It's Easy to Stay Connected

Sometimes venturing out of the house to meet up with someome seems like way too much effort. Like when I have a pile of groceries to put away. Look familiar?

But in the long-run, staying connected with other adults enormously benefits my mental health. Which, of course, makes me a Mom my kids actually want to be around. Good plan, hey?

So, as a follow-up to one of last week's posts, "No Need for Isolation", here's a handy-dandy "How-To" list for you.

How-To Stay Connected

1) Remember letters?? No, not email. Actual letters. With paper, envelopes, and a mailbox. I know! It's been a while for me, too. But over at ClubMom's website, one mom has found receiving a card not only offers the opportunity for a craft with her kids, but writing letters keeps her in touch.

No time for letters? Pick up prepaid postcards at the post office. Keep your address book on mailing labels and you can have a quick "hello" to a friend in less than 5 minutes.

2) I can't say enough good things about playdates. You benefit, your friend(s) benefits, and all sets of kids benefit. Playdates can happen at a house, a park, a kid-friendly lunch spot (several fast-food places come to mind), the kids section of the library, etc. Pretty much anywhere that's conducive to kids being kids, and of course has room for moms to sit and chat. Schedule a playdate today!

3) If you're reading this, you've already discovered the power of the blog. Even if you don't write your own blog, you can connect with SAHMs around the globe, right in your own living room, just by reading and commenting on other blogs. Once you start blogging, it's hard to stop!

4) I mentioned it before but it bears repeating: join (or start) a SAHM group in your area. I've found two websites that help moms do this. Visit MothersClick or MOMS Club, and you could be connected with another SAHM in no time.

5) Consider signing your kids up for pre-school a few times each week, even if it's just for 2 - 3 hours. It gives them a chance to socialize with other kids, get a head start at classroom behavior (oh-so-important for kindergarten), and you'll get a chance to do what you want.

Go out to lunch; see a movie; go shopping. You can do any of these with a friend, or, you could even do them alone. Just being out in the world minus your kids can make you feel re-connected to the adult world.

6) Volunteer. Somewhere. Anywhere. Many organizations (my church is one of them) offer childcare for their volunteers. Pick a cause and go to work.

7) Recruit your spouse or significant other to "man the helm" (small pun intended) for one night each week. Take the time to join a club, volunteer, meet friends…you get the idea.

8) Insert your idea here. No really! If you there is something you'd like to do and it would help you feel connected - do it. The possibilities are endless. Be sure to share your ingenuity – post a comment!

Whether your kids are with you or temporarily elsewhere, there is a way for you to make that adult connection all SAHMs need. Because to me, staying connected equals staying sane. Definitely worth the effort.