Moms Group in Clarkston/Waterford Area

T.,

I to am a teacher with 3 young children (all under 5). I took 3 months leave with each child. Being is a stay at home is a great thing for many women and it is wonderful when that you have that option. I had to continue to work due to our family situation. I would reconsider quiting before you have the baby. Every mother is different and with teaching you have agreat flexability and options. Take your allowed 3 months leave. Even though your baby is due in the summer (summer vacation from school) you are still entitled to 12 weeks (unpaid) when you return to work - that puts your return date in Nov. At that time if you decide staying at home is for you - great! You can also ask you district to give you a 2 year leave. Many districts will grant 2 years to care for a child (unpaid / no benefits) - Read you contract. After 2 years you might decided your child is ready for preschool and you might want to work or even job share with someone and work part time or take a part time position back in the district. We have a women in our district that took a 2 year leave for her first child and had another child and took another 2 year leave. After 4 years we had a opening in her area and she decided to come back part time. Being a mom is amazing and enjoy it but if possible always keep your foot in the door at your district. Teaching is the greatest career for a mom. You have vacations with your children and the summer. You might decided in a few years that you want to go back and why not keep the doors open if possible. Your contract can give you a clearer picture to the options in your district.

Congratulations with the new baby!

Congratulations! I too decided to stay home after our now 2 year old was born. I went to a very part time job - 1 afternoon a week when an adopted grandma type could come over. That was good for me for adult interaction. Also, since our son was 2 weeks old, my husband and I have gone out to dinner by ourselves every thursday night. We have a college age sitter and sometimes we are only gone for 1 hour but its so important. We had been married 10 years, I see you have been married 4, so you two are also used to having time to yourself whenever you want it. I would encourage you to get a date time in the routine as soon as you can - the longer you wait the harder it is to do. It is good for your marriage (even if all you all you talk about is the baby, at least you can talk about him uninterupted - lol) and good for your child to have other caretakers. It's also good to have a short break and come home excited to see the baby!
I also agree with a previous post about realizing you aren't perfect - trust your gut on all the decisions you will be making about eating sleeping, etc. and don't expect too much of yourself. It's a big learning curve! Being a mom is a wonderful gift though and I wish you all the best!

Embrace the time you will be able to spend with your new child. Enjoy every single moment. I was so lucky to stay home with my 3 boys until my youngest went to Kindergarten. While it was and still is a financial struggle I am happy the choice we made worked for us. I now teach at a childcare center and see the other end of the spectrum with moms who choose childcare for their children while they work. One important thing....schedule "T. Time" with friends and your husband. That special time just for you is very important. Enjoy your new little one!!!

Congratulations T. on choosing the most important job in the world. Staying home and being a full time mother is the most valuable thing you cando for your child and for the future. You can teach your child from today on the values you and your husband have. You can read to this precious person the books that support the things you believe in starting TODAY. yes I said today. But at the same time you must not forsake your self and your husband. Babies can be very demanding on your time and energy but the dont break easy and crying is not necessary a distress sign. I had 5 children stayed home with all of them then raised a total of 19. Children are a gift from God enjoy the gift and dont forget the giver.
Be blessed
J. (____@____.com) if you want to continue this discussion

Hi T., I also chose to stay home with my baby. I left my work as a program manager for a rehabilitation company to be with my baby about 5 months ago. I had my baby girl in Jan. It was a very difficult decision for me. I am an older mom in that I am 37 and have worked since I was 15 even while going to college. So it is a huge adjustment. BUT I have to admit it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I have my moments where I feel left out of things, or miss my office and my staff. But over all I know what I am doing is the best for my daughter. It has changed me already. I am less stressed out and am really trying to appreciate the fact that I can stay home. There are so many moms that have to work and would love to stay home so I try to treat it as a priviledge. With that said there are times I feel lonely and really want adult interaction. So I suggest after your child is a few months old to have some sort of plan in your week for exercise, or moms groups, or getting together with friends. Make sure our husband is left alone with the baby from time to time so that he can understand the work and dedication it takes to be at home all day with a baby! Welcome to the club and really stop to enjoy every moment because they go by so fast. J.

How exciting! After I was home for about 6 months, I was ready to do something out of the home. I started my own at-home business. I work mostly on-line. If you decide to do that too, I hope you will talk to me! We have many former teachers associated with us.

Enjoy this moment!

S.
____@____.com

T.,

1 - Don't tell your job that you are planning on leaving yet; make sure that when you become a SAHM that its a right fit for you and take your maternity leave. I've had friends that have quit and than realized they wanted to go back to work teaching.

2 - Make sure you have paid off your credit cards, car, etc. any kind of debts. The last thing that you want to do is get into a fight with your husband over money; I did this with my husband and I'm so glad that I did!

Good luck!

Hi T.. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I, too, was a teacher and have chosen to be a SAHM. I agree that you should relax and enjoy your sleep as much as possible. I also recommend that when the baby comes, don't closet yourself inside. Small children are portable. Get together once a week with friends or family or find a mom's group. If you don't get regular adult interaction you may find yourself feeling like you're going crazy. It also helps distract your baby as they age and gets them entertainment from someone other than you. That gives you a mental breather. Best of luck!

I did the same thing! (used to teach 1st grade). I have truly loved staying home although any thing you do in life can be a challenge at times :) but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Not sure where you live, but I will be getting together with other moms to go to the park/beach if you're interested. During the fall/spring we'll be doing mom's night outs and other things as well. Let me know if you're interested! Congrats on the upcoming baby! hope all goes well!

Welcome to the club and Congratulations!

I'm a 28yo SAHM of 3. I had my first when I was 24 so I've got a pretty good idea of how you're feeling. My best advice is to relax as much as you can now, because it will be some time before you'll even get to think the word again ;)

I absolutely love being a SAHM (most days LOL!). I'm sure you will too. Try to get as much sleep as possible and maintain an open and loving relationship with your husband. Sometimes men can feel left out so try and give your "first big kid" his attention too.

Oh and one more thing, please try to remember that no one is perfect. We all are constantly learning and even if you make some mistakes (we all have) as long as you love your baby you'll be his/her absolute best mom on the planet!

Good Luck! God Bless you and yours,
Feel free to contact me any time, ____@____.com
K.

Hi T.. What an exciting time for you! I see that you are interested in getting together with other moms. I know how important that is for my sanity. I need adult conversation! I attend The Mom Squad(www.clarkstonmomsquad.com) once a week for that reason. It is also a great place to talk to more experienced moms and get advice as you enter new stages of motherhood. During the summer, we meet at a local park and do other outings.
We'd love to have you join us.
A.

Hi T.,
I was just going through old posts and saw yours. I believe there is a Mothers and More group in Clarkston. www.mothersandmore.org to find a group.