After I had my son, I was completely overwhelmed as a mom. It seemed like there was so much to do.
I didn’t know how I was supposed to keep another human alive, make dinner, and clean the house when I couldn’t even get a shower most days!
As a mom there is a lot to do every day. You run errands, prep meals, clean the house, pay the bills, make appointments, care for the kids, and more.
Being a mom is truly a blessing. I know you know that, and you want to enjoy these years you get to be with your kids.
But you also feel like it’s all too much and you just might break.
If you are feeling like an overwhelmed mom today, I want you to know you’re not alone. What you are feeling is common to a lot of moms.
It’s so important to identify why you’re feeling overwhelmed in order to make the right changes that will actually bring you peace and rest as you navigate motherhood.
You’re constantly caring for young children.
Children are a blessing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed by caring for them, especially when they are little and need you all day long (and sometimes night long).
It’s a lot for moms to have to constantly be taking care of the needs of other humans. And it’s not just physical needs. It’s also emotionally draining.
Some days when kids are just whiny no matter what you do, it feels overwhelming and requires lots and lots of patience.
When kids are whiny, I’ve learned to remind myself to just get through the next 20 seconds and then the next 20 seconds.
If mom can keep her cool, she will keep the situation from escalating.
Then mom can identify what the child needs- sleep, hydration, a routine, or quality time with you.
Mom, you need a break. Even if you have no one else who can watch your children, find a way to take a break or multiple breaks throughout the day.
You can do this while young children nap or have a “quiet time” in their rooms. You can put the kids in the stroller and go for a walk.
You could sit down with the kids and watch a movie with them or have “reading time” where your kids look through books quietly and you read a book.
My only caution is this- don’t spend your breaks scrolling social media. That will only drain you.
You need self care.
Another reason you may be feeling overwhelmed as a stay at home mom is you’re not getting the care you need.
I’m talking about the basics here – sleep, hydration, food, exercise, prayer, a shower!
If you have a baby, or a child who doesn’t sleep at night, you may not be getting a lot of sleep. But you can work on going to bed earlier, and following a bedtime routine for your kids and yourself to promote better sleep.
As far as getting a shower, eating real food, prayer and Bible reading, and getting exercise. Those habits all result from following a flexible routine.
Maybe you can’t do all of these things every day. But pick your top 3 things that are most important.
For me that is – a shower, Bible reading and prayer, and eating real food. I plan my day in such a way that those things get done.
If a child wasn’t bathed and fed, it would be considered neglect. So why do moms think it’s okay to not shower themselves or eat real food?!
When you’re overwhelmed, you probably won’t be able to do all the self care habits you’d like to be able to do – BUT you can do some. Pick your top 3 non negotiables for each day.
You need alone time.
Have you ever wondered if you could get just 5 minutes to yourself?
As a mom, your job never ends. You constantly have little ones who need you for survival and love.
Some days may be hard to get a moment to yourself just to go to the bathroom or throw in a load of laundry.
It is those times that I remind myself of the blessing that my children are. Yes, it is hard, but it is worth doing it.
Try to find the joy in raising little humans who will one day grow into adult humans and you had the privilege to help shape them and be a part of their story.
Also, when you do have alone time, think about how you are spending it. Are you allowing your brain silence and space?
If you’re constantly looking up ideas on Pinterest or listening to a podcast or catching up on social media, you won’t have time to breath.
Plan for quiet in your day. Turn off the screens. Sit on the couch with a drink of water and just be still.
Your children may want things from you, but just tell them, “Mom is taking a break.” They can sit with you in quiet or they can play on their own.
It’s okay.
You don’t have to be constantly doing, talking, planning, thinking, working, catching up…… take a break.