Everyone says that being a parent is the hardest job they have ever had, but there is a reason why everyone says that. It’s true. Add to that staying home with your kids 90% of the time, and you are really feeling maxed out.
For me, the most difficult part is the isolation. My kids are awesome and we visit my parents, run errands and have occasional play dates, but on a whole, I just don’t get enough adult interaction. Feeling cut off leads me to boredom and compulsive behaviors. I decided to share with you some of the things that fill up the moments in my day when I’m not cooking, cleaning, playing, sweeping for the hundredth time or driving all over the planet.
1. Facebook
Darn you Facebook people for making this site so addictive and accessible. I can check my news feed every five minutes right on my iPhone, and some days I do. When I am feeling like I’m not a part of society or when I need a break from playing princesses, I check what everyone else is doing or read articles on Huffington post. It keeps me sane while making me feel guilty for wasting my time.
2. Instagram
If you’re going to Facebook, you may as well Instagram. I like to follow people who post pictures of food, kids, New York and coffee predominantly. I also love mommy bloggers on Instagram. (This blog has an Instagram too. Just saying.)
3. Mommy bloggers
Is there anything better than feeling like there is someone in your same boat? I love to see what other moms are up to so I know I’m not alone. There are also moms who give craft tips, share recipes or those who review kids products. My personal favorite is Mommy Shorts (who also has an Instagram and a Facebook page. Full circle!) who chronicles her life as a mom to her daughters Mazzy and Harlow. I love watching those adorable girls. I am totally invested in their stories.
4. Online (window) shopping
I have posted before about how my kids always need some new article of clothing or want this or that new toy. I spend a lot of downtime filling online shopping carts on various websites and not purchasing anything. Every once in a while I place an order, but most of the time my selections just sit in the cart until they get deleted.
5. Dr. Phil
I never get to watch Dr. Phil. Even if I happen to be home and I turn it on, I can’t hear anything since someone is always talking, crying, whining or demanding something. But I still dream of a day where I can sit in peace, with a cup of coffee and listen to Dr. Phil dish out advice and tough love.
6. Couponing
I love coupons.com. I check it all the time, print out my coupons, coordinate them with the Shop Rite circular and paperclip them to my list. I am not an extreme couponer, but it does feed my compulsive personality. I also buy coupons occasionally from Klip2save.com. As a result, we have enough squeezy apple sauce pouches to last us until the apocalypse.
7. iPhone games
Currently I like the Tsum Tsum game because I am a sucker for matching type activities. Whether it’s Panda Pop or Candy Crush, sometimes your brain just needs to veg out, especially if you get the opportunity to go to the bathroom by yourself.
8. Subscription boxes
Come on. A box of surprise stuff that comes in the mail every month is seriously appealing. I am a big fan of Citrus Lane. I had a subscription for Little Miss for a while and now I have one for Mr. Man. They custom pick a box of toys, crafts and kid products (and sometimes a beauty product for mom) based on your child’s age. We have gotten, to name a few, Melissa & Doug stampers, a Green Toys tug boat, a super hero cape, awesome lotions, snacks, socks, books and musical instruments. I save everything and bring them out on boring days, or keep them for gifts.
9. Mommy texts
I am a part of a group text with three of my mommy friends. It is a fantastic way to chew up some time. And when you’re busy, there’s nothing like coming back to your phone and finding 30 new messages!
10. Pinterest
I like Pinterest for the food (and the birthday party ideas, but I have already talked about that here: Birthday Culture). I miss being a kid and not having to pick what was for dinner, but those days are over and I am just out of ideas. Thank you Pinterest for keeping us fed.
11. The slow cooker
My kids are seriously crabby and clingy around dinner prep time. With the slow cooker, I get dinner ready right after lunch and I don’t have to deal with Mr. Man crying at my feet while I cook.
12. Making lists (this one included)
I don’t even know what day it is. I have lists everywhere, packing lists, grocery lists, to do lists. I keep a grocery budget list, a list of Mr. Man’s (and actually Little Miss’s) first words, and a password list in my Notes app. I need lists.
