6 Tips for the new Stay at Home Mom
This is one of the hardest but most fulfilling jobs I have ever done (and I used to be a server). Most days can go smoothly and somedays I am wondering if my children sneaked sugar from the sugar container. I am here to share with you my tips on how to thrive as a stay at home mom.
1st is to always make your bed
I make sure I do this every morning (sometimes after lunch because of mom life). It is an easy way to make my room look put together and fresh. And the one thing I can control. My grandmother once told me the more wrinkles you have in your bed, the more wrinkles you have in your day. I never really listened to that until I became a mom. I also let my children make their own beds. They do it every morning after breakfast. It allows them to be in control of their “wrinkles,” shall we say.
2nd is to always get dressed
I know it can be tempting to stay in those pajamas but trust me getting dressed puts you in the mentality of getting stuff done. Just choose the mom uniform if you have to, leggings and a comfy shirt. It is all you need to make it through the day. I always feel better about myself when I put my clothes on because they are what I like and it is my style. In a way it keeps my identity. Yes, we are mamas but we are also that woman before we had children, just with more tiger stripes.
3rd is to give your household chores a day of the week
When I first started staying home with the kids I would clean so much, to the point my hands were dry and my feet hurt. But when I had my daughter I was too exhausted to have a whole day dedicated to cleaning so I made a chart. Each day I clean whatever is on that chart. I have a free printable to download here. This helped me not feel so overwhelmed and brought my anxiety of a clean house down tremendously.
4th is to include your kids as much as possible
Sometimes it is just easier to fix all the meals by yourself or clean up the toys yourself because it’s quicker. Let’s be honest its less messy but this is an easy way to involve those little hands. It also allows them to gain experience in essential life skills they will one day need. I remember cooking with my mom and her teaching me at a young age secrets in the kitchen. I also cherish those memories. So put on some music and have a dance party as everyone cleans up the living room as quickly as possible.
5th is to always have quiet time
Even if it is only 30 minutes. The reason for this is sometimes you need a break and refresher just like any other job. If you are intentional in giving yourself this time your mind will be better prepared for whatever “wrinkles” the day is going to bring you. This quiet time is when I take time to meditate, work, or read that book that’s been on my bedside table for two weeks. This time is for you.
6th is to remember to stay present
Just like that quote says it’s so true. These years matter the most. Those little ones aren’t going to care that you always had the laundry done or that there was never dust. They are going to know you were there and look back and smile at those moments. The to-do list is never-ending but this time with your littles will one day be over. Remember what matters most.
What are your tips and tricks to thrive as a stay at home mom?