Tips on Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

It's been about two and half years since my little monster came into this world and I stopped working. Although technically I never stopped working, I just started doing another job. Let's just get that out now, the women (and hey, there are men out there too and that's being dang awesome too) who stay at home with kids aren't exactly doing nothing all day long. It's surprising how much work a two year old can be, but there always seems to be something to do and since her attention span isn't exactly long (although for a two year old, Addie can focus on something for a pretty long time) you have to have things to do.

So here are my tips on being a stay-at-home mom. I should mention that I am by no means an expert. In fact I'm probably the farthest thing from an expert, except for the fact that this is what I do. And hey these are my opinions so take them or leave, but here we go.

+ Find a play group // Seriously this will be a life saver. You got to get out of the house sometimes
and you have to have interactions with other adults. I have learned the pitfalls of talking to a two year old and a cat all day and frankly there are days that I just sound like a crazy person by the time the hubs gets home. Plus what is better than a group of women with kids all around the same age who can play together who can relate or even give advice. Trust me on this one!

+ Get ear plugs // Although my daughter looks like an angel, we call her a monster for a reason. Although she is an adorable and hilarious monster, she can scream like the best of them. And she has bought on many-a headaches. I sometimes just pop the ear plugs in. I can still hear her screaming on the floor but it's just a little quieter.

+ Take time for yourself // Be it that you get up early, which for some wouldn't work because I know moms who have kids that get up at 5:00, which I can't even imagine since my kid is a solid 8 am raiser. Or take nap time for yourself. I'm not saying you neglect the rest of your life but exercise for 30 minutes, read a book, watch a show on Netflix, read Defying Gravity (wink wink). Just find something that you do just for yourself even if it's just for 30 minutes.

+ Give you kid independent play time // Sometimes it's easy to feel guilty for not playing with your kid every moment of every day because you're home and that's your job. But it's good for your sanity to not and it's good for your kid to have some independent play. Maybe take that moment to fold laundry while your kid plays with trains or whatever the case might be. So don't feel guilty for not playing with your kid every second of every day.

+ Sometimes household chores can wait // Now saying what I just said above, don't spend all day cleaning. If you house is a mess then it's a mess. Who cares?! Sit down and play because sometimes when your kid is throwing a fit maybe that's just what they want. I have found that Addie gets upset and tends to act out more if I have been busy with other things all day and haven't taken the time to just sit down and play with her. And yes I know playing with a two year old can be really boring, trust me I know, but not to sound cliche but these are years you don't get back so just slow down and enjoy them. Also put down the phone while you play and just focus on your kid. You won't regret it!

+ Always remember that you matter // Sometimes it's easy to forget that because you might not be making any money or feel like you are doing anything with your life. But you are making a huge difference in the life that your kid. Even on your worst day, you matter to that little person you take care of day in and day out. No one may tell you thank you for what you do, but sometimes seeing your kid happy (especially to see you) is enough of a thank you. 

xo, B