Hey there, Mama!
Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed with the responsibilities of taking care of your family and managing your household? It can be challenging to balance everything but don’t worry, you’re not alone.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some helpful tips on how to be an organized stay at home mom and make the most out of your day without losing your mind. We’ll cover everything from productivity and scheduling to motivation and support.
As a stay at home mom, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to get everything done, but with some simple hacks and tricks, you can optimize your SAHM schedule and streamline your day. Whether you’re a new mom or a seasoned pro, we’ve got some great stay at home mom tips that will help you stay on top of your game.
We know that being a stay at home mom can sometimes feel isolating, so we’ll also provide some tips on finding the support you need to thrive. From connecting with other moms to seeking professional help, we’ll help you build a strong support system to make your stay-at-home mom life more fulfilling.
[Related post: Dealing with Mom Guilt]
So, get ready to up your stay at home mom productivity, motivation, and overall happiness with these stay at home mom tips and hacks. Let’s dive in!
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Tips on How to Be a Stay at Home Mom
1. Wake Up Early
Yes, we know that waking up early is no fun, but it’s important for you to have some alone time in the morning before the chaos of the day starts. You can use this time to exercise, meditate, read, or just have a cup of coffee in peace.
2. Schedule “Me Time”
It’s easy to get caught up in the needs of your family and forget to take care of yourself. That’s why it’s important to schedule time for yourself every day. Schedule time for exercise, hobbies, or anything that brings you joy and helps you relax.
Consider trading childcare with another mom or hiring a babysitter for a few hours each week if needed. Remember, a happy and fulfilled mom leads to a happy and fulfilled family.
Don’t forget to be flexible with your schedule and give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan. Check out this post for some self-care idea inspiration!
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3. Plan Activities for the Kids
Staying at home with the kids doesn’t mean you have to spend all day cooped up in the house. Plan some fun activities (see our post on Montessori activities) for the kids, like going to the park, having a picnic, or going on a nature walk. It will break up the monotony of the day and give everyone a chance to get some fresh air.
4. Make a To-Do List
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done around the house. Make a to-do list and prioritize the tasks that need to be done each day. This will help you stay organized and feel more in control.
I LOVE this acrylic to-do list from Etsy that you can put on your fridge… plus buying from Etsy over big-box companies supports other mamas!
5. Meal Plan
Planning meals ahead of time can save you a lot of time and stress. Plan out your meals for the week, make a grocery list, and do your shopping all at once. This will save you from having to run to the store multiple times during the week.
Or, you can skip meal planning altogether and have someone else plan the healthy meals for you each week –> learn more here!
6. Get the Kids Involved
It’s important to teach your kids responsibility and give them a sense of ownership in the household. Get them involved in chores around the house, like folding laundry, setting the table, or watering the plants.
This can start at a very young age!
I have my 10-month-old help me move the laundry from the washer to the dryer, and then she helps me pull it out of the basket when we fold (of course, this is not extremely helpful, but I am laying the groundwork to make household chores a normal routine for her).
7. Set Boundaries
It’s easy for your work as a stay-at-home mom to blend into your personal life. Make sure to set boundaries and have designated work hours so that you don’t get burned out.
8. Connect With Other Moms
Being a stay-at-home mom can be isolating at times. Make sure to connect with other moms in your area. Join a mom’s group or schedule playdates with other kids in the neighborhood. It’s important to have a support system. You can start by joining our Facebook group!
9. Learn to Say No
As a stay-at-home mom, you may feel obligated to say “yes” to every request that comes your way. However, learning to say “no” can be a powerful tool for managing your time and priorities.
It’s important to prioritize your own needs and those of your family, and saying “no” to things that don’t align with those priorities can help you feel more in control of your schedule. Remember, it’s okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks to others when necessary. Saying “no” doesn’t make you a bad mom, it makes you a mom who is intentional with her time and energy.
10. Take Advantage of Free Local Events
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your kids entertained and educated. Many libraries and community centers offer free events, such as storytime, crafts, and music classes for kids.
Take advantage of these opportunities to get out of the house and expose your children to new experiences. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other parents in your area who are also looking for fun and affordable activities for their kids.
11. Remember to Enjoy the Little Moments
It’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending cycle of chores and errands, but it’s important to remember to take a step back and enjoy the small moments with your children.
Time flies by quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on those precious memories. Whether it’s playing a board game together, snuggling up with a book, or just having a silly conversation, make sure you take the time to enjoy these little moments with your little ones.
