get home from school.

I clicked on this thread knowing that SOMEBODY was going to make this statement, and lucky me, I only had to read down to the third post to find it.

 

[natnelliesmom]

I clicked on this thread knowing that SOMEBODY was going to make this statement, and lucky me, I only had to read down to the third post to find it.

And pointing it out is what starts the debate!!! Just ignore it and rise above! You can't change people's opinions by starting an argument.
Let it go.

-Sarah

 

[disny_luvr]

I've been a SAHM for almost three years now and I love it, but there are times that I miss working outside of the home. I taught sixth grade before my twins were born and I loved my job. I never thought I'd stay home with my children. After my twins were born and I started looking into the cost of daycare, DH and I thought that it would be better for me to stay home. Making the decision to leave my job was probaby the hardest thing I have ever done.

My first year at home was rough. With having twins I was so overwhelmed with the thought of taking them away that I didn't go many places unless I had the help of my Mom and, to be honest it was just easier for me to stay home. After my twins turned one, DH and I decided that I would probably be a better wife and mom if I worked outside of the home part-time. I started subbing one to two days a week while my Mom watched my boys and I got a very part-time job (about 8 hours/week) at our local Children's Place. This was and still is the perfect balance for me. I feel like I get to still raise my children and spend a lot of time with them AND I also get "me" time by working part-time. This works for our family and I'll probably continue doing this for many more years.

To get to your original question - What do I do at home? We are pretty busy each day. I usually plan one playdate a week with other SAHM - friends from high school/church. This is a great time for me to socialize and the boys to interact with other kids (and not each other). I'm involved with a bible study at my church on Wednesday mornings. There are quite a few indoor play areas near our home and we like to frequent those as well. We also go to our local zoo a lot. The boys attend story time at our library and I take them to swimming lessons (3 weeks in the fall/spring). When we aren't doing any of those things, I'm usually cleaning, doing laundry, paying the bills, etc. I feel like I'm busy and now I can't imagine working full-time.

Good luck with your decision. I know it is a hard one! If staying home all the time doesn't work for you maybe you can find something part-time.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

I didn't read through all the responses, so I hope I am not repeating here. First of all, I have always been a SAHM. My kids are 13,10, and 6. I have enjoyed every minute of it and wouldn't have traded it for anything
In my opinion, our children are one of the best and biggest blessings in our lives. They grow up so quickly, I don't want to lose any of it. My biggest downfall is cooking--I wasn't taught how to cook before I married, so that was (and still is ) the hardest thing for me. That is just something that I have to discipline myself about and focus on. Everything else came naturally for me---my parents and grandparents are super duper clean freaks!! Beyond your natural clean house---so that I can do with my eyes closed!! But, those basic things like cleaning, laundry, groceries/cooking, bill paying...all that takes up lots of time---throw a handful of kids in there and you have a full day!!!
If I have time on my hands while my kids are busy playing/napping/watching a fun movie, or whatever, I am a voracious reader!!!! I also have always read to my kids a lot. That is a wonderful past time that they never have to outgrow. Besides it really teaches them grammar subconsiously. So, that's a plus!!! It's a great bonding tool and usually reading after a while makes me sleepy,so we would read a lot before nap time. And yes, most days I napped with them!! Especially when they were little or I was nursing. So, just find a hobby that you enjoy, reading, knitting, sewing, writing, whatever, and when you feel you need something extra to do, do it!! And don't feel guilty about needing time by yourself. Some people need an hour a day, others may need 15 minutes a week!! Just enjoy your time with those precious babies and tending to your home and family. I don't think you will regret it!!!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I've been a SAHM for ten years (my oldest just turned ten last week ). During the baby stage, I found it to be lonely and exhausting. I missed the adult interaction - infants aren't really into playdates. As my kids got a little older, we did music classes, gymnastics, etc. that gave us a social outlet (both of us ), play groups in the neighborhood, etc. I was never lacking for things to do, but I was mentally drained even though I felt like I wasn't being mentally challenged.

Now, I have two kids in the same elementary school, and I feel like I have hit my stride. I have been a class mom for the past two years, I volunteer at the school about 10 hours a week (some weeks that 10 hours turns into 30), and I'm able to do all the errands, cleaning and laundry so that Saturday mornings can be spent on the soccer fields or basketball courts and Saturday afternoons can be spent doing fun things as a family. It takes a load off my DH for me to do things during the week so weekends are not spent at the grocery store or Home Depot. When DH gets home, homework is done and dinner is basically ready. It makes the last few hours of the day more enjoyable to have it taken care of. I take the kids to afterschool activities and doctor's appointments. I am home with them when they are sick so DH isn't missing work. I pay bills, clip coupons, scout for deals and plan vacations.

