Tomorrow BigR goes on her nursery school leavers trip to a farm. The ABO is away with work this week. So tomorrow will be a day for me with LittleR. This is how it'll be from September on Thursdays and Fridays. I'm looking forward to giving LittleR some undivided attention but I'm almost overwhelmed with possibilities of things I could do (especially in her nap time). I don't want to 'waste' the day by heading just to the supermarket or just continually collecting toys from the floor but equally I feel I could fritter the time away. Is that really a problem? Having nothing to show for a few hours where I only have to consider the needs of one child? I'm sure I'll get used to having time at home and slow down a bit but I can't get over the guilt of not doing anything (like cleaning) or having any plans.
The last time I felt I've this was when I had finished my PhD. It was complete. I'd done it. Submitted it. Had the viva. Sorted the corrections. Printed it. Bound it. Had it put in the library. It was done but even so I still felt as though I should be doing something. It took a while to settle into the rest of my life after my PhD and maybe it'll take a while to get used to being (as I got told today) "not part time it's less than full time"
I remember when I started having some time with just my younger one at home. She was about a year old and was just starting to do so many things, it was really nice to be able to give her a little undivided attention since my older one got so much when he was the only child. I think you'll enjoy it a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy your time with just the one... And it's still hard work so enjoy those nap times! I find that by the time Joe goes up in the afternoon I've done seven hours without a break so maybe limit yourself to a few chores then relax for a bit. It's important and you'll be better equipped to do the fun stuff with your little one!
ReplyDeleteSarah x
Somehow the time fills up so completely. All of mine are at school now, and I still don't seem to have enough of it! I do hope you enjoy your summer with them. CJ xx
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed my one on one with Olly, but time does have a habit of filling up anyway. My advice is a mixture of fun and healthy neglect. And when it comes to your little one's nap time, don't feel duty bound to fill it up with chores. You are allowed some time out too. One on one is precious, but can be very intense too.
ReplyDeleteLeanne xx
You'll enjoy your time with LittleR. My older daughter started going to nursery last September and most Mondays and Wednesdays it's just me and Lulu at home. We spend our time pottering about together and it's always nice. There'll always be a temptation to do as much as you can when LittleR is having a nap but do try to relax too and do something that you like. Have a lovely weekend! x
ReplyDeleteOh, to remember the guilt of doing nothing - do not fall into that trap! At nap time, do what ever you like without feeling guilty; time to just hang around reading or doing nothing is good for you. Who is monitoring what you do anyway? Only that annoying little voice in your head your must learn to ignore.
ReplyDeleteJust try to relax and go with it. It might take a few months for you to settle into your new schedule. I remember how much I was able to cram into a two hour (my two were champion nappers, thank goodness) time slot. One hour chores, one hour for me. Or a leisurely lunch alone with the newspaper. You can be industrious one day, lazy the next, it's up to you! x
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