We've all been there, moms - surrounded by toys on the floor, dishes piled high, and a to-do list growing faster than our kiddos. The stay-at-home life can quickly become overwhelming, but don't fret! We've got the secret sauce to help you structure your routine and bring order to the beautiful chaos. Grab that favorite coffee mug and take a few minutes for yourself; it's time to get your mom game organized.
1. Start with a Weekly Plan
The road to a structured stay-at-home routine begins with planning your week. Map out your essential tasks and activities and pencil them in on a calendar or digital planner. By doing this, you'll create a blueprint for accomplishing what needs to get done while also carving out time for non-negotiable family events or occasional playdates. Seeing your week on paper (or screen) gives a sense of control and accomplishment, knowing that you've got everything accounted for.
2. Assign Chores to Specific Days
Next up, it's time to strategize your workload. Instead of facing a mountain of chores each day, spread them out throughout the week. Have specific days for laundry, grocery shopping, meal planning, and other household tasks. By dedicating days to certain chores, you not only make them more manageable but also free up time for other commitments or even a little well-earned relaxation.
3. Establish Morning and Evening Routines
The secret to a successful day at home starts and ends with routines. Mornings can be chaotic as the day hits the ground running, but by creating a go-to morning routine, you can start your day with purpose and organization. This routine may include things like making your bed, having a healthy breakfast, or even a quick workout. Likewise, having an evening routine will help you unwind and set the stage for a restful night. It may involve decluttering shared spaces, preparing lunches for the next day, or setting aside some much-deserved "me-time" for a glass of wine and a good book.
4. Prioritize Self-Care
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of stay-at-home mom life, it's essential to take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup, so be sure to allocate time for self-care in your weekly schedule. Whether it's a yoga class, coffee with friends, or even a long, uninterrupted bubble bath, prioritize self-care so that you can tackle your responsibilities with energy and grace.
5. Enlist Help and Delegate Tasks
Remember, mom: you don't have to do it all alone. As your children grow, assigning age-appropriate chores can teach them responsibility and lighten your load. Not only will this give you more time to focus on other tasks, but it will also help you to bond with your children as you work together to maintain your household. If you're fortunate enough to have a partner, involve them in the decision-making process and let them know what chores they can assist with. Tag-teaming not only makes chores more manageable but can also strengthen your relationship as you both contribute to the household's success.
6. Flexibility is Key:
Lastly, always remember that your schedule should be flexible. Life is full of surprises, and especially as a mom, your days can be unpredictable. Keep your schedule open to change and don't be too hard on yourself if something slips through the cracks – simply adjust and carry on!
The life of a stay-at-home mom is undoubtedly filled with unexpected twists and turns. However, with a little bit of planning and organization, you can create a routine that works for you and your family. By mapping out your week, assigning chores to specific days, establishing morning and evening routines, prioritizing self-care, and delegating tasks, you can conquer the chaos and relish in the joys of motherhood. Cheers to you and your newfound structure.
Want to join a supportive community of stay at home moms who once had careers? Join here.
Once you've made the big leap to leave your career and stay at home with your kids, it's time to determine how you'll spend your time.
1. Prioritize self-care: When you're caring for young children full-time, it's easy to put your own needs last. However, it's essential to prioritize self-care and make time for yourself. This can include simple things like taking a hot bath, going for a walk, or reading a book. Make sure to schedule time for self-care regularly to help you recharge and stay refreshed.
Self-care is a personal and individualized concept, and what works for one woman may not work for another. Some women may find that self-care involves taking time to exercise, meditate, or do yoga, while others may prefer reading a book, taking a long bath, or going for a walk in nature. The important thing is to identify the activities that make you feel relaxed, refreshed, and happy, and to make time for those activities regularly. It's also worth noting that self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity for overall wellbeing, so finding time for self-care should be a priority for all women, especially those who are caring for young children or taking on other caregiving roles.
2. Stay connected with your professional network: It's important to stay connected with your professional network, even if you're not currently working. Reach out to former colleagues or industry contacts to keep up with the latest developments in your field. Attend virtual conferences or webinars to stay up-to-date on industry trends and network with other professionals.
