https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 11:42:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602371 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:49:19 +0000 OhCaptain 2602371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The two key things for me are a)getting out everyday, even if it's only for a walk, and b) the gym! Dropping my kids off for an hour is amazing. Usually I work out, but sometimes i take a few laps around the track and then sit in the sauna. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602366 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:44:24 +0000 Cole 2602366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: me too! Plus there's a lot of evidence to suggest that planning ahead and looking forward to it gives you even more of a happiness boost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602360 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 09:34:37 +0000 mrsrain 2602360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cole: thanks for sharing! I actually wrote on my mirror last week, "goal: self-care every day!" I probably would benefit from coming up with a list of things to choose from, and planing ahead a little. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602261 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 07:50:57 +0000 Cole 2602261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went to see a woman speak on this topic and she was a huge proponent of self care. Frankly, a lot of her suggestions were not in the cards (get more sleep... I have a toddler who still doesn't sleep through the night and it's not like I stay up late, I'm in bed by 9:30 most of the time!) Anyway, her really helpful (for me) suggestion was to make a list of simple things that make you happy and to make sure you do one of them every single day. Her list included stuff like going for a walk, making and drinking a cup of hot tea, reading etc. Her point was even five minutes just for you can really help but you have to be intentional about it. No guilt about plopping the baby in a seat and your toddler in front of the tv because it will make you a better mom when you're done. </p> <p>I've been meaning to make my own list so I'm going to start a thread about ideas in a few minutes if you want to check it out. I feel like I could use about three days worth of me time but this seems like a doable place to start. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602224 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 05:59:32 +0000 tlcbaby 2602224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: Hopefully you can meet next week. Maybe just for this week you can get a little time alone in the evening or on the weekend just to be by yourself or with a friend for a while so you can "reset" a bit. Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602206 Thu, 11 Aug 2016 04:21:50 +0000 Kemma 2602206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: my biggest saviour was getting out of the house EVERY day! Even if it was just going to the grocery store or out to our nearest playground it made such a difference to all of us! Both babies got some much needed fresh air and the small one usually slept either in the car seat or the pram which meant I didn't need to stress about one of his naps!</p> <p>The other thing that kept me sane was having three things that I did every day - make the bed, have a shower, and eat my breakfast. Once I'd done those things it didn't matter what the rest of the day threw at me!</p> <p>My other thought is are you eating a good diet or taking a good multivitamin?</p> <p>Hang in there, Mama, you're doing awesome! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602164 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 22:20:04 +0000 mrsrain 2602164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anya: thanks!</p> <p>@travelgirl1: @tlcbaby: I do have a group of mom friends, but half of them work full-time, some work part-time. Those not working come over most Tuesdays for a playgroup.</p> <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I have actually given this some thought. It might also be worth doing some volunteering in the mean time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602063 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 19:14:23 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2602063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: we bought a house when I was a SAHM and my pin money budget took a big hit. So I did a lot of reading used books from Amazon and going on coffee dates with friends or by myself. At the time i was 25 minutes from the nearest Starbucks and woild leave before the kids bedtime and leave at closing.</p> <p>I also changed careers while I was an SAHM and went back to school. Online/in person hybrid. If finding a way to finance a career for you is an issue, you might consider a career change and furthering your education while you are at home. I didn't want to put it off until my kids were in school because I would be like 35 when my younger is in pre k and by the time I finished a program I'd be like late 30s starting a new career and I just didn't want that for myself. Food for thought...I know lots of SAHMs do not feel equipped to go back into their old fields after they leave to SAHM. I used to work in marketing and it isn't something I thought I would be able to return to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602061 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 19:11:09 +0000 tlcbaby 2602061@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: Sorry if this has already been said, are there any mom groups in your area? That was a lifesaver for me when DS was younger and I wasn't getting out much. Or any family/friends who could help out once a week or every other week so you could go to Target by yourself? :) I don't have a lot of suggestions, but it does get easier as they get older!