feel like a lousy SAHM

beachgirl1977

dh is traveling again for the week and with all the snow we are stuck inside. It will be 3 days in a row with just my 6 mo old (who's teething) and my 4 yr old since the roads were too bad for school. I am tired because I'm getting up at night, overwhelmed because there's only one parent this week to take care of everything around the house and don't ahve the patience for the energy of a 4 yr old this week. I have this romantic idea of all of us playing and baking cookies all day yet I tired of hearing myself sound like a tired mom.  I am embarrassing how much the tv was on for my oldest today

I feel so guilty because I pushed to stay home till sept and would love to stay home longer but this week has been trying.  I keep telling myself it's hard by yourself with no adult interaction for 3 days. Not even a trip to break up the day.  I wished ds would at least nap for an hour for some down time but he gave those up months ago. 

myoo

I know how you feel. dh travels for work 80% of the time. Some days are good, some days are bad and the winters are long. Don't be too hard on yourself and when your dh gets home maybe you can get some time to yourself to recharge. Even a nap.

JAM2000

I'm with you there. My husband doesn't travel but he has VERY long hours and its hard. Its hard because he's never here, he leaves before my son wakes up and comes home after he's in bed. Then there is dinner- I have to give my son dinner, then have something for hubby to eat up when he gets hom.

Try not to be so hard on yourself- this time of the year is tough because its cold and snowy. The snow has been awful this year and all our usual activities have been cancelled many times. I feel like a shut-in

goillini823

DH took the car to work today. I thought I was gonna lose it. DD watched way to much tv, and I just don't have energy anymore, and her tantrums are insane! DH leaves on business for a month on Friday. I don't want to think how this is all gonna be. Thankfully he bought DD and I tics to visit my parents in Vegas for 2 of those weeks. The change of scenery will be nice, but I'm starting to worry if my parents are gonna drive me crazy for 2 weeks. Lol. I have plenty of cousins to visit also thankfully.

Emcat1980@yahoo.com

Cut yourself a break, seriously. MH doesn't travel much but works very long hours and it's often (usually) just me and DS all day and night. It is hard to stay patient and constantly entertain my kid....and I only have 1!

I admit he has started watching TV for the first time since the weather got cold....it's harder to go out as much, and it's not even snowy/icy here that often, just cold (esp for us - we're from the Gulf Coast).

I have gotten some arts and crafts -- went to Michael's and stocked up -- that helps on the cold days we can't get out. I get him to help me a lot with cooking and baking. We read a ton. We turn up the music and dance. I let him get into stuff he probably shouldn't (like pull all the clothes out of his drawers). Sometimes I just let him have fun making a huge mess that I know will be a PITA to clean up, but it keeps him from being too bored.

Something my mom used to do w/ me that I LOVED as a kid was get a can of shaving cream and a little bit of food coloring. Our kitchen table was like a laminate but I bet this could be contained on a cookie sheet or something like that. I'd "paint" with the shaving cream and generally had a ball with it. Your 4 year old might like that. In the bath would be a safe place to do it. Speaking of bath, a few new bath toys and bath crayons may also go a long way -- you could do a midday bath rather than evening if you know you aren't going out --- and let your 4 year old play for 30 min.

I use the website https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/ for fun indoor stuff to do with my son. You can sort by age and type of activity.

I'm sure you are aware of all the indoor activities in your area, but I understand getting 2 kids dressed and ready in the snow must be awful. I always feel better when I do take DS out though(and it wears him out more than staying home, even when we're busy at home).

Good luck...I think everybody struggles more in the winter. It must be that much harder with your husband gone. Hang in there!

JOEBunny

Having worked in daycare, I can assure you that kids in daycare do not receive 100% positive stimulation all the time.  You are doing a good job because you notice the difference between what you want to do and what you actually do.  When my (horrible sleeper) son and DD were 5 mo and 3.5 years, My BFF started to worry about me.  I was sleep deprived pure and simple.  DH was (still is) working a tone.  I never got a break. 

It is much better now.  DS is weaned, DD is great with DS.  I get sleep, some of the time.  I am starting to get my life back.