Staying connected with your professional network is important, but the way you do it will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. For some women, this might involve attending virtual networking events, reaching out to former colleagues, or staying active on social media platforms like LinkedIn. For others, it might involve joining online discussion forums or participating in industry-related groups on social media. It's important to find the methods that work best for you and to be consistent in your efforts to stay connected with your professional network. Regular communication can help you stay informed about the latest developments in your field, and can also help you build relationships with other professionals that may be valuable in the future.
3. Find ways to use your skills: Just because you're not working in your field doesn't mean you can't use your skills. Look for opportunities to volunteer or take on freelance projects that align with your interests and expertise. This can help you stay engaged and build your portfolio, which can be helpful if you decide to re-enter the workforce in the future.
Even if you're not currently working in your field, you can still find ways to use the skills and expertise you've developed over the course of your career. This can help you maintain a sense of purpose and engagement, and may even lead to new opportunities in the future.
There are a variety of ways to use your skills outside of a traditional work environment. For example, you might consider volunteering with a local organization or non-profit that aligns with your interests or values. You could also look for freelance or consulting projects in your field, or offer your services as a mentor or coach to others in your industry. Additionally, you might consider starting a side hustle or small business that leverages your skills and expertise.
If you're looking for support in this season of your life, jump into my group here.
If you didn’t read my first post about this, feel free to catch it here.
Transitioning from your career to staying at home full time can be challenging but also rewarding. Here are 4 more things to keep in mind.
5. Take time for yourself, even if it's just 10 minutes a day
There’s a saying out there – self care is not selfish. If you don’t take time to care for yourself, you’ll burn out in caring for others. It's important to make time for yourself, even if it's just 10 minutes a day. Whether you use that time to read your favorite book, take a relaxing bath, or just sit in silence, taking some time each day to rejuvenate will help you feel refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges come your way.
6. Don't be afraid to ask for help - whether it's from family, friends, or a support group
As stay-at-home moms, we often pride ourselves on being able to do it all. We cook, clean, play chauffeur, and keep the household running like a well-oiled machine. But even supermom needs a break sometimes. Whether it's for an hour, a day, or a week, there's no shame in asking for help. Family and friends can pitch in to give you a much-needed break, or you can join a support group for stay-at-home moms. Just remember, it's okay to ask for help - after all, even supermom needs a little assistance from time to time.
7. Take advantage of online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, and social media groups
There is a wealth of online resources available to help lighten the load. From blogs and podcasts offering advice on everything from parenting to time management, to social media groups where stay at home moms can connect and share tips, there's something out there for everyone. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, take advantage of these online resources and give yourself a much-needed break.
8. Keep a positive attitude - it can be tough but it's worth it!
Being a stay-at-home mom can be tough. It's easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day tasks of childcare and housework, and it's easy to feel like you're not doing anything important. However, it's important to maintain a positive attitude. After all, stay-at-home moms play an essential role in their families. They provide love, support, and stability. They help their children learn and grow. They keep the home running smoothly. In short, they do a lot! So next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember that you're doing an amazing job - and keep up the good work!
Well, there you have it - a few tips to help make the transition from working mom to stay at home mom a little bit easier. It’s not going to be easy, but it is definitely doable. Just remember to take things one step at a time, set some goals for yourself, and reach out for support when you need it. And most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself - this is a big change! If you need more advice or just want to chat with other moms who are in the same boat as you, join my group on Facebook here. We’d love to have you!
So you've made the decision to become a stay at home mom. Congratulations! Now comes the hard part: making the transition from full-time career woman to stay at home mom. It's not easy, but with a little planning and organization, you can make it happen. Here are 4 of 8 tips for making the switch to stay-at-home mom life. You’ve got this!
1. Don't be too hard on yourself - it's a big change
Becoming a stay-at-home mom is a big change. It can be tough to adjust to being at home all day, especially if you're used to working full time. But don't be too hard on yourself - it's a big adjustment and it takes time to get used to it. Just take things one day at a time and eventually you'll get the hang of it. And if you're feeling really overwhelmed, just remember that you're not alone - there are millions of other stay at home moms out there who are going through the same thing. So take a deep breath and relax - you've got this!
2. Set some goals for yourself and try to stick to them
For stay-at-home moms, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about setting goals for ourselves. But if we want to stay sane and keep our lives feeling meaningful, it's important to set some goals for ourselves and try to stick to them. Whether it's learning a new skill, working on a passion project, or just taking some time for self-care, setting aside time to work on our goals can help us feel more fulfilled and empowered. So let's make a pact to set some goals this year and see how far we can go!
