Just wondering if anybody else can relate to how I'm feeling right now. All four of my girls are now in school all day (I'm a SAHM) and I'm so lost and out of sorts since school started. I'm exhausted, unmotivated etc. Normally I'm a real go,go, go person. Who isn't when you have triplets plus but I just feel like I don't know who I am anymore. I've started working out so I hope that helps my state of mind. Did anybody else feel this way and what did you do to feel better ? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Michelle

Mom to:
Eliana, Maya, Alexandra - May 18, 2002 31w6d
Sierra - July 24, 2003 @ 26w4d

It seems like when my kids go back to school I go with them! I volunteer one day a week for each of their teachers, so I'm there at least four days a week--most weeks, five. If a teacher doesn't need me, the librarian or office workers usually have some things they need done. Show a little creative talent and you'll be in demand before you know it. Start offering up your services--you'll be surprised by how quickly your days get filled! Heck, I'm way too busy to work out...or to clean house!LOL

I indulged for the first year. Had exchange students two other years. Spend close to 20 hr/wk volunteering at the school. I was bored out of my mind and unfulfilled! So much so that we're homeschooling. I'm 'working' again and still a SAHM. I didn't enjoy perusing the stores just to waste time. It seemed meaningless.
Plan your day. Accomplish certain tasks, lunch with friends, take up a new hobby. Read for pleasure or work out. It is possible to enjoy the calm.
Tracey
Homeschooling Mom to:
Michael, Soccer Dude (11)
Francesca, Shining Star (10)
Matthew, Little Soccer Dude (8)
Alexis, Giggles (8)
Gabrielle, Darling Dash (8)

Host mom to:
Johannes, German exchange student (17)
Torunn, Norwegian former student (20)

I'm looking forward to feeling this way next year!

Mine are only gone 1/2 day this year and I'm wishing for a longer day for myself. I thought I would get a gazillion things done, including exercise. What I found was me getting online or just watching TV and using up all my kid-free time then nothing got done around the house. I am just now starting find my "new normal" after 6 weeks of school. It has made me wonder how long the adjustment period will be next year.

I've decided that I might just need to give myself the time I need to adjust when they are gone all day. I mom of quintuplets+1 that I know said she wandered around her house for weeks, getting nothing done. Then when the kids came home, she started doing household chores.

But here are a few things I've noticed that kind of bring me out of the "slug funk".

Get a shower before the kids go to school, even if you have to get up a little earlier. When you are up and dressed and feel a little better about yourself you will be more motivated to get things done. I say "oh, I'll just shower when they leave". Then I don't b/c I don't want to use MY time in the shower when I should be doing other things. Then I feel yucky and don't want to do anything or go anywhere.

Come up with a project- organize the toy room, paint your bedroom, something that keep you moving

Schedule exercise- put your workout clothes on when you wake up. I created a schedule for myself based on the classes at our gym. On the days I don't like the offerings, I scheduled a walk. The plan is to be at the bus stop ready to go for a walk. I'm already 1/2 a block away from the house. Walk 15 minutes, then turn around and go home. I haven't done it yet- I've had a few projects, been sick, had sick kids. I haven't been going to the gym either....but DO have a schedule (baby steps, huh?)

Call a friend and go for lunch or coffee. It'll get you out of the house, and more engaged in something. Consider volunteering at the school. YOu'll feel connected to the kids, have a sense of accomplishment, and engage you socially (there are always a bunch of volunteer moms running around our school).

My DH works in the boondocks, so a lunch date isn't an option. But maybe you could consider that. It would get you up and dressed, and then maybe you would be motivated to other things before or after.

Or INVITE a friend over to your house. If you are like me you need a party deadline to REALLY get the house in order.

MonsterMom6
10 year old ^b^ b twins @ 30w5d (1 survivor) and
8 year old gggg quads @ 32w0d

You need to get into a rhythm after all these years with the kids dictating your schedule. I second all the advice given by the other moms. Exercise, read a book, plan a project, call someone for lunch, volunteer at school. Your kids are still little and the schools are ALWAYS looking for volunteers. Ask the teachers and the office staff. Join a committee - it's a great way to meet new people. Also, do all your errands when your kids are at school so your time with them is focused on them!

Best wishes,

sharon
11 year old b/b/b + 15 year old son

Last year when my kids started to kinder the first few days were eerily quiet. It took several weeks to get accustomed to the new routine. My suggestion is to have lunch with your kids at school, offer to volunteer at school or in the classroom, put together a to-do list and get started, and do some things just for yourself.

It will get better, but you have to build a new reality.
Lisa
Mom to Aidan, Christian, and Rachel (10.03.01 @ 36wks)

I hope you have a better week Michelle.

Marla is pretty good helping women get out of a funk and into a routine. http://www.flylady.net


www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/How_To_Homeschool/tosbrochure.pdf
*†¯`·.,*† ¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.->*† .¸¸.·*†(¯`·.¸*†¸.·´¯`·.¸¸.->*†
I BELIEVE in miracles - g/g/g- June 2002
Married my best friend
Financial Peace is possible www.daveramsey.com

I am sorry that you are feeling this way. It is so normal though (and probably prepares us a bit for empty nest!). I remember feeling sad that my years at home with the boys were gone - so fast and that I did not make the most of them that I could have. Once you allow yourself some grieving time for what is gone, you can look forward to what is to come - so much fun! As other posters have said, you can fill your time with school volunteering, exercise, getting stuff done without rushing or multitasking so much (paying bills, doing dishes and laundry while finger painting with toddlers!)

I hope you feel your go go go self soon!

Suzanne
Proud mommy to Seamus, Brendan and Casey 4/17/00

Ladies,

Thank you for all of your thoughtful responses. I'm sure that with patience, perseverance, and lots of work that I will manage to regain my identity. I can't believe another week will soon be done and I feel just as unproductive as if the kids had been home all week I better get moving!!! Thanks again.


Michelle

Mom to:
Eliana, Maya, Alexandra - May 18, 2002 31w6d
Sierra - July 24, 2003 @ 26w4d