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602060 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 19:07:22 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2602060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just started back to work for this reason! I have a 4 year old and a 15 month old. I think getting out as often as possible, working treats into your days and having zero expectations for meals and cleaning were my most useful strategies. But I will admit that I just am happier working. This year if I had not worked the older would have been in pre-k anyway so that probably would have helped but I really need the mental stimulation I get from working. PT work has been good for me in the past also. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602053 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:54:14 +0000 caterw 2602053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: I'm also having another baby, but we all have had tough pregnancies plus we have had to schedule doctors appointments, etc. I don't think we have all been free the same day all summer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602052 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:52:09 +0000 Foodnerd81 2602052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caterw: my entire mommy group had second babies within 6 months of each other, except one. I know it was a little weird for her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2602034 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 18:04:07 +0000 travelgirl1 2602034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hear you, I feel like this a lot these days. What helps me most is getting out, even if the weather is bad. I know your youngest is struggling with sleep right now, but will he nap in the stroller? I like to strap my two in the stroller, grab a coffee and walk, it really helps reset my mood. I also read a book for the first time in years last week and that felt amazing. Sometimes it really is the small things that help.<br /> Library story times are a great idea. Do you have many mum friends in your area? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601931 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:29:59 +0000 MrsKoala 2601931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anya: Second this! I love their blog! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601914 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:10:21 +0000 Anya 2601914@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: have you seen the Out and About Mom blog? It's a great resource for activities in ct. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601905 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 13:55:50 +0000 caterw 2601905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry you are having to go through this.... I have been feeling the same a lot lately since my ENTIRE mommy group is pregnant with #2/ just had a baby so no one is available to hang out much, plus DH works nights so evening girl time is almost always out of the question. I do feel better if we get out of the house, even if I don't technically talk to any other adults.</p> <p>@looch: We use free passes from the library for stuff all the time. We can also check out backpacks for national parks that have free passes along with some activities. Since our budget is pretty small also, we do a lot of storytimes at the library and Barnes and Noble (free), inexpensive classes at the city rec center, which doesn't require a membership (works out to be about $25-30/ month per class), toddler time at Bounce n Play/ Jump, and do pick your own fruit and pack a lunch for the orchard. You can also look into Mother's Morning Out at local churches if you are really going nuts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601804 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 12:20:31 +0000 Foodnerd81 2601804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: I think the period you are in is extra hard- baby is alert enough that naps on the go are harder to come by, but still napping all the time with really short awake times. In a few months his nap schedule will get more predictable and it will at least be easier to get out for a couple of hours. </p> <p>Then again I spent an hour trying to get my almost 8 month old to nap this morning so what do I know. </p> <p>And I feel you on not adding more expenses. We are buying a house and trying to cut corners where we can. But I am also trying make time and sometimes money for my mental health. It's not helping anyone to save a few bucks if I'm miserable and yelling at my family all the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601800 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 12:14:41 +0000 looch 2601800@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our library has passes to the children's museum and nature center, you can take up to 4 people on one pass, I'd look into what you have available to you in the library.</p> <p>eta: the library also has lego building time, my son loves it.</p> <p>eta2: You Tube has tons of exercise videos, what if you looked for a mommy and me one for you and your toddler to do while the baby naps?</p> <p>Apologies if my initial reply was useless, I believe that SAHM burnout is a real thing and if I had talked about it, I wouldn't have had the issues that I had. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601799 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 12:13:02 +0000 mrsrain 2601799@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@winniebee: We live in a small town, so going to the children's museums is a bit of a hike. I did this a few times when DS was still sleeping on the go, and maybe we can again when he's older and taking fewer naps.<br /> I'll have to check out story-times at the library! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601791 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:59:39 +0000 winniebee 2601791@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: I know you said no extra expenses - but look into Children's Museum memberships - ours is non-profit, so tax deductible. Also library story times are great. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601786 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:58:10 +0000 mrsrain 2601786@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are not in a place financially where we can afford to hire part time help, get a gym membership, or anything similar. Until we finish paying off the debt incurred by DS's birth, we are cutting corners. Going for walks or outside definitely helps, but weather doesn't always permit.