I volunteer with Vacation Bible School in the summer, and we hang out at the beach. Many of my friends are SAHMs, so we do things together both while the kids are in school and occasionally in the evenings. Many of our families hang out together, and I feel like I have my own friends, not just moms of my kids' friends or wives of my DH's friends.

I've never been the crafty mom, although I will try my best. I have found other ways to utilize my skills. I'm class mom because I'm organized and not afraid to delegate, not because I make the best crafts. I can find the person who makes the best crafts and encourage them to get involved.

Now that my kids are both in elementary school, I exercise on a more regular basis and I call my DH to meet for lunch sometimes. Some days I read a book outside, or I plant flowers, or I pull weeds. I read the DIS and keep up with friends on e-mail. Occasionally I clean closets, but that doesn't happen that much! There's always something to be done!

 

[WLfamily]

I became a SAHM when I was pregnant with my daughter and my son was three. I had worked for twelve years in banking. Talk about a transition! I went from getting up in the morning, dressing up, talking to adults all day about important things to not having to get dressed at all and only talking to a three year old. Yes it was difficult at first, but you have to find your nitch. I made it a point to get dressed daily, found creative things for us to do together and we never joined any mommy group. After my daughter was born it seemed I didn't have enough hours in the day anymore. Once my son started kindergarten I became very active with his school, served on the PTA board, and my daughter tagged along with me. When she started school I became a substitute teacher. My son will be 14 on Sunday and my daughter is now 10. Wow, when did that happen? I now pray for a day of nothing to do. You will find that the older they get the busier their schedules become and you don't have time for one anymore. I just finished my 6th year substitute teaching, I know it isn't for everyone, but it allows me to work and still be very involved with their schooling. I am at home when they are and I can say no whenever I need to. Between orthodontist appts., ball practice, ballgames, friends, school, homework, housework, laundry, cooking....whew! I don't know how these mom's who work full time do it every day. I guess my point is this....do what you feel is best for you, your family and your situation. Not everyone is cut out to be a working mom and not everyone is cut out to be a SAHM. If you are wanting to stay home but worried about what to do to fill your day, don't. It is kind of like when you move into a new house and you still have empty kitchen cabinets and you wonder if you will ever fill them up, then a few years pass and you would give your right arm for more cabinet space. Same thing, you will look back one day and wonder how you could fit one more thing into your schedule. Relax, take your time deciding what to do, and do what feels right. Good Luck!!!

 

[akenneson]

My oldest daughter is 2 1/2 and I went back to work after 3 months. I worked two 24 hour shifts a week. My in-laws and my mom watched her during the days I was working and my husband would pick her up after he was done work, bring her home, and take care of her until he dropped her back off and I would pick her up on my way home. It was really hard on me having to be away esp. overnight and esp. if she was having a bad day. I felt bad for my in-laws and my mom and I felt bad for not being there for her. And I felt bad for my husband because he would work really long hours, driving endless miles, and have to come home to an empty house and take care of her without having any free time to himself. After I became pregnant with my second daughter, she is 10 months now, we decided I would stay home. I didn't want to burden my in-laws and my mom with two young kids and I wouldn't make enough at my job to justify having even one in daycare. Plus it would take quite a toll on my husband at the end of his hectic work days. Right now it is hard to do things with our time during the day. With both being so young it is hard to take them to the store by myself. Now that the weather is nice, we can go outside and use the swing set or take walks. We even have a pool, but I can't take them both in at the same time by myself. My oldest is not interested in crafts yet and is definitely exploring her independence. After she is potty trained, I am hoping to get her into the local kids club that does gymnastics, swimming, crafts, etc. so she can make friends and gain social skills. It is hard on me just doing "normal" everyday stuff, cleaning, chasing after the kids, etc. I have to wait until they are napping to take a shower. Sometimes after my husband gets home and we have dinner, I just need alone time. I go sit in the bedroom and read or am on the computer or go to the store just to get out of the house. And maybe after the baby is a little older, I will go back to work. But after my daughter starts school I am looking forward to being able to volunteer and just having the time to take her to extra curricular things. There ups and downs to it all. I wouldn't trade anything for the days I get to witness my daughters doing new things. But on the flip side, sometimes I thing OMG get me out of here when the 2 1/2 year old won't keep her diaper on and the baby is teething and crying non-stop. But the days fly by nonetheless.

 

[Colleen27]

In a lot of ways, I don't fit into the media/stereotype image of the modern SAHM, so much so that I feel at times that I'm as much defined by what I don't do as by what I do.

I'm not the Gymboree class, playgroup, mom's group SAHM. I don't plan every minute of my kids' time. Cooking and arts & crafts are largely a rainy day event here. I have "mom" friends, but I didn't seek out a whole new social circle based on my working status.

