Favorite things about staying home with your children!

Rose Anna - posted on 11/14/2012

My favorite thing about being a stay at home mom is all of the wonderful qualities in myself I have found that I never knew I had in me. My son seems to "test" me some days, and I go to bed feeling accomplished knowing that I made it through those tests with patience and love.

Also, another favorite would be the luxury of wearing pajama pants ALL DAY and not even feeling guilty about it. haha. Thanks for the question. Staying positive and counting blessings goes a long way!!

Julie - posted on 11/09/2012

I think staying home to raise my children is the most wonderful thing in the world. I love being able to help out at my children's school and go on their field trips with them. I love having time to cook them a good breakfast and not having to do cold cereal every morning. I love walking my daughter to school. It's exercise for all of us and we get to spend one on one time talking about whatever she wants to which we both love. I love being there right when they get out of school so we can talk about their day and I'm not too tired after working all day to help them with their homework. I love not having to miss award ceremonies, talent shows, plays, concerts, costume parades etc. that are held during the school day. I love not missing softball, soccer and basketball games or having to miss half of it because of work. I love having extra snuggle time, and time to read to my children, time to teach them how to play the piano, time to play games with them. There are so many things that I wouldn't get to do with my children if I worked outside the home, because by the time I would get home and cook dinner and do laundry, homework, chores, baths etc. it would be time for bed. When I had to work outside the home at various times it was so stressful finding quality daycare and missing my children terribly and feeling like there were never enough hours in the day to do everything that needed to be done. Yes it can be lonely if you don't have other SAHMs to hang out with occasionally when you're a young mom. At my age and as the mother of 7 children I have too much to do at home to get bored and there are too many children for me to be lonely. Before my life was as crazy at it is now, I enjoyed being able to go out to lunch with friends whenever I wanted, scrapbook once a week, read etc. The biggest blessing of staying home is all the time I get to spend with my children, so I feel like I really know them and we have a close relationship where they feel like they can talk to me about anything and I feel secure knowing I know what's going on in their lives and I'm a part of all of it. Having said that there are times it's overwhelming and I need a break for me. My 10 year old has been off-track the last 3 weeks and I am SO ready for her to go back to school Monday. Overall though it's the best thing I've ever done and I feel very strongly it's the best thing a woman can do for her children. If you're lonely, don't have friends or are bored staying at home, start a play group in your area or look for one. It makes all the difference when you're a young mom, maybe live far away from family and your children are all pre-school age.

Gina - posted on 09/19/2012

I cherish morning time, being able to watch my son sleep comfortably and wake up happy and relaxed, we snuggle and kick back in bed for a few minutes before getting up, we don't have to cut sleep short, to get ready in a huge rush in order to make it to work on time.

Cleaver - posted on 09/18/2012

i love being a stay at home mom. i get to spend real time with my son teaching him the things i want. then during nap time i get cleaning done it is very efficient i love nap time i get to turn on my little radio and just clean my son and i color a lot, read a lot, he loves to give me kisses and hugs. my only complaint is my husband.... (wont get into it here)

Niki - posted on 09/15/2012

My soon to be 6 yr old son calls me "Mommy". I love that he learns more from me than he learns from "other" six yr olds. I love that we can visit grandparents during the middle of the day. I love that most of the time I can be in a good mood when hubby gets home instead of if I worked being grumpy and tired. I love sending Daddy pics during.g the day.

Allison - posted on 09/07/2012

Anyone have any advice on how to get through the 6 hours that my kids are in school while I'm still a "stay at home mom"? I work only 2 days a week so that I can make sure I'm still home when they get on the bus and that someone is there when they get home to take to sports, do homework and dinner but getting through the 6 hours alone when not working is killing me! I miss my youngest terribly. Anyone else go through this? I thought the silence would be wonderful & that I would get so much work done that I haven't been able to do but I find myself not being able to do anything! Help!!!!

