What’s A Mom to Do? : The Struggles of a New Stay-at-Home Mom

I.N.D.E.P.E.N.D.E.N.T; an 11-letter word that that describes many women of today’s generation. Independent, hardworking, self-supporting, women who never stop or take a break. Women who are always on the move and making things happen everyday. Imagine one day, it all takes an abrupt end. Your job begins to affect your mental health, your kids are growing and need you more than ever, and you are presented with an opportunity to stay at home and get it all together. What becomes of the independent, working woman with a regular 9-5 that transitions into a full-time stay-at-home mom (SAHM). What do you do? Where do you start?

Routine

Keep a calendar. Calendars are an essential part of staying organized, staying on task, and never missing a beat. When becoming a “professional mom,” I found it important to manage my home life like my work life. Organization is the key to success. Construct a family calendar that is color-coded, visible, and clearly understandable for everyone in the house. Tip: assign specific colors to each family member so they know where to look on the calendar for events pertaining to them.

Make a schedule and stick to it. It is so important to follow a routine when managing a household. You have personal needs, the husband has needs, and of course the children always need something. Make sure you keep a daily routine so all needs are met in the household. Don’t deviate from the plan. Be sure to keep it clear and consistent.

Don’t deviate from your plans. Keep everyone at home organized, together, and on the same page. Let the kids know what’s on the agenda for the week. Keep the husband up-to-date with daily reminders on what’s expected for the day and what’s to come in the following days. Basically keep everyone together.

Find a Hobby

“The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” I’m not sure who said it, but they hit the nail on the head. However, baked goods and sweets are truly the secret to truly gaining a man’s heart. Baking and cake decorating have been proven to be a peaceful practice and therapeutic relief. Try visiting the library and trying a new cake recipe or tuning into a youtube video and trying new ways to decorate your desserts.

Read a book. A new part of the weekly routine I’ve incorporated in my household is weekly visits to the public library. Not only is it a great change of scenery for the kids when completing homework but it’s a great escape for Mom to pick up a new read for the week. Try reading one new book a week. Keep your vocabulary fresh and your mind sharp.

When in doubt, Pinterest it out! Pinterest is literally a “bible” for a new SAHM. There are so many crafts, recipes, and ideas to try and explore on a daily basis. Connect with your friends amongst various social media sites and share ideas. Create boards that will help you stay organized and keep all of your ideas in a specific place. Switch it up for dinner with a new recipe, try a DIY to add new decor to your home, or create a look book of ideas for your next big event.

Self-Care Equals Self Love

Yoga is a total release of mind and body. When I found myself stuck at home with nothing to do and nowhere to go, I signed up for a 30-day yoga challenge and never looked back. Hot yoga, is an excellent way to seek a full body relax and release. You sweat all your toxins away while opening body systems you typically take for granted. Try it! It will change your life.

Take a day off, you deserve it. Being a SAHM is literally a full time job without a regular paycheck. A lot of times it requires more work than a normal 9-5, everyday job. Take a day off and treat yourself to a mani-pedi. Go to the spa and relax. Take some time to love on yourself and enjoy your own time.

Take yourself on a date. The late, great Toni Morrison once said, “You are your best thing.” I read that statement and automatically thought I am my best asset and I should appreciate myself more than anyone. Self love is so important in remembering who you are when becoming a SAHM leaves you alone and overwhelmed at times. Love on yourself, pamper yourself, treat yourself. Whether it’s dinner and a movie, a good round of bowling, or simply take a sunset stroll on the river with a good ice cream cone. Enjoy yourself and enjoy your own company.

Becoming a stay at home mom may be a woman’s dream “job” but without proper planning and care it can also be tough. Be sure to read up on other things that can help with the transition. Be sure to make it something enjoyable and productive for you and your loved ones.

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