Life is different depending on where you live when staying home with the baby. In the suburbs of the US, it can be isolating and mind-numbing. It’s so quiet, you can hear crickets outside. Whereas, in India, there is always activity and other stay-at-home moms as neighbors that you can see outside, along with the kids. Quiet is not a word one would use for most areas of India.
As with anything, life with baby at home is a question of perspective. Whereas it could be tedious; it is also a break from the rat race. Having been in the traditional work world a while, I don’t glorify it. At 30, after having my son, I was more anxious to get out and work, even though I could have stayed home longer. Post-baby life was somewhat of a shock, which it isn’t so much after having my daughter at 40.
I now recognize that I have to actively seek out and build the social life I desire. This is fine to me. I didn’t necessarily appreciate my limited social prospects in traditional work environments. I can join the groups I feel connected to and connect only with the individuals that interest me.
Still, I bet there are many differences in life with baby even in the US and where one lives in a city – whether in an urban environment or the suburbs. It would be nice to live in an area where one can enjoy a nice yard and get out and see activity and people. Maybe by this time next year, this vision can be a reality.
