How to survive being a SAHM…..
Being a SAHM isn’t for everyone these days as much as they might want it to be. Whether you can’t afford to have yourself home, would go crazy being home all day, etc.
How I’ve survived being a SAHM and some extra tips:
1. Establish a daily routine
• Structure the day: Create a loose daily schedule with your children to provide structure and help everyone know what to expect.
• Incorporate routines: Use natural transitions like after breakfast for clean-up or before nap for a reading session to create mini-routines.
• Wake up early: Waking up before your children can give you a head start on your own tasks and a moment of peace.
2. Prioritize self-care and well-being
• Make time for yourself: Schedule in breaks, even small ones, to avoid feeling constantly "on".
• Exercise and movement: Incorporate movement into your day through walks, stroller walks, or a quick workout to boost your mood and energy.
• Find a hobby: Dedicate time to a hobby or interest to maintain a sense of self outside of your role as a mom.
• Take breaks: Use screens when necessary or toys for a mental break, or even just have quiet time with your children in their cribs if you don’t co-sleep.
• Get out of the house: Go for a walk, visit a park, or run an errand to change your environment and avoid feeling isolated.
3. Build a support system
• Connect with other moms: Join local mom groups, take infant classes, or connect through social media to build a community of people who understand what you're going through.
• Talk to someone: Share your emotions and struggles with a friend, a fellow mom, or a therapist to get things off your chest.
• Involve your partner: Recognize your partner as an equal parent and involve them in child-rearing. Let them parent in their own way to help alleviate your burden.
4. Manage your environment and mindset
• Simplify your schedule: Don't over-schedule your days with too many outside activities. Stick to one event per day or every other day to avoid burnout.
• Set realistic expectations: Acknowledge that you don't have to be a "superwoman" and it's okay to not get everything done. Some days are just about survival.
• Embrace flexibility: Be prepared for your plans to change, especially with children, and focus on enjoying the present moment.
• Involve your kids: Include children in daily tasks like errands to make them feel included and to make outings more manageable.
✨Are you a SAHM?
✨Do you do anything for extra money?
✨Did you start a hobby that turned into a business?
#lemon8parentingcreator #Lemon8 #lemon8partner #lemon8challenge #lemon8creator
Being a stay-at-home mom is truly a unique journey, filled with immense joy but also its fair share of challenges. While establishing routines and building a support system are absolute game-changers, I've found that truly thriving as a SAHM often comes down to digging a little deeper into self-care and mindset. It's not just about surviving; it's about finding moments that make you feel like you again. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of getting out of the house regularly, and sometimes, yes, without the children. It sounds simple, but carving out that time for myself, even if it's just a quick solo coffee run or an hour at the gym, recharges my battery in a way nothing else can. It's not selfish; it's essential. I remember one week I felt completely overwhelmed, and my partner gently pushed me to just take a walk alone. That 30 minutes of quiet, fresh air completely shifted my perspective for the rest of the day. Don't underestimate the power of a solo reset! Finding a hobby you love is another piece of advice I wish I'd embraced sooner. Before kids, my identity wasn't solely 'mom.' Reconnecting with an old passion, like painting or gardening, or even discovering a new one, has been incredibly fulfilling. It gives you something that's just *yours*, a space where you can be creative, learn, and grow outside of your parenting role. For me, it was picking up knitting again – those quiet moments with yarn are surprisingly meditative. It’s a wonderful way to foster your own well-being and remember the person you are beyond the diaper changes and meal preps. Let's talk about self-care beyond the obvious. It’s not always spa days or fancy retreats. Sometimes, it’s about micro-moments. Can you sneak in 10 minutes of meditation during nap time? Or listen to an inspiring podcast while doing dishes? Prioritizing your own well-being also means being honest about your limits. There are days when the house might be a mess, and that’s okay. Giving yourself grace and setting realistic expectations, as my fellow SAHMs often remind me, is a form of self-care in itself. We don't have to be superwomen every single day. Finally, leveraging your support system, especially your partner, is key. It's not just about 'involving' them; it's about truly communicating your needs and allowing them to step up. My partner and I started having weekly check-ins where we discuss our schedules, how we're feeling, and what specific help we need from each other. This kind of open dialogue prevents burnout and ensures we're both contributing to a balanced household, even if our roles look different. Remember to ask for help – whether it's from family, friends, or your partner. You don't have to carry this load alone. Being a SAHM is a marathon, not a sprint. By intentionally weaving in these deeper self-care practices, actively seeking moments for yourself, and leaning on your village, you can undoubtedly move from just surviving to truly enjoying this precious chapter of motherhood.
