When I became a stay at home mom, I often spent my days on the couch, scrolling my phone or binging on Netflix.
All while the dishes and laundry piled up. Being a homemaker felt overwhelming.
I didn’t know how to balance the household chores and motherhood when I couldn’t even figure out how to take a shower some days.
This went on for months and months. Until one day, I finally decided it had to stop. I HAD to figure this whole stay at home mom thing out.
I needed to feel like I had a purpose just like I did when I worked outside the home. Here are somethings that helped me find purpose as a stay at home mom.
1. Know why you are a stay at home mom.
Have you ever really thought about why you are a stay at home mom? It probably has a lot to do with the precious little people in your home.
You are raising the next generation which will have an impact far beyond what you can even imagine.
Some days, I do get discouraged and think about going back to work. But then I always go back to why I choose to be a stay at home mom.
My reasons may be different than yours, so come up with your own reasons that you can refer to when you get discouraged.
2. Get dressed every morning.
This will help you feel more confident. Putting on real clothes instead of staying in your pj’s all day is a tangible way to show up for the day.
Do your best to get dressed as soon as possible each day by following a morning routine. Once you are dressed, you’ll be more likely to do things instead of sitting on the couch.
3. Follow a daily routine.
Whenever a new stay at home mom asks me for advice, I always tell them to follow a daily schedule. In other words have a plan for your day.
This gives you a sense of purpose. You know what you want to accomplish and you can focus on the most important tasks.
If you don’t want to set an entire daily schedule, start with a morning routine and evening routine.
These 2 routines will help you get the most important tasks done, such as laundry, dishes, and meals.
Then you’ll have more time throughout the day to do a hobby or other activities.
4. Develop real life relationships.
Before becoming a stay at home mom, most of my friends were my co-workers. So I had to find new mom friends.
This took time and some effort, but it was absolutely worth it.
It’s so easy to stay on your phone during the day and not leave your house. But you will start to go insane!
A great way to stay sane as a stay at home mom is to make sure you are interacting with other adults throughout the week.
You can make these things part of your regular schedule by going to MOPS groups, ladies Bible studies, homeschool co-ops, or playdates.
But you can also engage in conversations with other moms you see at the park or in your neighborhood when you go for a walk.
5. Spend quality time with your kids each day.
You are with your kids all day long. Changing diapers, making meals, cleaning up messes, making sure they are safe.
But do you ever just slow down and enjoy the moment with them?
If I’m not intentional about it, I’ll get things checked off my to-do list with my kids by my side, but not really engage with them.
I’ve had to work on slowing down and spending quality time with my kids. That looks like this:
- putting down my phone
- reading books
- tossing the ball in the backyard
- going for walks together
- going to lots of parks
- not rushing when doing things with my kids
All of these things I do with my kids is so important in finding purpose as a stay at home mom. They are the reason I’m at home in the first place.
This precious time I have at home with them will only last a short while. I won’t get this time back.
I want to enjoy the season of my life as much as possible by knowing what my purpose is.
I hope the same is true for you!
6. You’re more than a mom.
Lastly, I want to remind you that you are more than a mom. Yes, being a mother is an incredible blessing and something to be proud of and thankful for.
However, you are a wife and your marriage is important. When you invest in your marriage, it will effect how you feel as a stay at home mom as well.
You are also a woman who has physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. As you pursue purpose as a stay at home mom, you’ll need to make sure you are meeting your needs too.
Take time for a hobby. Read your Bible. Take breaks throughout the day. Go for walks.
Do things outside of motherhood that help you feel fulfilled as a person. These habits will impact how you feel as a mom too!
