How SAHDs Can Stay Intellectually Stimulated

Imagine a world where your best friend is an explorer named Dora and the place you hang out the most is called Playhouse Disney. The biggest debate you’ve had in recent memory: How well would Nemo swim if he didn’t have that bum fin?

It can be reality for any parent. That reality is magnified for a stay-at-home parent trying to stay intellectually sharp.

Spending 14 hours a day with a toddler or preschooler can cause a bit of brain drain and make it difficult for a stay-at-home dad to keep intellectually challenged. But it’s not that hard stay on top of things, if you put your mind to it.

Take a Class

No better way to keep intellectually stimulated than to actually learn.

There are hundreds if not thousands of options out there, and with online classes a good number are a quick click away. Many people are also within reasonable distance to a community college and there are plenty of recreation programs offering courses as well. There should be plenty available that would fit in a busy parent’s schedule.

Become an expert on photography or learn another language. If you get really motivated go after that advanced degree you’ve been dreaming about.

Read, Read, Read

Another simple way to keep your brain fresh is to read. Books – no pictures necessary – are obvious escapes from Toddlerland. Also keep up on current events every day with newspapers and websites. Scan message boards on interesting subjects. Be sure to pick up a magazine on any issue that interests you.

Read as often as you can and about as many different topics as possible.

Watch Something

Stray away from the multitude of children’s programming out there and catch something that makes you think. It doesn’t even have to be educational, but that could help.

Watch a news program or a documentary on something you’ve been meaning to learn about. Once those are done, check out a movie or show meant for adult eyes and brains. It could be an art house flick or something with a lot of explosions. Just make sure it isn’t animated.

Adult Time

This can solve almost any stay-at-home-related fatigue, and the health of the mind is no exception.

Set aside time with your friends to watch the game, have some food and throw in a little conversation. Go out alone with your wife. Join a softball team.

At the very least, set up some playgroups where fellow adults are present and bond with them.

Play a Game

Board games, video games, physical games or any game you can think of that doesn’t involve a make-believe dinosaur, Play-Doh and rules only comprehendible to a 3-year-old. Anything that can challenge you a little.

Dust off that trivia game and challenge your wife. Then take her on in Wii Sports and cool down with some checkers. It doesn’t matter what you choose, just make sure you have fun doing it.