Even though I am a freelance writer, I am essentially a stay-at-home mom. I am my daughter’s primary caregiver, full-time chef, and daily activities director. We are both lucky to have my husband (an amazing dad and partner) still working from home due to the pandemic. He provides breaks for me and gets his own mood boosts from baby time. But when it comes down to it, I am putting in 12-hour days with our toddler.

I hesitate to write this, I LOVE my daughter – I love spending time with her, I love watching her learn new things and master new skills – but sometimes, I am bored. There I said it. And I don’t think I should feel ashamed.

Becoming a mom is a difficult transition in many ways and I have found that one of the most challenging for me has been adjusting to being home all day and not working a traditional job. I fully acknowledge that my family is in a privileged position, I do not need to work in order to provide, and I have the opportunity to watch every wonderful step on my baby’s journey. But somedays I miss coworkers and deadlines. And after talking to other moms, I don’t think I am alone.

The pandemic certainly hasn’t helped. My daughter and I have not been able to explore the world outside of our house much. There are no music classes, toddler play groups, or even indoor museum trips. It has been a more isolating experience than I expected when I became pregnant in the summer of 2019.

So, we have tried to find creative things around the house to do. It has been helpful to introduce new, age-appropriate activities for baby regularly to keep us both engaged. And thanks to technology, we have been a part of a virtual new moms group where we have made friends and been able to arrange a few outside, COVID-precautioned playdates.

But when it’s just us at home, sometimes it feels hard to keep things fresh. I just remind myself that everything is new for my 1-year-old and finding ways for her to play is a big part of her healthy development. We don’t do anything revolutionary, I don’t have any great advice, but the basics seem to keep her happy.

For now, we read, read, read. We color. We empty drawers of pots and pans, plastic containers, measuring cups, and wooden spoons. We even sort snacks in the pantry and do chores together. We fold laundry, sweep, dust, and vacuum, and she thinks it’s great. And most of the time I do, too. But if you have moments of feeling not-so-great, just know that there are other moms out there that feel the same way sometimes, too.

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About Danielle Vigueria

Danielle Vigueria is a new mom, step-mom, wife, and freelance writer. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Virginia and a Master of Professional Studies in publishing from George Washington University. She recently traded her beach life in coastal Virginia for the mountains of Idaho. When she isn’t writing, Danielle relaxes by hanging out with her family, reading lots of YA fiction, and watching the deer wander in her backyard.