</p> <p>I'm thinking I need some kind of hobby I can work on during naps or while DD plays independently. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601782 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:46:55 +0000 catgirl 2601782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am really struggling with this right now. DD is 20 months old, staying home works best for our family - for financial and scheduling reasons. Due to a back injury DH hasn't been able to pick DD up since January. I also haven't been able to leave them home alone together due to his restrictions. We have no family nearby so it's all been on me. Last week his company informed him he was being transferred to a new location. His commute has doubled and his schedule is being changed. </p> <p>So yeah, really struggling. We've had a lot of discussions in the past week but haven't really found a perfect solution. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601764 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:24:52 +0000 Andrea 2601764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you belong to a gym with child care? I feel like I get a good break from the kids even if it's just for an hour while I work out. And I'm also doing something good for myself at the same time. If they're fine to hang out for a big longer in there, I'll grab a smoothie or something afterwards from the cafe and relax for a bit longer! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601758 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:23:10 +0000 winniebee 2601758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I felt it too - right around that 5/6 month mark with my youngest. Getting out of the house every day was absolutely essential. I went back to work part time when he was 7 months old :) I always say I'll be a great SAHM when they are in school! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601741 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:11:38 +0000 brownepiano 2601741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is me right now too, my kids are 2 1/2 and 2 months. I really don't do well with the newborn neediness and lack of schedule. I've been trying to get him on a schedule before I go back to working part time so I can schedule my work, but it isn't going well. </p> <p>I've found that I really need to get out of the house. When my baby is sleeping the worst is when I need to get out the most. The worst that happens is he screams in the middle of a store. At best he actually falls asleep in the car. And my toddler LOVES getting out of the house. </p> <p>The other thing that helps is making time for a girl's night. I really don't want to go out once I get the kids down at 7, but it really is good in the long run. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601740 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 11:11:20 +0000 meredithNYC 2601740@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, I totally get it! I'm home with a 4 year old and 15 month old and there are times I love it and times I fantasize about getting a job as quickly as possible.</p> <p>My advice:<br /> Get showered and dressed every day so you have a sense of purpose. For me, that includes makeup. Very light and low maintenance makeup, but it helps me feel like my "old" self.</p> <p>Get out at least once a day, whether it's running errands, the library, park, whatever. It doesn't even matter if you're with friends. I often find that just being out of my home and around other people helps.</p> <p>I never hired help for my oldest, but when she was 2 I did put her in preschool for two mornings a week. It was a stretch, financially, but we both got a lot out of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601709 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:45:30 +0000 looch 2601709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only had one child when I was staying at home, but I was struggling at times. My husband insisted that we get a part time nanny, one day a week, for about 4 hours. It allowed me to get out of the house alone, go to an appointment, meet a friend for coffee. Eventually, during that time, I also completed a home study course. It really gave me a sense of accomplishment. If it's not in the budget, what about a mother's helper for a few hours?</p> <p>Unfortunately, going out at night didn't really excite me. I was tired, my husband was working and my kid was waking up at 5:30 am...the last thing I could fathom was going out past 7 pm! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601692 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:20:41 +0000 Foodnerd81 2601692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsrain: I've done the same thing about going back to work. But part time work wouldn't cover the cost of part time daycare for two anyway. And I do want to stay home. I just want a break now and then. It's extra bad right now since DH was away all week last week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601691 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:16:27 +0000 mrsrain 2601691@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Foodnerd81: so sorry you're dealing with this, too! I was seriously contemplating going back to work part-time, but it makes zero financial sense. Plus, I chose to be home for a reason and that reason stands... I'm just struggling with a lack of SELF lately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-burnout#post-2601690 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:11:07 +0000 Foodnerd81 2601690@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm struggling with this big time. Mine are 3 and almost 8 months and I'm really burnt out. It's gotten better with the baby's naps stretching out so I can usually get out at least to the nearby playground during the day but I'm so fried. I really try to carve out some me time for self care but it's been really hard lately, with DH traveling and working long hours, we are buying a house... It's hard. Plus the baby won't take a bottle so I can never be gone for more than 3 hours pretty much and have to be home for bedtime. </p>