Laura - posted on 08/31/2012

I have a 3 year old, a 2 year old, a 1 year old, and I'm pregnant. There are definitely challenges, but the joys out weigh those! I mean, what other job includes building lego castles with your kids, reading fun books, doing crafts and eating Popsicles outside with them on a warm summer day? I make my own schedule, if it's nice out I don't have to be stuck inside. I get to be the one seeing their milestones and successes. I get to catch those moments of love and affection between siblings. I can make time to get out on my own rather than be tied to a work schedule. It seems great to me!

Jennifer - posted on 08/30/2012

I havebeen at home with my daughter since she was born she is now 4 and starting school in like a week. I never really thought about being home with her all the time as a bad thing I enjoyd it and was glad that it was always mommy and her together and I gotto spend most of the time with her, Now that she is starting school I have been thinking a lot about her leaving and being gone... I joke around and like oh thank god shes going out for a couple hours I get some me time...

BUT!!!!! Now that it is getting closer and closer to the day that she starts Im scared, and I never thought in the last 4 years "oh im home all time and never away"

I guess I never really had the time too becuase she always kept me so busy.

sometimes I would feel like braking dwn beause i jsut felt like i needed some time to myself becuase you know she had a bad day and was in a bad mood and just didnt listen

at the time it was frustrating and overwhelming... but not Im TERRIFIED because I'm wondering what the heck i'm gonna do all day whileshe is at school, im so lost.

lol, It is a great thing to be able to be home with them everyday and witness all their "firsts" now looking back I wouldn't have done it differently.

Bethany - posted on 08/28/2012

after-lunch naps, self-paced work, no Performance Assesment, wandering about the shopping centre fossicing for bargains, babycinos and cuppas with my girly, flexible breaks, go-slow days, baking in a relaxed manner, pottering in the garden, chatting with ladies at playgroup, watching my girly improve at kindergym, treasure hunting in the garden, glueing/playdoh supervision, not being watched and assessed constantly, eating when I'm hungry, sitting down when I'm tired....

Erin - posted on 08/27/2012

Its nice to be at home with your kids. You know them better than anyone. Your kids can be honest with you and trust you. That kind of relationship is very important. You sound like a great mom.

Erin - posted on 08/27/2012

I love watching my babies reach their milestones. They are starting to talk, crawl and I love hearing them laugh and seeing them smile. I enjoy watching them play on the floor and stare and laugh at each other. Gotta love twin boys :) I also enjoy getting things clean, my laundry done and and check my stuff on the internet when I have time. My boys just turned a year old so they still require a lot of attention. I cant do too much of what I want. Thats okay though :) I enjoy staying at home with them. I dont miss a thing. I have bonded with my boys and they love their Mommy.

Donna - posted on 08/27/2012

Being the one to teach them... Spending all the time I want with them... Getting them on a schedule that works...

Phebs - posted on 08/23/2012

I love not having to work! Its now ok for me to regularly check out the local toy shop - cause I have kids. I don't get stared at if I want to go to the movies and watch a Disney movie - cause my kids are there with me. I get to indulge in fairy's again with my daughter and Lego with my son. I also love all the latest crayola numbers and ABC books. The imagination is so strong as a child and I love it. Peter Pan is a favourite story at bed time (the Disney version)

I love making play doh and seeing how my daughter is amazed by it. Bubbles are a winner every time. And its seems to be when ever my kids hear music that they break out dancing!

Life is never dull at our house!

Beth - posted on 08/19/2012

I just enjoy being there for my kids. I think I can understand why a mother would rather work, but that's just not who I am. I know what I do is valid and important, even if other people can't see it. I get to be there for their ups and downs, triumphs and failures. When they've grown, I can move on and do other things. But, being there for them when they're young is just so special.

