Growing up, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. She was able to drop me off at school, pick me up, stay at home with me when I was ill. She was there for all the big moments and all the little moments. I knew, growing up, that I wanted to be in a situation where I could stay at home with my children. Fast forward to the present day and here I am: two children (one in school, one not) and I am lucky enough to stay at home to be there for all those moments. Now excuse me a minute while I vent- some days being a stay-at-home mom sucks… A LOT! My job never ends… I get up in the night and put the kids back to bed, I plan outings, pack snacks, referee fights, chauffer the children where they need to go, pay bills, clean, cook, laundry, more laundry, and that’s all before 9am. Children are worse for their primary care giver. That is a FACT! Some days feel like a fight, survival of the fittest. Most days we are all in tears, BUT, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love being there for the ups and the downs. I love having them tell me all their secrets and knowing them inside and out (and especially when they surprise me). Most days are long.. really really long, but after 5 years of being on the job I have a few tips for keeping sane on this crazy insane job.
#1- Taking Care Of Yourself
This one is very important. Over time it can consume you and wear you down. Sometimes you don’t know where you end and where your kids begin. Stay-at-home moms don’t get to eat lunch on their own or take a break or even go to the bathroom on their own. To keep your sanity, you need to take time for yourself and not just to run errands or do chores. Go out with some other mommy friends, catch up with some old pals, go see a movie or put your feet up with a glass of wine and a bubble bath while someone else worries about the kids. What is good for momma, is good for the family.
