Chaos Coordinator :: A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Guide to Survival

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Being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) was something I always knew I wanted to be. Getting to spend my days enjoying sweet moments with my littles is a dream come true, but no one prepared me for the transition I faced in becoming a SAHM. I went from socializing with kids and adults daily as a teacher to being alone in a house with three newborns. It was a surprisingly isolating time and it took me a while to get a grasp on things. Maybe your transition has been easier than mine, but if not, hopefully these tips can help you adjust to life as a stay-at-home mom a little faster than I did. 

1. Dress for the job.

I know what you’re thinking here, “Get dressed to not leave my house?” That’s exactly what I mean! Start your day as you would getting ready for a job, only dress appropriately. I promise you’ll feel better and be more productive.

Every morning, I set an alarm to get up and shower before my trio wakes up. I get completely ready for the day before I get the kids out of bed. If we’re going somewhere, this means my hair and makeup are done, and I’ve got going out clothes on. If we’re staying home, I may wear some cozy pants and a shirt with my hair done and no makeup. The key is to get out of those pajamas! Yes, they’re extremely comfy, but I’ve found that the longer I’m in mine, the more my day seems to drag. 

2. Change the scene.

My kids and I all get antsy when left inside for too long. I try to get us out of the house at least once a day for some sort of activity. I promise it’s way easier than it sounds. 

  • Try story time at your library. We love going to the Hoover Public Library’s story time each week.
  • Join a music class. I have friends who enjoy both Fiddlesticks Music and Kindermusik. Some churches, like mine, offer music classes that are free.
  • Visit the Birmingham Zoo or McWane Center.
  • Enjoy playing outside when the weather’s nice. This is free and convenient! 
  • Take a walk around the neighborhood or on a walking trail. 
  • Visit a park or playground near your house.
  • Eat lunch outside or have a picnic at a local park. Aldridge Gardens is a great local one.

3. Get social. 

Social interaction is extremely important for both me and my trio. We all feel better when we’ve socialized! Invite a friend or two over for a playdate. Don’t wanna clean the house? Meet at a location instead. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after having some adult conversation.

4. Establish some routines.

It’s a huge job to manage a household daily and entertain your children while doing it. I find that I do better if I follow a bit of a routine to help me accomplish tasks. For example, I try to do a load of laundry each morning to keep things manageable. Also, the trio watches a show while I prep dinner each afternoon. Do what works best for you and your family!

stay-at-home mom survival tips - chai and scented candles bring calmness

5. Initiate peace.

Every morning   my husband makes the bed (he’s a real catch, y’all). He knows that this gives me one part of the house that is in place and at peace when the rest of the house looks like a toy explosion. 

Don’t be afraid to give yourself a bit of peace to enjoy throughout your day. My morning chai latte is a warm cup full of delight during our morning playtime. My children have learned that mom’s worship music is as good to dance to as toddler tunes. That lunch time La Croix is an extra little something to get me to nap time. I’m also pretty sure my kids think everyone lights a scented candle during Sesame Street

Whatever helps keep the peace during your day, find it and use it!

6. Take care of yourself. 

stay-at-home mom survival tips - Zumba!
Post-Zumba glisten

This is so much easier said than done for all of us moms. It is in our nature to put everyone else before ourselves, but it’s impossible to do that without taking care of yourself as well. Find something you enjoy that gives you a break to recharge yourself. Maybe yours is meeting a friend for coffee, sitting in a quiet room to read a book, a solo grocery trip, bubble bath, or a nice pedicure. Do whatever works for you! You can find me dancing it out at Zumba class a few times a week as my “happy hour.” 

7. Give yourself grace.

All you can do is your best each day. Your child will still love you even if you fall short. Your house (and you) will survive if you didn’t clean or get the laundry done. We all have bad days. The beauty of life is that you get to start fresh each morning. Give yourself some grace! 

So, what are some of your favorite SAHM survival tips? Share in the comments!

 

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Stacey O
Stacey grew up in Birmingham and being the homebody she is, decided to stay and attend college at Samford University where she earned a degree in elementary education. She always dreamed of being a SAHM, but never imagined she'd be using her classroom management savvy to help raise BGG triplets. She met her husband, Jonathan, at the dear age of five, but it took them 20 more years and lots of different paths to realize they were meant for each other. A major planner at heart, Stacey is learning that some of the best things in life come in the unexpected. She and her husband currently live in Bluff Park and enjoy the unique challenges that their exciting family life brings. When she does get time to herself, Stacey enjoys exercise-especially Zumba, chai lattes, pedicures, a good book, and quality time with friends.