Paulette - posted on 08/19/2012

My son is now 4yrs old. I like being my son's teacher. To know that I gave my all, then to see that he benefited from it all. Everyday we grow closer and closer. He is now turning into Mr.Kissy Face..lol I only wish i could stay home with him for way more years. Next week grad school on-line starts and he will be in Pre-K starting tomorrow for 3 hours a day, I miss him already :-( After grad school -1.5yrs, I will be back at work because I am a single mom..I am so grateful to my parents for allowing me the experience to be a SAHM with him for now :-) But!!! I will structure our life so that I am working around his school schedule...not the opposite. If I can work from home..I will try that first. I enjoy being with him all day! he has a great sense of humor and is such a brilliant boy.

Megan - posted on 08/19/2012

I home-school my 5 kids and I LOVE being home with them! I love watching them grow, seeing them learn, and being very involved with them. We do schooling, crafts, cooking, play board games, outside activities, and many other things. I also have time to do my own study, and to get domestic chores done also.

I really wouldn't have it any other way.

Shelley - posted on 08/19/2012

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 21 yrs and I certainly wouldn't have it any other way. I have a 21 year old of course out on his own now , a 17 year old who still needs mom sometimes and I love that I am here whenever she needs me plus I have an 8 year old who loves the fact that I'm here always, I also have a 21 year old step son who lives with us and needs me lots so I think that being able to be at home has lots of positives , we focus a lot of family outings crafts and family discussions which I am sure would not happen as freely if I weren't home. We may not have everything that all other kids have but they do have me and for them most of the time that's enough now don't get me wrong they get pretty much everything they want but being at home for me has been very positive and I wouldnt change it for the world!!

Monika - posted on 08/19/2012

My favorite thing is the strong bond we are creating!
The closer they are to you the more they will tell you abouth their life as they get older & the more they like to still be with you = keeping them out of trouble!
Staying home is harder the going to work sometimes but your efforts will pay off in their future!

Michelle - posted on 08/19/2012

I didnt have the opportunity to stay home with my first two children who are now 12 and 16. So being able to stay home with the new baby has been amazing! I enjoy everything except the occasional tantrum..lol Its more work than my job outside of the home, but I wouldnt trade it for the world.

Heather - posted on 08/19/2012

I love being able to cuddle durring a mid day storm with my boys. The smiles i get in the morning durring breakfast. And yes sometimes its a pain but I wouldn't trade staying home for anything!

Joleena - posted on 08/19/2012

These are all good. Don't know if it's that time of the month or what, but I started crying when I read them. Haha :0)

Thanks for reminding me how wonderful it is to stay home with my kids :0) I'll keep trekking on!

Melissa - posted on 08/19/2012

no offense, but I think the question was what do you enjoy about staying at home... not what is your opinion of stay at home vs. go to work. I happen to agree with you but I don't see where these types of comments do anything except put people on the defensive.

Melissa - posted on 08/19/2012

As I was reading the posts, most were from moms with really little ones.. (preschool or younger). I happen to be blessed to have a 10 & 8 year old that I am still at home with. What i love is the ability to be active in their lives. I get to help out at their school, witness who they are out in the "big" world, be there for them when they come home, able to help with homework at a decent time and not late at night when everyone's already tired. I have the privledge of being able to run home if they forgot something (though I wouldn't recommend doing this on a constant basis - responsibility lessons ;)) I even get to go have lunch with them sporadically... all of this is just being able to BE with them. All things that I wouldn't be able to do if I was working and had other responsiblities. And let's be honest... there is time for lots of adult time while they're in school. My house gets cleaned and I also get to have me time and not feel guilty or take away from my kids. That's just my .02...

Khushbu - posted on 08/19/2012

I have 2 kids and love to see there funny things, funny faces. I love playtime with them, i can play with them all the time and it remind me my childhood. Its best decision i ever take that left my job and stayed with me 2 lill one who is growing so faster and will miss everything once they will grown. Also love to take picture and video as memories.