13. Coffee
How in the heck else am I supposed to make it through the day?
For me, the most difficult part is the isolation. My kids are awesome and we visit my parents, run errands and have occasional play dates, but on a whole, I just don’t get enough adult interaction. Feeling cut off leads me to boredom and compulsive behaviors. I decided to share with you some of the things that fill up the moments in my day when I’m not cooking, cleaning, playing, sweeping for the hundredth time or driving all over the planet.
1. Facebook
Darn you Facebook people for making this site so addictive and accessible. I can check my news feed every five minutes right on my iPhone, and some days I do. When I am feeling like I’m not a part of society or when I need a break from playing princesses, I check what everyone else is doing or read articles on Huffington post. It keeps me sane while making me feel guilty for wasting my time.
2. Instagram
If you’re going to Facebook, you may as well Instagram. I like to follow people who post pictures of food, kids, New York and coffee predominantly. I also love mommy bloggers on Instagram. (This blog has an Instagram too. Just saying.)
3. Mommy bloggers
Is there anything better than feeling like there is someone in your same boat? I love to see what other moms are up to so I know I’m not alone. There are also moms who give craft tips, share recipes or those who review kids products. My personal favorite is Mommy Shorts (who also has an Instagram and a Facebook page. Full circle!) who chronicles her life as a mom to her daughters Mazzy and Harlow. I love watching those adorable girls. I am totally invested in their stories.
4. Online (window) shopping
I have posted before about how my kids always need some new article of clothing or want this or that new toy. I spend a lot of downtime filling online shopping carts on various websites and not purchasing anything. Every once in a while I place an order, but most of the time my selections just sit in the cart until they get deleted.
5. Dr. Phil
I never get to watch Dr. Phil. Even if I happen to be home and I turn it on, I can’t hear anything since someone is always talking, crying, whining or demanding something. But I still dream of a day where I can sit in peace, with a cup of coffee and listen to Dr. Phil dish out advice and tough love.
6. Couponing
I love coupons.com. I check it all the time, print out my coupons, coordinate them with the Shop Rite circular and paperclip them to my list. I am not an extreme couponer, but it does feed my compulsive personality. I also buy coupons occasionally from Klip2save.com. As a result, we have enough squeezy apple sauce pouches to last us until the apocalypse.
7. iPhone games
Currently I like the Tsum Tsum game because I am a sucker for matching type activities. Whether it’s Panda Pop or Candy Crush, sometimes your brain just needs to veg out, especially if you get the opportunity to go to the bathroom by yourself.
8. Subscription boxes
Come on. A box of surprise stuff that comes in the mail every month is seriously appealing. I am a big fan of Citrus Lane. I had a subscription for Little Miss for a while and now I have one for Mr. Man. They custom pick a box of toys, crafts and kid products (and sometimes a beauty product for mom) based on your child’s age. We have gotten, to name a few, Melissa & Doug stampers, a Green Toys tug boat, a super hero cape, awesome lotions, snacks, socks, books and musical instruments. I save everything and bring them out on boring days, or keep them for gifts.
9. Mommy texts
I am a part of a group text with three of my mommy friends. It is a fantastic way to chew up some time. And when you’re busy, there’s nothing like coming back to your phone and finding 30 new messages!
10. Pinterest
I like Pinterest for the food (and the birthday party ideas, but I have already talked about that here: Birthday Culture). I miss being a kid and not having to pick what was for dinner, but those days are over and I am just out of ideas. Thank you Pinterest for keeping us fed.
11. The slow cooker
My kids are seriously crabby and clingy around dinner prep time. With the slow cooker, I get dinner ready right after lunch and I don’t have to deal with Mr. Man crying at my feet while I cook.
12. Making lists (this one included)
I don’t even know what day it is. I have lists everywhere, packing lists, grocery lists, to do lists. I keep a grocery budget list, a list of Mr. Man’s (and actually Little Miss’s) first words, and a password list in my Notes app. I need lists.
13. Coffee
How in the heck else am I supposed to make it through the day?