15 Reasons Why You Should Be A Stay-At-Home Mom
A little while ago I wrote this hub about my journey to become a stay-at-home mom. I didn't write it to make money, I made it to get everything off my chest about the sacrifices mothers have to make to now stay at home. I was really inspired by one reader's comment that said, "The trend back to motherhood/parenthood is a wonderful thing. The rest of the world surely does not have to understand!" I love that the "trend" of motherhood is coming back. My mother spent far too many hours in the office and missed much more of my life than I would have liked.
It's a wonderful thing if you can do it, even for a short amount of time. I want to give all mothers 15 reasons why you should be a stay-at-home mom:
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15 Reasons
1. Challenge Yourself
I know a lot of people who think that being a stay-at-home mom is easy. It can be a really big challenge sometimes. You need a great deal of patience and determination to succeed. It really is a job. Like any other job, you need to be dedicated and enjoy what you do. Challenge yourself every day to do something great with your little ones.
2. Be an Influencer
I sent my little one to a babysitter to give myself some time off. It was great to just relax for a while and put my feet up. But why did I get a terror in replace of the angel I left that morning? She hit, she screamed, and she drove me nuts after! What influence did going to the babysitter have on her? Everyone has different parenting styles and no one is right or wrong. If you're a stay-at-home mom, you will be a good influence in their lives and teach them as you see fit.
3. Enforce Healthy Habits
Being at home gives you move flexibility to enforce healthy habits for both you and your child. This can be what food you eat, how much exercise you get and even your mental well-being. Who wants to sit at a desk all day and eat take-out food? Or entrust someone else to feed your child healthy food? By staying home, you can make sure your family is healthy all around.
4. Explore Other Possibilities
Have you ever thought about going back to school or taking additional training for your career but never had the time? By being a stay-at-home mom, it will give you more opportunity to pursue your dreams. Nap time and bedtime are great for getting course work done. Just remember to take baby steps - part-time courses are ideal for mothers who have to juggle kids and homework. Who knows - this may be a start to an even better career!
5. Don't Split Your Time
Have you ever heard yourself say "I wish I had more time for...". As a stay-at-home mom, you'll have more opportunities to do what you really want to do, like spending quality time with the kiddies. They're only little once (and they grow up very quickly), so take advantage of the little time you have with them while they're still young.
6. Be a Kid Again
Have you ever pulled out a book that reminds you of your childhood or watched a movie that takes you back? Being a stay-at-home mom allows you to live your childhood again and show your little one all the fantastic things you did when you were young. Every day can be a fun day, not a mundane day.
7. Establish Good Relationships
When you're working, most likely you'll be more tired and sometimes more cranky. It's easy to fly off the handle for little things. That, combined with spending very little time with your children will lead to less attentive bonding. By staying at home, you'll learn to build good relationships with your children and significant other. That is something that will last for the rest of your lives.
8. Identify Problems
When you're at work for 8-10 hours per day, you'll be less attentive and aware of what's going on in your child's life. Problems like learning difficulties or physical problems may be missed by others, especially in large childcare facilities. By being home and watching your children, you'll be able to identify problems right away and avoid difficult situations later.
9. Healthier Atmosphere
Have you ever sent your kids to a playgroup or daycare, only to have them return with a cold - EVERY...SINGLE...WEEK? If you have, you have felt my frustration. Although I'm a believer of having my little one exposed to the elements to build her immunity system, I still don't appreciate the constant sickness that comes with daycares. By having your children home, you'll be able to avoid the sick bug more than ever.
10. Stop Worrying
If you've ever gone back to work after having a baby, you know how worrisome it can be. Is the baby ok? Did I pack everything? Will I get home in time? And then worrying about whether your work is suffering or your boss is going to give you that project you've been after. Staying at home will eliminate all the unnecessary worries that are associated with going back to work.
11. Breastfeed the Natural Way
If you're a mother who wants to breastfeed until the baby self-weens, then staying at home is the best option for you. You'll avoid pumping in a bathroom stall at work or stop worrying if your milk will dry up. You'll be able to sit in comfort with your baby, latched as mother nature intended. It will give you pleasure to know you can continue this miracle of motherhood, as well as give you some much needed bonding time.
12. Get Involved
By staying at home, you'll be amazed at how much you'll be involved with your community. You'll learn your neighbours names, what's going on where, and where you place is in that community. Perhaps you can volunteer with your children and give back or help someone in need. You'll not only feel good about it, you'll teach your children the importance of getting involved and making a difference.
13. A Cleaner Home is a Happier Home
This is a phrase my mother would use, mostly because she was a clean freak. But it's true! Don't you feel happier when your home is clean? By staying at home, you'll have more opportunities to clean your home. Of course, you'll have more opportunity to have the kids mess it up again, but this is a great chance to show them how to tidy up. Introduce a cleaning schedule for them to help mom with and maybe offer small rewards for a job well done.
14. Save Money
Sometimes it just makes more financial sense to stay home. With the increase in gas prices, childcare costs, wardrobe costs and more, it really can save you money to stay home. Why not consider being a work-at-home mom instead? There are great opportunities out there for you to earn while staying at home. Read more tips here about opportunities that are available.
15. Don't Miss A Single Moment
Some women don't have the luxury of staying home. You need to put bread on the table, right? But if you can afford it then why not stay at home and watch your little ones grow? Why have children if you can't enjoy every minute?
Funny Video from a SAHM
My Mothering Method
My mothering method involves a lot of routine, creativity, healthy eating and exercise, and understanding. There is no guide or rule book for parenting (although sometimes I wish there were). Before I could teach my daughter anything, I had to teach myself to be a good mother. Here are some rules I live by:
Get down to their level
When I got to the stage where "no" seemed to be the only word that came out of my mouth (and hers), I knew I had to change my ways. I went to a parenting workshop, which helped me immensely. I learned that I needed to set her expectations before we did anything. For example, we're rushing to get out the door to get to an appointment; I get down to her level, look her in the eye and let her know what we need to do and what's going to happen that day. By setting proper expectations, I avoid confusion and misbehaviour. I will usually follow it up with something fun for her, like a trip to the park.
Healthy habits take a bit of planning
Like every mother, I want my child to be happy and healthy, but sometimes it seems like a real chore to keep it up. I like to plan her snacks and activities by day so that I know she's getting what she needs and when she needs it. I like to leave a bowl of healthy snacks on her table so when she wants it, she can have it. We go outside every morning (and during the summer at night, too) for some exercise, which I diversify every day.
Always smile
From day one, I smiled at her. Have you ever watched someone laugh and laugh just because they're laughing? Kids are the same! If you smile, they'll mirror that back to you. Everyone likes a happy baby and child. They're a carbon print of you, so always stay positive and smile and much as you can muster!
Great SAHM Links
- Stay-at-Home Moms vs. Working Moms
Great advice for mothers considering being a stay-at-home mom, from Dr. Phil. - Stay At Home Moms Meetup Groups
Helps groups of people with shared interests plan meetings and form offline clubs in local communities around the world for Stay At Home Moms. - 20 funny secrets from a stay-at-home mom
Humour writer Kathy Buckworth on why being a stay-at-home mom is so annoying....oh, er, satisfying!