3. Get organized and create a schedule for yourself
As stay at home moms, we all know that life can be hectic. We are constantly juggling our children, our homes, and our own personal lives. It can be difficult to stay on top of everything, and as a result, things can quickly start to feel overwhelming. One of the best ways to stay organized and reduce stress is to create a schedule for yourself. Dedicate certain days or times for specific tasks, and stick to it as much as possible. Set aside time for laundry, cleaning, errands, and anything else you need to get done. And make sure to schedule some time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Taking a little time each day to focus on your own needs will help you to feel refreshed and better able to take on the challenges of motherhood.
4. Connect with other stay at home moms in your area (or online) for support and friendship
There's nothing quite like the bond between stay-at-home moms. We're all in the same boat, trying to juggle family life while also keeping our homes clean and sane. It can be a lot to handle, which is why it's so important to connect with other stay at home moms for support and friendship.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do this these days. There are online forums and Facebook groups specifically for stay-at-home moms, so you can connect with women from all over the world. Or, if you're looking for something a little more local, you can search for stay-at-home mom groups in your area. This is a great way to meet other moms who live close by and can offer support and advice on everything from parenting to dealing with a picky eater.
So if you're feeling isolated or just need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to reach out to other stay at home moms. We're all in this together!
In my next post, I’ll share 4 more tips to help smooth out the transition. Until then, if you are looking for a supportive community of moms who have left their careers to stay at home with their kids, join my group.
According to Pew Research Center, 69% of mothers with children under 18 are employed. Of those working mothers, 26% work full time and 42% work part time. So what happens when a mother wants to leave her career to stay at home with her kids? For many women, it's not as simple as just quitting their job. Here are five challenges they face (that have nothing to do with money).
1. Guilt
Whether we want to admit it or not, there is still a stigma around mothers who stay at home with their kids. Oftentimes, these women feel guilty for not working and contributing to their family's financial stability. They worry about what people will say or think about their decision to stay home. Will they be judged? Will they be seen as lazy? These are all valid concerns that can make the transition from working mother to stay-at-home mother very difficult.
2. Loneliness
Mothers who stay at home with their kids can often feel isolated and lonely. Since they're not working outside the home, they don't have the opportunity to interact with other adults on a daily basis. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness that can be very difficult to deal with.
3. Boredom
Another challenge facing mothers who stay at home is boredom. When you're used to working 40+ hours per week, it can be hard to adjust to having all that free time at home with your kids. It's important to find activities that you enjoy and make the most of your time at home. Otherwise, you may start to feel like you're going stir-crazy!
4. Lack of Structure
Mothers who stay at home also have to deal with the lack of structure that comes along with leaving their career behind. When you're used to working 9-5 (or even longer), it can be tough to adjust to having a more flexible schedule. It's important to create a daily routine for yourself and your family so that everyone knows what to expect each day. Otherwise, things can quickly become chaotic.
5. Missing the Adult Conversation
Lastly, another common challenge faced by mothers who stay at home is missing the adult conversation. When you're surrounded by small children all day, it's easy to start feeling like you're losing your mind! Make sure to take some time each day (even if it's just 30 minutes) to talk to another adult about something other than diapers and toddlers. You'll be surprised how much better you'll feel afterward.
While there are many challenges that come along with leaving your career behind to stay at home with your kids, it's important to remember that it is a decision that should be made based on what's best for your family - not what other people think or say about it. If you're considering making the switch from working mother to stay-at-home mom, make sure you take the time to weigh all the pros and cons before making your final decision.
Are you thinking of quitting your job to become a stay at home mom? It's not an easy decision to make, but there are some signs that can help you decide if it's the right time for you. Stay at home moms have a lot of responsibilities, but they also get to enjoy the benefits of spending all day with their kids. If you're wondering if making the switch is right for you, read on to determine if it might be time to quit your job and become a stay at home mom.
1. Weigh the pros and cons of staying at your job. Which one has the more pros – your job or staying at home?
2. Consider whether you're happy or not with your current situation. Would leaving your career make you happier or is it your current employer that is unsatisfactory more than your career?