How do I spend my days? I have extensive and ever-growing food gardens (my goal for 2010 is to grow 75% of our fruit/veggie needs myself) that keep me pretty busy from April/May through October (and I suffer terrible withdrawal when I can't work them! Not moving until a couple months into the growing season is making me crazy!!). We just bought an 1880 Victorian, so renovating, restoring, updating, and decorating will be taking up a lot of my time too. I sew and craft. I read a lot, and I make frequent trips to the library. I volunteer with a couple of local causes and am active with a community garden. I freelance and handle the office side of DH's business. And of course, I plan Disney trips obsessively and post here on the DIS.

One of the things I like best about being a SAHM is that my kids are able to have an "old fashioned" childhood. I don't strive to entertain them constantly. They are included in a lot more of the business of life than I was as the child of a busy working mom. They help in the gardens, we often cook together, and we do craft projects on rainy days, but they also spend a lot of time outdoors with their dogs, playing with friends, and keeping themselves occupied under my discreet but attentive supervision. So many of their friends have no time for that sort of unstructured play, between school and latchkey and evening sports/activities, and I'm very glad that we've been able to give that to our children.

As far as what I don't like about being a SAHM, this is going to sound cheesy but nothing comes to mind at the moment. I really enjoy our lifestyle. We have a lot of flexibility we wouldn't have if I was still working, and that tends to outweigh any passing complaints I have. The toughest part for me was the transition and the first year or so, before I really figured out how I wanted to spend my time. I was so used to not having time for my interests/hobbies that I didn't quite know where to start when I did suddenly have free time on my hands.

 

[tarabelle13]

Maybe you would be better suited as a WAHM. I have been a SAHM for 6.5 years now. About a year in, I did start to get bored, so I started selling on Ebay. Now I make and sell my own products and couldnt be happier. I get to take my "work" with me to gymnastic practice and soccer games.

 

[MoniqueU]

I have been a sahm for 16 years now. i know nothing else. i was in to free play and just making it through the day having had 4 kids 5 and under. i have never been domestic or a chef, so our house wa never immaculate or homecooked healthy nutritious meals on the table by 6 pm. i did alot of driving tp preschool which was important to me, no mommys groups, i odn't have much in common with people that want to scrapbook as a moms night out thing vs go to happy hour. happy hour wins everytime with me. i also got mortied by the ladies that weren't allowed to go places and their dhs couldn't watch the kids on their own, that was just too much for me, i was home alone 60 hours a week with kids plus doing the night wakeu shift so when you are off i need my sanity time too weather or not that means going to dinner with dh or just a long nap or out by myself or a weekend away. i had a housekeeper for much of it til my kids could start really really helping out. my kids know simple little meals to make. i don't feel the need to do it all i just feel a need to be jere and be close to my kids, not probe to society that i am the worlds best mother. i am far from perfect but i adore my kids and have a good relationship with them Now that there is alot of downtime with them being in school and sports all day i admit it gets bored but i think they need me more now to sound things off of and keep up with who is who in their lives etc.

 

[PigletsMommy]

I just wanted to say that this thread has been a very interesting read & its so nice to see so many supportive answers out there.

I will become a SAHM in 3 weeks...as I just turned my resignation in last night. I am so excited that we finally made this dream a reality. I knew I had to make the choice when one day I was doing everything I could think of to make DD laugh and got nothing in return. That afternoon I dropped her off at Grandmas so I could go to work & within 2 minutes she had the baby cracking up. I cried all the way to work.

I look at it this way. My home is my job. I cant keep up with it now working 40 hrs a week and we eat out WAY to often. I want both of those things to change. It will also be my job to keep our finances under control. I know DH will be a lot happier when he comes home to a happy wife instead of a miserable one.

 

[My2Qtz0205]

Sorry if this has been mentioned...I didn't read through all of the posts before mine.

I also felt that "loss of identity" when I first became a SAHM. Our college was putting together a "where are they now?" book, and I just had to blurt out, "I'm a stay-at-home mom, but I used to be a teacher!" so the interviewer would feel like I was worth something?

Now I wouldn't trade my "job" for anything in the world! I have been there for all of my children's milestones, and I have not had to explain to my boss why I am having to take off again because one of my children is sick. I'm not knocking moms who do choose to or have to work, I am just acknowleging how truly blessed I feel.

So, to answer the op's original question, I volunteer in my son's classroom once a week, I clean the house, I do laundry, I run errands, I take my daughter to gymnastics and then have a one-on-one lunch with her, and I am in leadership in my church's Mothers of Preschoolers group (MOPS). This is a mom's group that is all about the moms! Your baby is taken care of by loving church-approved workers while you get to eat a meal in peace, listen to a speaker, fellowship with other moms, and make a craft that you can complete! If this is something that sounds interesting to you, check out www.mops.org to find the group closest to your home.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[dyna]

Been a stay at home mom for more than 30 yrs never ever drew a paycheck in my life. I stay busy with one thing or another all my littles are grown youngest is 18 but even now just as sure as I sneak out for a few hours or make plans to do something for me for a day someone ends up needing something from me.

