4 Tips for the Struggling Stay at Home Mom!

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CHRISTMAS 2014

After becoming a stay at home mom, I was sleep deprived and didn’t think I would ever sleep for more than a couple hours at a time again.

When I don’t get enough sleep, I go a little nuts! Anyone else?

And like many new moms, I was a little depressed. I often wondered whether or not I was doing the whole “mom thing” right. My post-partum body was discouraging especially since I had lost all of the baby weight, but my clothes still were not fitting me at the time!

It was difficult to find joy and contentment in my new role as a mom and stay-at-home wife. I had gone from working full time to being a stay at home mom which caused a little identity crisis that I had to work through.

I stressed way more than I should have about the budget and was constantly worrying if we were going to be able to make ends meet.

I spent very little time reading God’s Word and praying because I felt like I never had enough time or energy.

Instead of reading a good book, I sat in front of the television or scrolled through social media wondering why all the “other” moms could get themselves put back together so quickly after having a baby, but I couldn’t.

It was a long year of struggle.

Then 2015 came around.

When I look at that picture, I see a woman who has gone from surviving to thriving. It took time, hard work, and a lot of faith, but I feel like a much better stay at home mom and person in general.

4 Tips for the Struggling Stay at Home Mom:

1. Follow Routines

When you are struggling, it is easy to feel like you can’t control what is going on around you, but routines give a sense of control. They help you know what to do from one minute to the next.

In the past year I’ve come to realize that even though I’m not teaching, my job is still important and I need to take pride in what I do. I started approaching my new role as it was my new job.

Just like I had routines in the classroom to stay on task and keep organized, I needed routines as a stay at home mom. My routines are not rigid or even to the minute, but they make all the difference in my day!

The routines actually allowed for more free time in the day, and I found time to spend with God. When my son turned one, I was finally able to sleep the ENTIRE night and had more energy.

Following a morning routine helped me get so much done within the first couple hours of the day and helped motivate me for the rest of the day.

2. Challenge Yourself

If you are simply surviving, you are probably taking each day at a time and not focusing on the future. Look to the future and set goals that challenge you. When you complete your goal, you will have more confidence and grow as an individual.

I noticed that I felt much more satisfied when I was reading books. I made it my goal to read one book a month and really put effort into my blog.

Working on my blog because they were challenging me.

A great book to read is Say Good-bye to Survival Mode* by Crystal Paine. It helped me focus on the most important things in my life.

But you can also challenge yourself by trying a new recipe, setting goals, and learning new hobbies.

3. Choose Gratitude

Although I wanted to be a mom for many years, it was difficult for me to be content as “just” a stay at home mom. It wasn’t until I purposefully began choosing to be grateful for my new role, that I became content and happy.

Instead of grumbling about dishes that needed done, I started thinking of them as a blessing that I had food to eat.

When my living room floor was covered in toys that I had to pick up for the  hundredth time, I was grateful for the little boy who played with those toys.

On those days when you are unhappy at home, remember the purpose of homemaking.

4. Get Dressed

After I had my son, I stayed home a lot and figured there was no use putting effort into my looks. I dressed in elastic waist workout pants and t-shirts.

I felt ugly, so I thought I should look ugly.

Then one day I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror and said, “This has to stop!”

Right then I changed into an actual outfit rather than workout gear. I put on shoes and socks and put my hair up in a “fancy” ponytail. I even put on a little make-up.

It was amazing the difference I felt!

Ever since that day, I have made it a point to get dressed and ready every day even if I’m staying home.

Slowly, but surely, these habits, started changing me from surviving to thriving. If you implement this tips you’ll find that you are more successful too.

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