3. Evaluate whether you feel like you're able to balance work and family life successfully. There’s no shame in admitting to yourself and your spouse that the attempt at balancing is not working.
4. Ask yourself if you feel fulfilled by your job or if you're just doing it for the money. If it’s all about the money, determine how much money you need to live. If it’s about fulfillment, can you get that in other areas?
5. Talk to other mothers who have made the decision to stay at home and get their perspective. Definitely talk to those who have made the transition well and those who may have struggled. Get the real story, not the one viewed through rose-colored glasses.
6. Make a list of all the potential benefits of being a stay-at-home mom and then evaluate the list. Will it be enough for you?
So, what’s a mom to do? It’s not an easy question to answer. There are pros and cons to both staying at your job and quitting to stay home with the kids. The important thing is for you to weigh the options and make the decision that will make you happiest. If you decide that staying at your job is the best choice for you, great. But if you feel like quitting your job is the right decision for you, know that there are plenty of other moms out there who have made the same choice and are happy with it. No matter what you choose, remember that you’re not alone in this journey.
It’s a question that often comes up in conversations among professional women: is staying at home and taking care of your children work, or is work only defined as something that you get paid to do? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but let’s take a closer look at the concept of work and how it is (and could be) defined.
Defining Work by Society's Standards
By society’s standards, the definition of “work” tends to focus on what people are paid to do. If someone gets a paycheck for their efforts, then they are typically deemed to be engaged in “work.” This definition can be problematic, however, because it ignores those who are doing unpaid labor such as stay-at-home parents or caregivers.
On the other hand, there are some valid arguments for why society has chosen to define work in this way. For example, many countries use taxes on wages as a primary source of revenue, so defining work as something that is done for pay allows governments to collect taxes more easily. Additionally, if all forms of unpaid labor were considered “work,” it would be difficult to calculate unemployment rates accurately.
Defining Work by Your Own Standards
The good news is that you don’t have to accept society's definition of work—you can define it for yourself! If you consider staying at home and raising your children an important form of work (as many working mothers do), then go ahead and give yourself credit for it! You don't need anyone else's approval or validation—you know what you're doing and you should be proud of yourself for it.
At the end of the day, how you define work is entirely up to you. Whether you choose to view stay-at-home parenting as a form of work or not doesn't really matter—what matters is that you recognize the value and importance of whatever it is that you're doing with your time and energy. Don't let anyone else tell you how your time should be spent; take ownership over your life and make sure that whatever decisions you make are right for YOU!
If you've thought about leaving your career to stay at home with your kids, you're not alone.
There's an old saying that goes, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." But as moms, we know that's not true. We CAN have our cake and eat it too. We just have to be willing to set some goals first.
Let's face it, moms are dreamers. We dream of a day when our kids are potty trained, sleeping through the night, and eating their veggies without complaint. We dream of a day when we can actually finish a cup of coffee before it gets cold. We dream of a day when we might actually get to take a shower without interruption. But if we're being honest, those dreams often feel pretty darn unattainable.
That's where goals come in. Goals are the bridge between our dreams and reality. They give us a roadmap for how to get from Point A to Point B. And while they may not be as fun or sexy as dreams, they are infinitely more achievable. So if you're feeling like your dreams are just out of reach, it's time to start setting some goals. Here's how to tell the difference between a dream and a goal:
Dreams vs. Goals: The Difference
Dreams are lofty and often include the words "some day." For example, "Some day I will sleep through the night." Goals follow the SMART format (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely) with a timeline and a specific, tangible, measurable outcome. For example, "I will sleep through the night by December 31st."
Dreams are vague and often feel unattainable. Goals are specific and actionable. Dreams inspire us but rarely lead to results. Goals motivate us and help us achieve the results we desire.
So why do moms need both? Because dreams help us see what's possible while goals give us the tools to make those dreams a reality. Dreams inspire us to be better versions of ourselves while goals provide the blueprint for how to get there. So go ahead and keep dreaming, moms. Just make sure you're setting some goals too!
Moms are dreamers but we can't forget to set some goals too! Dreams inspire us but they don't usually lead to results. Goals motivate us and help us achieve the results we desire. So keep dreaming, moms! Just make sure you're setting some goals along the way.
