I have a nine month old baby girl and recently had to give up my full time job as I couldn't afford full time childcare and my employer couldn't offer a part time position. I was quietly devastated as I loved my job and felt valued there (til I became a mum at least!) but I knew it was for the best - I wasn't really happy about leaving my child with someone else to look after and I like her to have the security of having me there til she is old enough to go to the local pre-school. Admittedly I did feel as though a weight had been lifted knowing I wouldn't have to dump her off and dash to work shattered after a terrible night of teething.
However, I am someone who has worked all her life in the hubbub of a busy sales environment and has always had an aversion to housework, baking and anything remotely mumsy - even watching Jamie Oliver brings me out in a rash. So the adjustment to stay at home hood is proving to be challenging. Trying to keep her occupied is hard work - singing about the wheels on the bus only kills a few minutes as does feeding, changing and going for a walk. I feel so desperate for conversation I swear the postman thinks I fancy him as I open the door to greet him every day! I feel pathetically grateful when my mother visits (although not my mother in law - am not that desperate yet!) but all she wants to talk about is my daughter and she doesn't even pretend she's come to see me as well anymore! I feel sweet anticipation when Deal or No Deal comes on as I know hubbie will be through the door soon.
I do go to a mum's group once a week but if I am honest my shyness makes it difficult. Some weeks are good but there are weeks when I'm mostly sat on my own or hovering about trying to perch in on a conversation that I know will be surprise surprise about children. I feel exhausted with the effort of smiling and pretending to be interested in how Elliot's potty training is going. When I've had a bad week there I feel even more lonely. It doesn't help that my old friends have gradually drifted or moved away and not really been replaced so I feel very alone sometimes and question whether I'm likeable and whether I'm really cut out to be a mother.
Has anyone else gone through this and if so please tell me it gets easier!!
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.
Parenting
Does being a stay at home mum get easier?
20 replies
Jac1978 · 04/12/2012 23:34
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.