When your children start kindergarten and school, it’s easy for a mom to feel a little lost. Your babies that once were with you each and every day are now gaining their independence in school. It’s a scary prospect. But, you have to see this as an opportunity for yourself. Now is the time for you to think about all the exciting things you can now do with that spare time. So I thought I would share with you five things you could consider doing when your children start kindergarten.
See you may have a hidden talent that has remained unused for years. Maybe you have a way with the sewing machine or create the most beautifully baked goodies. Now is the time to work on your talent and set up a business from home. This is a great flexible working option. You are around to drop your kids off and collect them again. You are on hand for homework and after-school activities. But you are also doing something for yourself that may begin to bring in a few extra dollars to spend.
5 Things Moms Can Do When Their Children Start Kindergarten
1. Write a blog.
Maybe you have read blogs like mine for sometime, but never had the time or the confidence to do it yourself. Well, now you have no excuse. Go out and set up a blog that’s for you. You could use it as an online scrapbook or diary. Writing down all the fun days out you have. Maybe your families don’t live close so it could be an excellent way for them to keep track on their grandkids and the family.
Writing a blog can be therapeutic. You could write about whatever interests you and find like-minded individuals online through it and social media. There are many guides out there that will help you start.
2. Become a working mom.
Now that you have some spare time during the day you may want to consider going back to work. Why shouldn’t you? Women have just as much right to be in the professional world as men do. You could get more info on the job application process and search online for potential vacancies locally.
The extra income could go towards all sorts of things like new clothes or a family holiday.
3. Start attending a gym.
Maybe working, in general, doesn’t appeal to you and you want to do something for yourself. Then why not join a gym and attend a few classes while the kids are at school? This could be a great opportunity to make some new friends. It could also do you the world of good physically and mentally. Taking regular exercise is proven to increase energy levels.
4. Get involved in local charities.
Finally, why not get involved in the local community or charities. These organisations are always looking for organised individuals to plan and set up fundraisers. As a mom, we know first hand the importance or organisation, so this could be the perfect thing for you to fill your time.
Or just enjoy the time before the chaos of family life resumes.
What did you do when your children started kindergarten?
Now tell us in the comments…
Meredith Spidel says
This is such a huge game-changing shift for mamas, so I know your advice is so appreciated. Smart to tackle something new so you don’t get lost in the shuffle!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Meredith and I just couldn’t agree more with you, too!! 🙂
jhanis says
Great tips Janine! These apply when kids enter grade school too! I feel like I have too much time in the morning since the kids are in school from 8am-4pm. I should really be more productive coz I usually just go back to sleep for a couple of hours since I get home really late from work. 😀
Janine says
Thanks Jhanis and I am with you on the evenings here, as well!!
Seana Turner says
I became more involved in volunteer work when my girls entered school. It felt great to give back and to be around adults for awhile:) I felt like I regained a bit of myself by getting out and into the community more.
Janine says
Love that you did this and I totally get the feeling of wanting more adult stimulation myself though, too!
Jen says
That entry into kindergarten can be a little scary for mom and kiddo can’t it? It also can be exciting and an opportunity to get out more. These are all great ideas 🙂 Anneliese starts preschool this year and for a couple of hours a week I will be child free for the first time in like 15 years!
Janine says
Wow, I was there only 2 short years ago with my youngest, too!!
Kathy Radigan says
I started my blog six years ago when my youngest child started Kindergarten. It’s been a great way to connect with other people and connect with my creative side. It’s also given me new skills and made me aware of all the different social media platforms, which is really great as your kids become teens. It’s also been a way to work a bit and still be home for my kids, and since I have a daughter with significant issues, this is a must right now. Thanks! Great tips!
Janine says
I totally agree with you and I actually started mine when my youngest was not even 2 years old and she is now almost 7! So, trust me I get this feeling and need completely, too 🙂
Allie G smith says
I really didn’t start “doing stuff” till child number three went to kindergarten. That’s when I kicked it up. She would have never stood for me spending time on the computer. I did all of the above – and also started to travel on my own:)>
Janine says
Mine was number two, but I only have two. But still I have trouble leaving my girls for long periods of time though as I miss them too much. But that’s just me I suppose 😉
Mary says
I alway encourage Mother’s to start a blog. I don’t have any kids but I read 100s of Mom blogs a week because Moms are people too and they usually have some tips I can use. Joining a gym or taking fitness classes is a great way for Moms to spend their time while the kiddos are in Kindergarten. Great list Janine 🙂
Janine says
Thanks so much, Mary and I am so glad for one that you read my little my blog here as I am so happy to have gotten to know you through blogging 😉
Aunt Gloria says
You did great with your blog! Good ideas for moms looking to fill their time when the kids are moving on. You always have good ideas to share. xxoo
Janine says
Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and very happy to share this here, too xoxo
Anesa Doyle says
Fantastic suggestions! I also think it is important to start finding “yourself” and it starts with self care. You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself first!!!
Janine says
Thanks Anesa and just couldn’t agree more with you if I tried!! 🙂
Joyce Brewer says
It took some adjusting when our son went from 3 day a week preschool to 5 days a week pre-k. I was lost for awhile. But I got additional contract work and pressed on.
Great advice!
Janine says
Thanks Joyce and same here as you. So happy to share these tips for more moms now, as well 🙂
Hannah Iway says
Thanks for the tips Janine! My eldest is in kindergarten but I still have a toddler at home. So bonding with my little one is what I do apart from working (homebased) while my eldest is at school.
Janine says
Aw, enjoy every moment of it as I can attest that it does so quickly now with my youngest heading into 2nd grade shortly! 😉
Tamara says
When Scarlet started kindergarten, it was a big game changer, but I still had Des! I enrolled him in part-time daycare and that was awesome. Then the next year, it was first grade and his daycare got longer. That’s the year I built my social media business. And now with him starting kindergarten??? I hope I keep growing!
Janine says
I think you totally will and cannot wait to see how this new phase in your life helps your life to evolve that much more now 🙂
Diane Roark says
Janine,
Once your kids start back to school, I would highly recommend discovering your passion. The best way to do that is by trying your suggestions.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Diane
Janine says
Aw, thank you, too Diane!! 🙂
Christine Carter says
Those are some really great ideas, Janine. This is a huge transition for kids and moms and it opens up all kinds of possibilities for SAHMs!!
Janine says
Thanks Chris and I couldn’t agree with you more on the possibilities this time does afford for moms!! 🙂
Schnelle Acevedo says
These are fantastic tips!! I especially like the going to the gym one 🙂 The kindergarten shift is such a huge one! I still feel the effects of last years entry. Whew!
Janine says
Aw, I know same here, too!! 🙂
catherine gacad says
I totally agree people should start blogs. Family/friends will read! I read them! Also it’s a great way to document your children’s growth and their childhood.
Janine says
I couldn’t agree more with you, Catherine and really is such a great way for moms to document their kids growing up and more 🙂