For working women, the division of household responsibilities can be a hot-button issue. Whether you're negotiating with your spouse or trying to come to an agreement with your co-parent, it's important to have a plan for how you're going to divvy up the chores. After all, nobody wants to come home from a long day at work only to find that the house is a mess and the kids are running wild.
So, what's the best way to approach the division of labor in your household? It depends on your individual situation, but there are a few things to keep in mind that can help you come to an agreement that works for everyone.
Two Working Adults
If you and your spouse are both working adults, chances are you'll want to divide the chores evenly between yourselves. This can be a great way to make sure that neither of you feels like you're shouldering the majority of the load. Plus, it can help to keep things fair if one of you works longer hours than the other.
To make sure that everyone is on the same page, it can be helpful to sit down and make a list of all the household duties that need to be taken care of. Once you've got that list, you can start dividing up the tasks based on who has more time or who prefers to do certain types of chores. For example, maybe one of you doesn't mind doing the laundry while the other would rather take out the trash. As long as everyone is happy with the arrangement, it doesn't really matter who does what.
Two Working Parents
When both parents are working full-time, things can get a bit more tricky. In this case, it's often helpful to enlist the help of a babysitter or nanny to take care of some of the child-rearing duties if you don’t have family close by. This frees up both parents to focus on their careers and gives them some much-needed time away from their kids. Of course, this isn't an option for everyone, so it's important to find a solution that works for your particular situation.
If you don't have someone else who can help out with childcare, then it's important to be flexible with your work schedules. One parent may need to leave work early a few days a week so they can be home in time for dinner and bedtime routines. Alternatively, one parent may need to work from home a few days each week so they can be available for drop-offs and pick-ups. There's no one right answer here; it all depends on what works best for your family.
A Working Parent and a Stay-at-Home Parent
In households where one parent stays at home while the other goes to work, there's often an unspoken assumption that the stay-at-home parent will also take on all of the household duties. However, this isn't always fair or realistic. Just because someone is staying at home doesn't mean they have unlimited time or energy to devote to cleaning and cooking and childcare. If this is the situation in your household, it's important to have a discussion about how duties will be divided between both parents.
It may be helpful for the working parent to take on more chores when they're home so that their partner isn't constantly picking up their slack. Alternatively, you may want to consider hiring someone else—like a housekeeper or nanny—to help out with some of the domestic duties. The most important thing is that both parents feel like they're contributing equally to running the household and caring for their children.
No matter what your particular situation is, there are ways to negotiate the division of labor in your household so that both parents are satisfied. It's all about finding what works best for your family and being willing to compromise when necessary. With open communication and a little bit of creativity, you'll be able to find an arrangement that everyone can live with—and maybe even enjoy!
It's a conversation that I never thought I would have. I never thought that I would be the one who would be considering staying at home with the kids instead of continuing my career. But there I was, having this conversation with my husband. And I know that I'm not alone. There are plenty of professional women out there who have had to make this same decision. So, how do you know when it's time to leave your career behind and become a stay-at-home mom? Here are some things to consider.
The Pros of Staying at Home with the Kids
There are some definite advantages to staying at home with the kids. For one, you get to be there for all of the milestones and special moments in their lives. You don't have to miss a single thing. You also get to form a strong bond with your kids that you might not otherwise get if you were working outside of the home. And let's not forget about the cost savings. Childcare can be expensive, so staying at home can save you a lot of money in the long run.
The Cons of Staying at Home with the Kids
Of course, there are some drawbacks to staying at home with the kids as well. For one, you might feel like you're missing out on an important part of your life - your career. You might also feel like you're not contributing financially to the family. And let's not forget about the isolation. It can be tough being at home all day with no adult interaction.
How to Make the Decision
So, how do you make this important decision? It's definitely not an easy one. But there are some things that you can take into consideration that might help you make up your mind. First, think about what's important to you and what will make you happy. If staying at home with the kids is going to make you happier than continuing your career, then maybe that's the right decision for you. Second, think about your financial situation. If staying at home is going to put a strain on your family's finances, then maybe it's not the right choice for you right now. Lastly, think about your support system. If you have a strong network of family and friends who can help out when needed, then staying at home might be a good option for you.
Making the decision to stay at home with your kids is a tough one - there's no doubt about it. But if it's something that will make you happy and doesn't put undue financial strain on your family, then it might just be the right choice for you and your family.
