How not to feel so lonely as a SAHM?

[chrysalis]

Jan There have been some really great suggestions here.
I just thought I would drop another few cents worth, yesterday, after 4 or so months of mums group I got a call from one of the mums in my group to go and have a coffee, totally random, never happened before, we have not really spoken much, anyway we spent a couple of hours walking and talking about things mostly entirely unrelated to the bubs and discovered we have quite a lot in common! She interestingly commented that she had been lonely but very shy about contributing at the group as she found the whole group situation very overwhelming.
So you are not alone. Keep at it.
And most importantly good on you and THANK YOU for being open and verbalising what so many of us are/have been thinking! It is very nice to realise that feeling this way is normal. Your post has given rise to some great discussion - women helping women - YEAH!
Good luck!

[Lady_Penelope]

I really want to encourage you to try all of these suggestions and bear in mind, that it takes TIME to make these connections and build up a rapport and familiarity.

I am a SAHM mum (occasionally going back to my profession as a social worker only during school hours - very very part time though) of a 9 yr old DD and just turned 6 yr old DS, and am expecting another baby mid-March.

I actually PREFER being at home - it has enabled me to really build up a lot of networks through various groups - through the kids' friends and their mums, etc. I find that when I work, the people I work with are really only just that - work colleagues - there is not always anything in common other than work anyway. It has taken a lot of time, but being involved in the local community has really meant that I am never bored or rarely need to be alone if I do not wish to be.

I think it is probably more of an issue as a first time mum. I recall having some of those feelings myself.

Best of luck - I love the suggestions that have been put out there. Remember to be bold and put yourself out there - it will indeed pay off.

Tracy