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Going from working out of the home to becoming a work at home mom can be quite a transition. Having a traditional job generally means interacting with a multitude of people every day. From the barista at the coffee shop in the morning, to the people you work with, the person at the deli counter at lunch, to your dry cleaner, you encounter many different people and places.

Working at home can be very isolating. Most days you may not even leave the house. If you are lucky you will have some clients to call and talk to but that won’t really fill your social needs. I am lucky in that I have a few work at home friends that I can “chat” with online. That doesn’t really help the stir-crazy feeling that my daughter and I sometimes get. Here are a few ideas to help get you out of the house:

The Library. This is a completely free option that can help you get out of the house for a few hours. Most libraries offer a free story time for different age groups. You could meet other Moms with children the same age as yours. My library has toys and puzzles in addition to books. Start up a conversation with some of the moms after story time then stick around to chat while your children all play with the toys. This could lead to forming a playgroup too.

Baby Gym or Music Classes. This can be a great way to get out of the house and let your child burn off energy. It is also fun and great way to meet other moms. Your local Parks & Recreation Department may offer low cost classes or you could look for a Gymboree, Little Gym, or Kindermusik in your area.

Take Daddy to Lunch. My daughter loves to visit Daddy at work and then take him out to lunch. My husband loves to show off our smiling girl to his coworkers. If eating out is not in your budget than pack a picnic lunch.

Visit the park. My neighborhood has one within walking distance of our house and there is always another mom there with her kids. My daughter loves the swings, the slides, and watching the older kids play. And this option is completely free.

What do you do to keep from going stir-crazy? Please share your ideas.

Warmly,
Mia