It’s these moments that make being a stay-at-home mom truly worth it.
12. Use Nap Time Wisely
This tip actually came from my good friend, Alayna.
Nap time can be a sacred time for stay-at-home moms. It’s the only time of the day when you can get some quiet and focus on your own tasks.
Instead of wasting this precious time scrolling Facebook or mopping, try to accomplish tasks that require your full concentration and brainpower. Maybe you’ve been wanting to start a new project, study for a course, or catch up on some work emails. This is the time to do it!
Save the mindless tasks like folding laundry or cleaning the kitchen for when your kids are awake and can help or play nearby.
13. Don’t Compare Yourself to Other Moms
Everyone has their own unique journey. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to other moms, especially with social media and the internet highlighting seemingly perfect parenting moments.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is different and you shouldn’t judge your journey based on someone else’s. Focus on your own family and what works best for you and your children. Be proud of the progress you’ve made and know that you’re doing the best you can.
14. Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s from a friend, family member, or therapist, it’s okay to seek support. It’s okay to need help from time to time. It can be hard to admit that you can’t do it all on your own, but reaching out for support can make a big difference.
Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member for help with childcare or household tasks, or to seek professional help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Remember, you’re not alone and there’s no shame in asking for help when you need it.
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15. Online Shopping and Grocery Delivery
Finding time to run errands can be a challenge. Fortunately, the rise of online shopping and delivery services has made it easier than ever to get what you need without leaving your house. Take advantage of these services to save time and energy, and spend that extra time with your family or on self-care.
16. Practice Gratitude
It can be easy to get caught up in the challenges and stress of the daily routine. However, taking a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of your life can do wonders for your mental health and well-being.
Try starting a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re grateful for each day, or make it a habit to think of one thing you’re thankful for when you wake up in the morning. By focusing on the good things, you can shift your mindset and find joy in the little moments of your day.
17. Communicate your Needs
It’s easy to get caught up in the needs of your family and neglect your own needs. It’s important to communicate your boundaries and needs to your family members and let them know that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of the family as a whole.
Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself, whether it’s for self-care, pursuing hobbies or interests, or just having some alone time. When you prioritize your own well-being, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of being a stay-at-home mom and your family will benefit from it as well.
18. Make Time for Your Partner
Plan occasional date nights, even if it’s just a movie night at home after the kids are in bed. It’s a chance to reconnect and remember why you fell in love in the first place. Plus, it gives you a chance to take a break from the everyday routine of parenting and focus on each other for a little while.
Don’t forget to turn off your phones and other distractions to make the most of your time together.
19. Set Goals
Set goals for yourself to maintain a sense of purpose and motivation. Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a hobby, or taking on a personal project, setting achievable goals can bring a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment to your life.
Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem. Pat yourself on the back and take a moment to acknowledge your hard work.
[Related post: Balancing Work and Motherhood]
20. Delegate Tasks
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Learning to delegate tasks to your partner or older children can help take some of the pressure off and allow you to focus on other important things. Whether it’s folding laundry, doing the dishes, or picking up the kids from school, assigning tasks to others can help you manage your time more efficiently and give you a much-needed break. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and share the responsibilities.
Teamwork makes the dream work!
21. Embrace the Messiness of Motherhood
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless messes and chores that come with caring for your children. But it’s important to remember that the mess is a natural part of motherhood and childhood.
Instead of stressing over keeping everything perfectly clean and organized, try to embrace the chaos. Letting the toys stay scattered and the dishes sit in the sink for a little while longer won’t hurt anyone.
Turn the TV on if you have to – a little screen time won’t kill your kids (be sure to set up a safe-guard like VidAngel to prevent any accidental adult content from coming up!)
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that the memories you’re making with your children are far more important than a spotless house.
22. Make Time to Exercise
It can be challenging to find time to exercise. However, it’s important to make time for physical activity to take care of yourself. Exercise can help reduce stress and boost your mood, making you feel more energized and ready to tackle your day.
Whether it’s a quick workout video on YouTube or a walk around the block with your stroller, find a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. My favorite program for getting a consistent workout in is yoga – here’s a 12-week yoga burn challenge you can try to keep you motivated and inspired!
You’ll not only benefit physically but mentally and emotionally as well.
Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in itself that requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Creating a schedule that works for you and your family is crucial to maintaining your sanity and keeping everything running smoothly.
Use these tips to create a schedule that works for you and don’t be afraid to adjust it as needed. Remember, being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do, so enjoy every moment of it!
You are incredible, mama!
Jess
