[GeminiSix]

I have just commenced my second 12 months of maternity leave (ending in December). DH and I made this decision last year based on the fact we couldn't get an FDC position for both DD2 and DD3 together, and also DD2 is in 4 year old kinder this year with odd pick up and drop off times, and the extra year of leave will get her through to when she starts Prep. I was also going through the same stage I did with the other girls of dreading putting DD3 into childcare. So basically me being at home for another year makes our lives uncomplicated for this year. My maternity leave replacement has been contracted until the end of the year, when I am due to go back.

I think I am just in a rut at the moment. This is the longest period of time I have had off work, and I am bored being a SAHM. I'm sick of the same old routine, drop off at school, back home, clean up kitchen after breakfast, do some washing, watching a bit of daytime TV etc, back to school at 3.30. The house isn't in a great state at the moment because I am just so over doing housework day after day!

I go to playgroup on Fridays so I see other mums there, I do catch up with friends quite regularly too. It is just the monotony of it all. I was just remembering getting dressed up for work in nice clothes, instead of the jeans, t-shirt and thongs I wear all the time now.

So I'm just after ideas of how other SAHM's get through their day and avoid getting bored? What are your routines to get your housework done when you just can't be bothered? I'm trying to think of a project or hobby I can start.

This post has been edited by GeminiSix: 28/02/2013, 02:06 PM

[Escapin]

I'm just coming to the end of 2 years mat leave and I have to say, I'm happy to be going back to work! So I hear you!

Not sure I have many good ideas though - you could try one of those websites where you get hired to do little tasks - mainly online. I'm sure another poster will know the website name. You could make some pocket money while your littlie has their sleep. Not sure what else I've got!

ETA: besides lots of exclamation points, obviously I have too many of those...

This post has been edited by Escapin: 28/02/2013, 02:17 PM

[cinnabubble]

Sounds like bliss to me.

Could you do a short course through TAFE or WEA or something like that?

[Saecularis Angel...]

I did a short course in creative writing over the summer. Was good fun, I learned a lot, and it gave me something to do for six weeks (and beyond, now I've got an unfinished writing project!)

[elle-M]

I've always been an avid reader and studied literature at uni, so I started writing a book a few months ago. The project has become bigger than Ben Hur and will take me years due to all the research, but it's a hobby and it's MINE and I love it!

I also got a digital SLR camera for my birthday so I've learned to shoot in manual mode and do some editing etc. and I've started a blog to keep family updated with photos of my kids.

These are the sorts of things that I find precious "me time" - you deserve it!!!

[threetimesblesse...]

Will be watching replies with interest.
OP, my children are the same ages as yours.
I have been on maternity leave for 9 months and will be taking 2 years off.
I too have thought of starting a business, studying but am not sure.

[cinnabubble]

Join the gym. That takes up a reasonable chunk of post-drop-off time.

[mommyoffour]

Threads like this make me ^^^^

I wish I had that when mine were babies. There was never a moment for myself. They never slept, and wanted to be held most of the time.

If I were you, OP, I'd do fun stuff. Heaps of fun stuff -- whatever happens to take your fancy!!!! And ENJOY

[GeminiSix]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Unfortunately joining the gym is out, I don't have any access to childcare for DD3 and have no family around to help.

I like the idea of a short course, I'll have a look into online TAFE. And to the PP who is writing a book, that is something I would love to do and have thought a lot about over the years. Maybe I'll just start putting somethings down on paper (or I suppose computer) and see where it heads.

I think I'm just having a bad day. I have always found myself happier, and much more productive at home, when I've worked part time. It balances me out.

[SummerStar]

I did a course through OTEN. And to be honest I preferred the period where I was doing nothing. Had nowhere to be nothing to do etc
Whenever I was relaxing I alwas felt I should really be working on assessments. Anyway that is behind me now and I'm back to enjoying trash tv and doing nothing. I love it!!!!
I will start looking for a job relating to what I studied in a couple of months so I can quit the job I'm on maternity leave from and I know I will miss my days of nothingness.
I have started writing a book but its not something I do all the time. I go through stages of writing then not.