Inside: Three simple tips for transitioning to the stay-at-home mom life
Some see stay-at-home mom life as simple and light on stress. As if our days are full of couch time and play. But while baby snuggles and playing games are part of the job description, there’s a lot more to being a stay-at-home mom than what most people realize.
3 Tips for When You’ve Decided to Stay at Home
If you’ve made your way to this article, I’ll assume that you’re either considering being a stay-at-home or that you’ve already decided to take the plunge. Either way, I want to say welcome! This life is so beautiful, but also demanding.
Here are a few of my tips for the transition to becoming a new stay-at-home mom.
And for more about life as a stay-at-home mom, check out this playlist over on our YouTube channel:
1. Realize you may face opposition
There are likely people in your life who just don’t understand or don’t approve of your decision to stay at home. It usually comes out of a loving place, but it’s marred by fear.
They worry how your family will financially survive.
They’re saddened that you’re “wasting” your potential.
They wonder how you’ll do it without losing your mind.
They think it would be better for the kids to be in daycare and socialize with others.
The list could go on.
But if you know that it’s coming, it’s easier to handle. So before you even announce your new plan, expect to hear concerns from family and friends.
And while it can be hard, try to give them the benefit of the doubt and know that they’re saying these things because they love you. Try to not go to that mental dark place that says:
They’re against me.
They don’t believe in me.
They don’t understand me.
They don’t respect my decisions.
Instead, stay confident in your decision and loving in your approach to dealing with the naysayers.
We’re often encouraged to burn bridges and assume that anyone who doesn’t support our decisions is toxic. While that may be popular, we should be cautious before cutting off anyone just because they don’t see the value in our decision.
Instead, we can use this opportunity to build bridges. To show patience and kindness. To educate when we can and rely on the example of our lives when words aren’t enough. Simply put: prove them wrong without being vindictive.
2. Go easy on yourself
There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to the stay-at-home mom life. Just like any job, it takes time to get accustomed to the daily flow. And unlike other jobs, you likely don’t have someone training you and showing you the best way to get it all done.
It can be so overwhelming to step into this role. You likely chose to do so because of your children. But being at home also means more housework. And meals. And learning to budget better due to loss of one income stream.
There’s a lot.
So be gentle with yourself. Even we perfectionists have to understand that we won’t be able to be 100% amazing 100% of the time. It’s just not possible. Especially in the beginning.
Now, does that mean that we just throw up our hands in defeat and think, “oh well, I’m just not the type of mom that’s good at this”? No! We keep pushing and little by little get our daily rhythm down to a science.
You can do this!
3. Resist the urge to dive into a “side hustle”
Speaking of your loss of one income, it may be tempting to pick up a side hustle. You’re used to doing some sort of job and may even feel guilty that your family has to be a little more financially conscientious now.
But resist the urge to take the bait with certain side hustles.
let go of the pressure
First of all, as long as you and your husband agree, you don’t HAVE to have a job. Don’t feel any less valuable now than what you did while you were working. Don’t feel like you’re not pulling your weight. You’ll see in time just how valuable this decision is. So resist the mindset that says you’re “just” a stay-at-home mom. Being “just” a stay-at-home mom is a worthwhile and weighty thing.
be aware of predatory companies
Second, there are many “jobs” that are designed to prey on your current position. Ads for work-from-home jobs for moms are pretty popular. But they don’t tell you that they pay next to nothing for lots of work. They may also require expensive training that you have to pay for just to “maybe” find a position, which may not be a set-up that works for you financially right now.
the whole Network Marketing Thing
Then there’s network marketing. Been there, done that.
I won’t tell you not to do it, but I would say be very cautious.
I do know of one woman in my area who is very successful in the main network marketing company I was a part of. BUT she was the first one to really be talking about that company in our area. Most ambassadors in our town are signed up under her, and she was able to get customers before people knew lots of other ambassadors selling it.
Even though every MLM claims to not be a pyramid scheme, they’re all modified versions of pyramid schemes, meaning those who get in on the ground floor (at least in a specific area) are the ones who are most likely to succeed.
With that said, I also won’t demonize any of the people who are involved with network marketing companies. They’re just trying to help provide for their families.
But it doesn’t work out for most people. And not just because they didn’t “hustle” hard enough.
Use wisdom, don’t hastily jump into anything, and you’ll be fine!
What questions do you have about life as a stay-at-home mom? I’d love to hear from you and answer what I can! Drop a comment below or email me at smithparty6@gmail.com!
Until next time,
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