SAHP in ED?

[abcdulwich]

I've recently become a SAHP after leaving a job which I couldn't justify staying in to just cover childcare costs and I'm interested to hear about other peoples experiences. Despite going to what seems like every baby group in ED I haven't yet met anyone in the same situation. Are there any other SAHP's in ED?!

Really what I'm finding difficult is trying to 'cover' what my little one is missing from nursery - messy play, socialising etc

[Mariamadeit]

Yes I am a sahp (since my first 6.5years ago) now on baby no 3 I go to a variety of groups and also do lots at home, have you looked at blogs for ideas handsonaswegrow redtedart and happyhooligans are great. How old are your children?

[abcdulwich]

Thanks so much for the suggestions Maria, I'll definitely take a look at those. I just have a little 1 year old.

[astrid83]

I'm a stay at home parent- got two boys , one who will be 3 in June and one who is 15 months. I believe there are quite a few people in same situation so you are not alone.

[collyflower]

I have really enjoyed being a sahp in ED. There is so much to do, check ed tots but I found when mine was 1 that tiny gym in camberwell leisure centre was really good, yoga, swimming and playgroups at children's centres such as ivydale and jessops. I was a primary school teacher and in my training in early years I remember being told nurseries were trying to recreate a good enabling home environment, so dont feel like you have to be constantly entertaining them as they learn so mych from just watching you and helping out with things around the house,eg handing out pegs when you do the washing etc . Have fun :)

[Pickle]

I'm a SAHP, although now that all of my kids are at school I work from home - best of both worlds.

The playgroups I went to were mainly attended by stay at home parents, and also the cr?che I used (Magic Moments) tended to be used by SAHP due to the short 2 hour session time.

Your child is missing out on nothing by not attending nursery, honestly, don't worry. Quite the opposite. My kids all transitioned from being at home with me to school with no problem. I used playgroups as a chance for them to do the messy stuff that I don't really like doing at home, but time spent at home with a parent is very valuable for a developing child and shouldn't be underestimated.

[abcdulwich]

Thanks so much for the replies, really useful.

Picke - what playgroups did you go along to?

[Pickle]

The one I enjoyed the most was called Little Oaks - Wednesday mornings at the Forest Hill Baptist Church (just up Forest Hill Rd a bit the road from the Herne Tavern, on the other side of the road, corner of either Mundania or Therapia). Lots of stay at home parents and a lovely group of childminders.

[elizamic]

Another SAHM in East Dulwich with two boys - one 3 in July and the other 18 months. Once they were walking we spent a lot of our time in the park/garden where they will happily explore for hours. Also Peckham Rye stay and play is good and FREE (Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.30 at the children's centre by the park cafe) - a good indoor space with crafts/messy play and toys and lots of stuff outside. Sometimes I have to stop myself going to too many groups as I think the time at home playing and reading in a calm and nurturing environment is also very important for them. Children don't really socialise that much anyway until they are nearly 3 and if you go to playgrounds/groups they will be around children often enough. Relish the time you have together! I hope you enjoy the transition.

[abcdulwich]

Thanks, I'll certainly go along to the Peckham Rye stay and play.

Anyone who is interested I'd love to meet for coffee or a trip to the park. Almost all our Mum friends are at work, so am really trying to meet new people.

PM me if interested and I'l give you my contact details.

[montpellier]

Hi Abc

Are you still open to other parents joining you for a walk/coffee etc?

I have sent you a PM.

Hope to hear from you.

[louloulabelle]

Hi

I've been a SAHP for 7 years now and although two out of the three are at school and my youngest is 15hours nursery we have always filled our time with park trips or just a walk out and I've never done any playgroups etc up until school/free nursery.

I used to post on the Forum for Parents at home with babies or toddlers etc just asking if anyone wanted to meet up in the park and post a time/place to meet and there was always several other turn up looking for another adult to chat to and playmates for their little ones.

xx