Never done the playgroup thing with my older ones I never knew there was such a thing maybe there wasn't in my area. Don't think I'd have fit into a playgroup seems they like to do costly things. In 30 yrs I not taken kids out to lunch a half dozen times. Years ago before we got our own pool we did summers at the pool that was about the most expensive thing we ever did daytime while DH worked even then all drinks an snacks was taken from home not bought there.

To funny the thought of ever having to go to work scares the hell out of me

 

[gr8leg8]

Let me tell you about my day.

It's field day today at my daughter's school.
She's in first grade.

Field Day is like a mini Olympics with events like the Kangaroo hop where I volunteered this morning.

Hold the balloon between your knees and jump to the cone
and back.
We cheered, we chased run away balloons, we replaced balloons that popped
and we gave out high fives.

At lunch time I got to stay and eat with my daughter.
She reminded me to pack myself a snack bag.

At one o'clock I signed her out of school to take her to an ortho appointment.
I brought a small bouquet from our back yard for her teacher. Miss M won't be here tomorrow (on the last day)
because her brother is graduating from UCLA. Go Bruins!

The receptionist, the ortho assistant, and the Doc himself got to hear the story of how my proud daughter turned down Skittles at the class party yesterday because they are on the "no eat" list.
Never fear the class mom traded her for Smarties.
But daughter didn't know that when she declined the temping forbidden Skittles.

After ortho we stopped by McDonalds to celebrate the end of school
and now she is playing polly pockets in her room
while Mommy checks in on her Dis people.

Daddy won't be home till after 7:30 or 8:00.
It's a long day, but I get to be here for any thought that
she wants to share with me.

The times I have been frustrated at home
are no better or worse than
the times I was frustated as a worker.

I thrive on positive feedback,
so I've had to learn to give that to myself.

It's the hardest job I've ever had,
but the only one worth the effort.

You won't know what kind of SAHM or WAHM you will be
until you try it.
Make adjustments as needed.

 

[Aliceacc]

I taught high school math for 20 years before my kids came along and I became a SAHM for 6 years. Then, in 2003, I went back to teaching.

Some of the days were long, but the years just flew by. I'm so glad I was able to do this; I got to spend time with my kids that I'll always treasure.

As to what I did:
BIG THINGS:
- I volunteered at the kids' Nursery School. I was President of the Parent's Board. We met monthly and I chaired the meetings, dealing with everything from replacing the gym equipment to getting a website. Probably the biggest part of that was running the annual Family Night fundraiser. I got organizations to donate raffle items, goody bag fillers and door prizes.
- I volunteered as a "greeter" at JFK. As Korean infant adoptees arrived, I met them at the gate and took them from the escorts who had flown them over. I cleared the babies through Customs and Immigration and brought them out to meet their new families.
- I was class mom for my son's 2nd grade class. With another mom, I helped organize the parties, collect for the Christmas and end of year gifts for the teacher, and do all that other room mom stuff.
- I did LOTS of freelance writing and made some excellent money doing so!

SMALLER THINGS:
- I read to my kids. A lot!
- We made a regular trip to the back of the supermarket to see the trucks unload. My son LOVED trucks as a little boy, and this was such a treat for him!
- There's a horse stable not far from here. We made friends with the horses, frequently stopping by to offer them some carrots.
- We went puddle stomping after spring and summer rains.
- I started a playgroup with 6 or 7 other SAHM's I knew. We met once or twice a month, alternating houses. Whoever hosted provided coffee/tea, juice and munchies for the kids. That way, no one had to stop enroute and pick something up.
- We played. We made newspaper hats, and had a marching band, and made lots of playdough creations.

 

[ilandrazdsw]

I hated being a SAHM where we used to live because I was BORED...tried to get a mom's group going and the other mom's asked if they could drop off their kids...what??? Anyway, now that we moved and I am in an area with friends I love being a SAHM!!! (Unfortunately I will 'hopefully' be going back to work this fall.) At least one day a week we go to the town library, we meet friends at the park and have picnics (when the weather is nice), go garage saling and window shopping, run errands, go bumper bowling, etc. At home I work with the kids (academics), read, we cook together, clean. With a child in K you will also have the opportunity to help out in class. We also have a mom's Bible study with a nursery/play time for/with the kids.
Being a SAHM can really be fun for you an dthe kids...and enjoy any time you have with them cause they do grow up way too fast.