I want to help my Mum socialise!

carrieuk

I worry the same about my mum but she has taken up dressmaking and seems quite happy to do this.

They have converted one of our old bedrooms into a dressmaking place and she has been selling a few things here and there for other people as she loves doing it.

She seems happy so maybe socializing isnt what she needs but a hobby?

cats2012

Thank you for more fab ideas. Carrieuk I like the dressmaking idea - I know she's not a fan of sewing but maybe anyother type of crafting would be good.

Also, changing jobs is not an option - they run their own business just the two of them.

I'm sorry that people have seen some of this so negatively, I think it's healthy to have your own space so I think it's fair enough that my Dad is finding it hard. I know some people may be better at spending 24 hours a day with their spouse but personally I wouldn't be!

Thanks for all the positive ideas though, I'm going to look into all of these x

Kaz2904

I agree with HBS, get her signed up to geocaching.
She can have her long country walks with it, if she wants to socialise, she can go to events (if there are any local to you) or even organise some!

growler834

Is there a Townswomen Guild in her area she can join (a bit like the WI)? Volunteering is a good way to make friends & do something positive - I work for our local Air Ambulance & most of their events are on a weekend (Summer fetes etc). Does she like singing - she could join a community choir. I do this too & it's brilliant (you don't have to be a good singer unless you try and join a top notch Choral Society).

As you say, it's healthy to have separate interests. Now we are both retired we have some different interests (hubby is a school governor, does Creative Writing classes at his old school & puts together & presents Crime History talks to clubs/societies/on cruise ships) & we have shared hobbies - it gives you something interesting to talk about at the end of the day!

duchy

I think your Mum is an adult woman with her own business and you are trying to organize her life.

If she was anyone but your Mum you'd be considered very controlling -it's a very fine line from wanting to help to controlling - walk that line carefully !