Annie - posted on 08/19/2012

I left my job when my younger son was diagnosed with autism and haven't regretted it for a moment. Working with him is challenging yet rewarding, and I drive him around to his ST and OT appointments twice a week...glad that I am able to be there for him. I've since had a younger daughter who is so compassionate and my oldest son is extremely tolerant of others as well. We have plenty of time every day to spend together without me being harried by a deadline at the office. People still ask if I think about going back to work...raising my 3 wonderful children is a job in and of itself. Moms who say they couldn't afford to stay home are just making excuses.

Jill - posted on 08/18/2012

the people who say staying home is terrible haven't figured out the key to staying home and being happy. very sad for them because they are missing out on so much! i should blog on the 101 things why staying home is great. but i'll just give you some of the best:

i dont have to wake my kids up before dawn and drag them to a germy daycare all day, everyday.
we eat dinner as a family when everyone else is sitting in rush hour traffic.
we come and go as we please (well, mostly)
my kids will remember that mom was home when they got home from school and the sense of security knowing that mom is always there for them, no matter what. (no outside job to interrupt family time, etc)
i can volunteer at my kids' schools and be involved with my kids and who they're hanging out with at school.
I can try new recipes and crafts.
my #1: i've been blessed to be able to create a "perfect little bubble" aka "Jill's perfect world" because I've been able to create a safe haven for my family, and my children's happiness level depends on how i handle being around them all day, everyday. it's the hardest job in the world! we get no days off, we work late hours, you are the go-to person for everything but oh, if you hit it right (and have the right attitude for it), it truly is the best job in the whole wide world! not everyone can do it. not everyone is cut out to stay home with their kids, and that's okay. it just means you're special enough to take on the hardest job in the world!

i'm glad you didnt listen to the negative comments about staying home. sounds like you're doing it right!

Brittany - posted on 08/16/2012

After volunteering for the past 2 weeks 4 days a week, I'm thankful to have less stress. I don't have to wake up the kids before they are ready to get up. I can get all of the cleaning done during the cool morning hours and relax during the heat of the day. I get to see all of my children's milestones, kiss all of the bumps and bruises, be silly with them.

I wouldn't trade it for all of the money in the world.

User - posted on 08/16/2012

Being BOARD!!! Hell no, my son and i read together and cook together. I get so much time with him that we just work through the kindergarten curriculum(he just turned 3). And we love going to hobby lobby and doing arts and crafts, just today we made a cow using Plasticine. We also tried making our own playdoh, lol we had everything stained and both needed baths. We play soccer outside and on the trampoline. We play pirates in the paddling pool. He loves the true heros cowboys we have all of them and have the best games with them. We read poems, and he loves reciting 'how doth the little crocodile'. The best times are when we cuddle up on the sofa and have movie time. I am never board or lonely.

Heather - posted on 08/14/2012

My first is only 7 months old, but so far I'm loving be a SAHM. Don't think I could pick a favorite part. He is so entertaining!

Donna - posted on 08/14/2012

You raised 5 kids and can nap when you want? What's your secret? I have two and that's not happening!

Hannah - posted on 08/12/2012

I love ring a stay at home mom because I don't have to miss a moment of their lives! Life is too sweet and too short. Moments in the first years are so incredible and special. I feel fulfilled

Cassie - posted on 08/12/2012

I love it, I have 4 kids and we are homeschooling them. The oldest is in Kindergarten this year and it is a blast. I love being the only one to teach my kids values and everything down to school in all. I like that I never have to miss out on any of their first and our bond is so stronge. I love to do crafts with the kids and to garden with them. All in all there is nothing I would change about staying home with them all and the choice to keep them home longer!

Annie Matilda - posted on 08/12/2012

I have always been very career minded and loved being able to achieve my dream of being a dentist. We had always planned to be that 'We can do everything' couple, with two big careers and still have all the time in world for kids.

Then, when I saw that this little miracle of life was actually entering my world, I didn't even care about my career anymore. All I wanted, was to be there for her.



Now that she is soon to be 6 months, I wouldn't want to be anything but a stay at home mom. Those mornings in her nursery, sitting in the big chair just snuggling and having nowhere to be. Being able to sit in the yard and play and being able to be a part of everything in her life. A time I will never get back, if I didn't.

