Sometimes we make choices in life on purpose. Other times, we make choices based on need or circumstance. It does not matter how you become a stay-at-home mom, there are great benefits to being with your child. Of course, that is not to say there are not struggles, too. And, oh goodness, are there ever struggles! In fact, life can get downright messy. There will be noise. There will be tantrums – from the kids and yourself. And, there will be very trying moments when you feel that it takes every ounce of remaining patience you have not to break down and curl up on the floor.
Every single action that you are used to doing becomes that much more difficult with the constant presence of a child. This will be even more amplified if that child becomes children. And, let’s be honest – you may even start to question a lot of your choices in life.
This is all totally normal.
But, as with anything in life, there will be good days and there will bad days. And, when they are bad, they can be really, really bad. But, guess what? The good days can be really, really good, too.
Let’s take a look at what being a stay-at-home mom really looks like, shall we?
Warning: You May Want to Run Away
Being at home with your kid/s can make you want to run away, change your name, and start over – without offspring. While some moms leave for work every day, indulging in adult conversations with time to focus sans Baby Shark on replay, others don’t get that chance.
From sun up to sundown, it is mommy, mommy, mommy. This can be both difficult for you physically and mentally. Want the truth?
😲 Cleaning the house will seem like a pointless task as kids come along behind you to un-do what you just did. Every time – without fail.
😲 You will find that your regular voice will disappear and a baby-talking, childish voice will appear – all the time.
😲 Showering and going to the bathroom will no longer ever be moments of solitude. Privacy – what’s that!?
😲 Grocery shopping will take longer. Much, much longer. And there is a good chance that you will find some miscellaneous, unwanted/unnecessary items chosen by your kid/s in your cart as you checkout.
😲 Lunch dates with friends will turn into playdates instead.
😲 And you will likely always find yourself staring at the clock waiting for nap time.
Face it – whoever says that being a stay-at-home mom is easy is nuts. It’s chaos. It's frustrating. And, it does not come with sick, vacation, or personal days. In other words, the job never ends. No 9-5 here. Nope - it’s a straight 24-hour shift, 7 days per week.
Welcome the Underlying Benefits
Underneath all of the mess, however, if you dig deep enough, there are a few benefits that can come with staying home with your kid/s. Sure, it does come at the price of your sanity, but it is your kid/s that will come out on top – and that’s important, right? Here’s why:
💕 You can create an amazingly strong bond with your child. Instead of allowing a caretaker, babysitter, or daycare worker to bond with your kid/s, you get that special treat.
💲 And here is a benefit for you, mom – save money on daycare!
💕 Research shows that children living with a stay-at-home mom have increased support and stability – and often suffer less stress.
💕 Older kids go through so much these days. Being present at home can give you the opportunity to be a guiding light. Of course, you may need to wear earplugs and combative gear during those rough teenage years. They are not pretty.
💕 Being at home allows you time to create a calmer household. Although they may take longer and require a bit more energy, not having to leave home gives you a chance to stay on top of household chores. No more rushing after work to get to the grocery store, cook dinner, etc.
💕 Finally, staying home means you get the biggest say-so when it comes to your kids. You set the foundation for years to come.
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Remember, whatever your reason for being a stay-at-home mom, embrace it – the good and the bad. The season will not last forever and there is always a silver lining.
Are you a stay-at-home mom?
Any tips for our readers?
At Milky Chic, we love to hear from you – comment below!