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Boredom is Expensive…

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For years, I’ve thought staying home with kids is easy. You can plan meals, cut coupons, and have time to shop for deals.

My reason for thinking this?

My sisters have made it look like a cake walk.

The problem?

I’m realizing, being married and childless while working a ton is WAY easier when it comes to finances. I didn’t have time to spend money. Don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely enjoying every single moment off work with my son but… I need to get out. And ‘getting out’, especially in the heat when I can’t go walk at a park, means walking in an enclosed shopping mall. Fortunately I’m still carrying 9 extra pounds (ugh) and I refuse to buy clothing at a size I don’t plan on staying, but I could see the whole ‘stay at home mom’ idea being very dangerous for my finances.

For those who have stay at home parenting down pat…

what on earth do you do when it’s too hot or too cold for free outdoor activities?


10 Comments

  • Reply Alexandria |

    I wouldn’t get too caught up in this baby stage. IT’s fleeting, and babies are REALLY boring. 😀

    If you keep your ears open, there always seems to be tons of things to do. (i.e. events at library, etc.). There is also getting together with other babies/moms.

    Of course, my husband stayed home, and refused to give up cable/HBO. I’d say he probably watched a lot of TV, early on.

    With age, it gets more interesting, and there will be tons more to do. But, I think socializing with other parents/babies is a biggie. Not that bbay needs it, but parents sure do!

    (Your post reminds me the parent group I Was in last often met at the mall to power walk. No one shopped – we just walked around).

  • Reply Claire in CA, USA |

    As I recall, when my kids were little, I found a shady park and we went and played there during hot days, or to my mom’s to swim. When my kids were newborns, I stayed home more. I also waited ’til the sun went down a bit to go out for walks with the baby in the stroller.

    As far as those 9 pounds; please don’t buy into the belief that you should be at pre-baby weight a few weeks after giving birth. That is not healthy for you, or for your breastfeeding. 9 pounds is nothing, and you will likely drop it as soon as you get back to work and have a more regimented schedule.

  • Reply christy |

    We play at other people’s houses, go to free events sponsored by the county, go to the library for storytime, etc. My kids are 3 and 5, so we can do lot more than you can. When they were little, I remember spreading out my errands over several days (even though I could have gotten them done in one day), just to have an excuse to leave the house everyday. It was a sanity saver. So we would go to Target one day, the grocery store one day, the post office another day, etc.

  • Reply Megan |

    I took the leftovers of my grocery budget and other budgets that had extra, just little amounts $5-$10 and got gift cards for coffee shops and places like mcdonalds (when the munchkin is a little older). I get a drink and relax. The variety was nice, and I never noticed it in the budget because I had it payed for already. Also, when I go places like the mall, I window shop in stores that carry either things I would never actually buy, or things that are too expensive to justify owning. That way I get my lookie-loo but no real temptation to purchase.

  • Reply Carol |

    Most museums have a free day or free hours each week. Since your son is still so small, he will probably sleep while you stroll through a room or two. If he does start to cry, you can always make a quick exit. I really like Megan’s suggestion to treat yourself to small gift cards to coffee shops from left over grocery $. Then, when you get too many consecutive ultra hot days, off you go! When the weather cools a bit and you can be outside longer, try playing tourist in your own city and explore neighborhoods you may not have visited in a while. College campuses also make a great place to wander about.

  • Reply Janelle |

    There is a lot to do, with a bit of imagination. Libraries are great. There are story times, craft days, workshops, concerts, all for free.

    Get in a moms group, like MOPS. Most large churches have a MOPS or similar group and most are free (or ask for a scholarship). They were my necessary survival/kid break when my four were babies (I had four kids all under 5 so lets just say I needed it!).

    Parks with fountains. Yup. Lots of time sittting in the 1 inch water. All free.

    Museums – kids ones are best. Most have free days, or a lot of libraries give out free tickets (at least where we live).

    Play groups – these can spin off of a MOPS type group or some groups just advertise in baby shops or consignment stores.

    Local pool – Ours has Family $1 swim. They also have mom and tot swims – all like $2 bucks or you can buy a family pass for next to nothing.

    Malls with nice mothers rooms! When I had two little ones who were both nursing, I’d go in the hot weather to Nordstrom’s nursing mother rooms at the mall. They were air conditioned, large and full of moms! Great visiting. 🙂

    A lot of hospitals have new moms groups. With our first baby, the one I attended at our hospital was a vital support for me. Great, great group! These are also usually free or low cost (or ask for a scholarship).

    Evening walks. We did that a lot in the summers, when it was cooler.

    McDonalds. Don’t laugh! I’m not kidding. McD’s play area, or just sitting outside the play area while your baby naps. $1 drink and a $1 fruit and yogurt parfait and a good book.

    Specialty play groups. A lot of centers that help kids with disabilities have social groups. Some of these can be free or little cost (again scholarship!) These are great for getting to know other moms who have kids with special needs, or for introducing your kids to kids who are a bit ‘different’. (this may not apply now but ya never know! I have kids with Autism so we’ve done this).

    A lot of community centers and cities offer play groups. Our community center has a large play group 3 days a week for kids 5 and under. They have it divided by ages, but all one room so if you have more than one kid, you can still watch all of them. This was like $1 a visit and it was by donation so when I couldn’t afford it, I didn’t worry about it! We spent a lot of time there when I had 4 under 5.

    Along with play groups for young children, our community center has family nights and parenting nights. All great for young moms and families. Oh and again, free! 🙂

    I could go on but I think that is a good start. Have fun exploring this new world of the stay-at-home mom!

  • Reply Kim |

    Two weeks along and only 9 pounds left on you?! I am super impressed!! My husband found out that you spend more when you’re at home this summer – he’s a teacher and had 6.5 weeks off this summer (not quite enough for his usual job of teaching summer school), so he went to lunch, which he wouldn’t do otherwise. Though, we did save on gas (he drives a big truck which gobbles gas like cookie monster).

  • Reply Starr |

    When my eldest was a newborn, she just wouldn’t allow me to go out. She was pretty fussy (and by fussy I mean, she screamed a lot), so we stayed home. I read a lot.

    If you have more than, things change a lot. It’s harder to get out of the house now that there are three little ones, including one who naps sporadically, but will not do it outside of his crib.

    I’ve never found staying at home to be expensive. My children have always made it difficult to shop or relax outside my home. Thank goodness I like being home!

  • Reply JMK |

    I’m sure that you’ve been setting aside 1/12th of your Christmas shopping budget every month since last December…. If you find the mall an easy option, get going on the Christmas shopping. No really, it’s not too early. Unless there is a death or unexpected marriage/divorce in your family, then you already know who will be on the gift list. While you’re shopping, start a list of gift suggestions for your son. People will want to know what to get him this Christmas. My second was a summer baby too and the heat drove me indoors. I had all the Christmas gifts bought by Labor Day. Got my shopping fix and it was all purchases I was planning to make anyway. Shopping in crowded stores with a 5 month old in tow in December would have been a huge pain. While he’s nursing and you don’t have to bring bottles and food along, get going on the shopping!

So, what do you think ?