I also take tons of pictures of her and we have this digital photo frame, where I can hook the camera to it and it shows the pictures from our day. Now daddy doesn't feel left out!



I am lucky to have such an amazing husband, who is the most devoted and loving dad. I haven't had a single regret about choosing to stay at home with Emma.

I especially can't wait until she can start doing arts and crafts and play at the park or start learning how to count.

Kayla - posted on 08/10/2012

I love being there for my kids. I get to see all their firsts, I get to comfort them, I can play with them, I teach them, and we love hanging out together. I have a 2 yr old daughter, an almost 9 month old son and another one due in Feb, 2013. I feel very busy all the time, and our schedule is hectic. But I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home with them. Because I would much rather have a busy and hectic schedule that includes them and all their triumphs and tribulations, than one that is in an office!

Julie - posted on 08/09/2012

What I love about staying @ home with my boys is the ability to be present. When I am working and rushed, and to scheduled, I feel like we are all passing each other like ships at sea.
When I do not have to "be somewhere" I can sit down and let them read to me, or listen to the stories about the day. Watch them interact with each other. Teach them new things. Being able to help them with their homework. Feed them nutritious meals. Have time to watch some of their sports events. Walk them to school. Take them shopping. Go visit Grandma and Grandpa. The list is LONG

Gabrielle - posted on 08/09/2012

My mom raised 6 kids at 1 time. Her and my dad have been dvorced since my brother, now 20, was born. Now she has 1 kid in the house who is 10 and she hasnt raised him like she did the other6 of us. I dont know how she raised us alone but i am very thankful she was there to teach us all that we needed to know. If it wasnt for her I wouldnt be the mother that I am now.

Rebecca - posted on 08/09/2012

Carrie,
Wow, four kids! I have many frustrations with my daughter at times, but I couldn't imagine it times four! You have my respect, love.

I try to focus on the positives as well because being bipolar, it is hard to keep my head up and out of a dark place. I love to watch my girl grow and figure out new ways to play with her toys. Watching her learn and grow has been such a blessing for me and as long as I remember that, it's much easier to focus on the positives. Besides, who likes a forum that is full of rantings and ravings all the time?

Carrie - posted on 08/09/2012

Being at home has many joys and struggles....

But, I will point out the joys.

I love to watch my 8 yr. old son learn new things in at home Charter School and watch him get excited when he can remember the answer to my questions later in the day! I also love to watch him invent things by just using sticks and a piece of cloth, or clay and a spring and string. He is definitely a hands-on learner.

I love to watch my 6 yr. old son tell silly stories with much expression. And quote lines from kid movies such as Veggietales. I also like to watch how he remembers things like 3+3=6 and he says it is because of the color paper I wrote the math problem on. Huh?!

I love to watch my soon to be 3 yr. old daughter dance around the house. I love to hear her say things like, "mommy, Im doing a FINE job sitting still at the table." I love to watch her run from the waves at the ocean and laugh when they catch up to her and get her wet!

I love to watch my 8 month old crawl and explore around the room. I love to watch him push his musical toy and bounce to the music. I love to watch him laugh when I squeeze his fat thighs. I love to hear him say, "da-da".

Thanks for the opportunity to share positive things, because many days the negative feelings tend to take priority and I forget to change my outlook, my thoughts, my words, and I miss out on some grand moments. It's tough raising 4 kids with completely different personalities and dispositions, but what would life be without 'em?!? :)

Stifler's - posted on 08/09/2012

I love seeing all the first times too. Logan said his own name for the first time today!

Stifler's - posted on 08/09/2012

Haha bean tambourine! love it. i have rice in a coke bottle and they love it like a large maraca.

