Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Schedules

I've been struggling a bit lately with how to structure my day with Kaylin. She doesn't have much of a schedule (especially with breastfeeding and naps), although her wake up and bedtimes are pretty consistent. She's getting close to changing to only one nap per day, so that makes the naptimes a bit inconsistent. (And that makes it hard to go anywhere during the day.) We do a lot of the same things everyday, not much getting out of the house because we don't know too many people here. We run errands once in awhile and go on walks sometimes when the weather is nice. I absolutely love being with my daughter, and playing and exploring with her, but sometimes I find myself a little bored. Does anyone else struggle with this too? (Probably not those of you with multiple kids.) I think it's partly because we'll play for a few hours, and I feel guilty if she's playing by herself, so I'm down on the floor with her most of the time. Needless to say, I don't get a lot done around the house, and then I get a bit burned out. Maybe I need to be more balanced (and have more variety) because Kaylin needs a rested mother. So I was wondering what all you stay-at-home parents do everyday with your little ones? What are your schedules like? And do you have any ideas of fun things you'd like to share?

6 comments:

Brianna Heldt said...

Allison how funny, I was so planning on doing a similar type of post on my own blog! Kevin doesn't get home until 6 pm which makes for a long day with four kids. I feel like I need to figure out some stuff for us to do, basically I'd like to get a good schedule going myself.

We're also usually home during the day (I don't know any other moms in Santa Maria, so I'm in a similar boat as you)--it's a bit hard to take all four kids out myself.

I think as Kaylin gets a little older it may get easier--she'll be able to color, do playdough, etc. For now maybe you could head to the park, as the weather gets warmer you could get a kiddie pool (our kids love that!), etc.

Also don't feel bad for taking some time for yourself, or to clean. Kids can be pretty good at entertaining themselves and I've found it's a great skill for them to have, it keeps them from getting bored. You could set her up with some books to look at or a toy to play with, in whatever room you're going to be in.

If you come up with any ideas or something that works for you guys, let me know!

Allison Brown said...

Thanks for your insight and suggestions Brianna! It makes me feel better knowing that other people have similar experiences as I do! I can't imagine having four though, and trying to schedule them, especially with a new baby--hats off to you! I probably shouldn't even be allowed to complain! But yeah, going anywhere with four, let alone scheduling, would be very difficult. I hope that you meet some other moms or friends so that maybe you'd have some help during the day.

I have fun with Kaylin now, but I am looking forward to when she's a little older and we can play more together (and by herself) and she can understand what's going on. And there can be a bit more variety. But I guess this time will go by fast, so I shouldn't wish for it to go any faster!

I know I shouldn't feel bad taking a little time for myself, and it is getting better as she's getting more mobile (she entertains herself more). It makes me feel better when other people tell me it's ok to do (I know, that's kinda weird) but I guess it kind of justifies it for me a bit. I know I need to make it more of a priority to get things done around the house, because when I don't, Tim ends up doing too much, and he already works so hard. So I'm going to try to work on that.

Well, I think I need to find a balance between variety and set schedules. I know that children (and moms) thrive on schedules, so as long as there are schedules for all the big stuff during the day (sleeping, eating) then the playtime can be a bit different everyday. I hope that you find a good balance too, and things get a little easier with your four little ones.

Anonymous said...

Allison
I love reading your blog!
I will need advice when I have my kids in a few years!
Jamie

Allison Brown said...

Hi Jamie!

Nice to hear from you on my blog! I can't wait for you guys to have kids too, that will be so much fun. And I'd love to give any help or advice if I can. Hope to see or talk to you soon.

Larissa said...

Just so you know you aren't the only one who gets bored. Darin and I were talking about your post and he relates because he loves reading books with Caedra and watching her learn, but after reading "The little engine that could" for the 3rd time his eyes get a little heavy and he starts to yawn. I totally feel the same way too. Hanging out with a toddler all day is rewarding, but not exactly intellectually stimulating. Pat-a-cake is super fun the first two times but by the fourth time, I'm wondering how long it is until Caedra's nap. =) In Mississippi my friend Shannon and I tried to get together twice a week trading off at each other's houses. We would make lunch for each other and the girls would play (Shannon's daughter is about Caedra's age). It was nice to have some adult conversation. But now, I'm friendless and secluded, and also trying to figure out what else I can do besides the park and the kiddie pool.
I always look forward to Library day on fridays.

Allison Brown said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me Lara! It really does make me feel better that other moms out there are experiencing very similar things; it takes away some of the guilt! Just have to get creative I guess, and maybe it's good so we can get out and explore our communities more.