Rebecca - posted on 08/08/2012

The tops of the plates face each other, if I have to point that out lol

Rebecca - posted on 08/08/2012

She likes the bean tambourine. Get two paper plates, place some beans inside, and staple the edges shut. That thing keeps my daughter entertained forever. We also do things like puzzles and we made these "lightning bug" jars with glow paint. That one was fun for her, i put her in some old clothes and let her stick a paint brush in a mason jar with the glow paint and she splattered it everywhere inside. It's really neat, it's a nice decoration for her bedroom at night. Sometimes I can even get her to help me dust and hold the dust pan for me while I sweep haha!

Mariella - posted on 08/08/2012

I would like to know what type of crafts you do with your daughter> sometimes I cant think of new things to do with her. any recommendations welcome.

JoyJen - posted on 08/08/2012

Even though I crave time for myself, I wouldn't trade being a stay at home mom for anything in the world! I love watching my son play/explore and figure things out. I love knowing that I am here for all of his firsts and I love how close we are. I look forward to him being interested in arts and crafts (he's 19 months and still eats his crayons every now and then lol) and then doing it again with his sister when she's born this Nov!

Claire - posted on 08/08/2012

Cuddling in bed with my two boys (2yrs and 5 months); being the one to deal with the emergencies like a fever, rash etc rather than having to be called by someone watching them; seeing and experiencing the 'firsts'.having conversations with my two year old. Mealtime for my picky eater, able to go an extra mile for him. Seeing them outgrow their clothes:-)

Rebecca - posted on 08/08/2012

Being there for the firsts is huge for me. When I was working and the boyfriend was at home with the baby and taking care of my mother, he failed to tell me that saydi learned how to wave and that she rode the neighbor's four wheeler (small thing with a carseat attached to it). I found out that night when I got off work, i went to pick her up from the neighbors and she waved at everybody! I was over the moon! I found Ryan and said "Omg, she just waved at everybody!" And he says "Oh yeah, she's been doing that for a while now...." I don't remember being any more upset! The least he could have done was told me. I found out about the four wheeler the next morning, he didn't bother mentioning that either. I'm glad the roles are reversed now because I care about her firsts much more than he does. I cherish those moments and I think it was this incident that made me want to stay home. I also want to be in all of her childhood memories. My parents were never around, i was always at my aunt's or a babysitter's, but i don't want to be that parent. I want to do crafts and make blankets and take pictures and make memories for my daughter.

Katrina - posted on 08/07/2012

My 3 n a half year old has Aspergers, so we have plenty of crazy awful moments, but being at home means I'm not there ONLY when he's tired and cranky. Iget to see the latest in trains, the new BIG word, the silliness, clean out the cupcake mixing bowl, etc etc. Certainly everyone has their difficult moments, but staying at home, more than anything, means I get to know my children in the best way possible. I see the good, the bad and the ugly, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Lady Heather - posted on 08/07/2012

Oh yeah - if it's nice out, we go out. I hated being in a stupid office looking at the sunshine on the other side of the window and wishing I could go run around in it.

Lady Heather - posted on 08/07/2012

Being there for all the firsts. I take pictures like crazy because I feel bad that my husband misses out. Like today was my 9 month old's first time fingerpainting. I don't know if he cares, but I documented it because I would be sad if I wasn't there. Ha.

I really like being the teacher. My three year old gets really into things and wants to know all about how things work. Right now her thing is human biology. She's learning all the names of the bones. Puts my education to use and it's so fun coming up with age appropriate ways to teach her.

It's also pretty neat being able to cook whatever I please for dinner without the time restrictions of waiting to be home from work.

With the two kids and the older one not napping, there isn't much down time. But I can still stay in my pajamas and have a movie day if I feel like crap.

Julie - posted on 08/07/2012

TIME AT HOME AS YOUR OWN BOSS???
WHo's kidding whom??
It is the ideal life... you can nap when you want ... you name it!
BE THANKFUL you can behome with her... she's only going to be little once.
Each day may feel the same but when she is older she will share with you all the good things she's learned from you ... I know - I raised 5 ... and am SO GLAD I stayed home!