help me to fight every challenge being at home mom

Brandi - posted on 10/17/2009

I have been a SAHM for 2 years in dec. I remember when i first decided to stay home. I was pregnant with my second child and realized that my WHOLE paycheck would be used to get to work and pay the babysitter, so I decided to stay home. My biggest piece of advice would be to get on a ROUTINE. You will be able to keep your sanity by knowing what comes next in the day and your kids will be better behaved for it. Also, on days that your husband doesn't work, go do something for yourself. go shopping, see a movie, or just take a walk. you will need some time away from your kids and family. You will find that sooner or later you will feel like you have nothing left to give your family no matter how much you love them. Take some time for yourself (I would recommend to get out of the house, your kids probably wont leave you alone while you take a bath or a nap or something). It is tough, but is also really rewarding. you will be so glad you devoted that time to your kids. good luck and give it some time to adjust. don't forget about yourself and get a Routine. Believe me. I'm still working out some kinks in my routine. trying to find time to do dishes, laundry, clean the house and everything isn't always easy, but it gets a little easier over time. good luck.

Caroline - posted on 10/17/2009

Being a SAHM is a decision that I did not take lightly. I traded my career in to stay at home until both my girls are ready to go to school full time. It's a huge adjustment that has to be made physically, mentally , and financially on your part. Here are a few tips....

1. The biggest thing is to learn time management.

2. You have to have some "ME" time or you will go insanely crazy...lol

3. Find support groups for moms with young children in your area and get involved. If there isn't one then create your own with other SAHM in your area.

4. Enjoy them while they are still young!



Good luck and have fun!!

Amanda - posted on 10/15/2009

i gave up my career 9 years ago and im only 32, it was one of the best and one of the hardest things i have ever done in my life... it is so worth it. but im not going to lie, its hard, some days are good some days you would love to being 50+ hours and would be happy to do it for free. lol.. just to have an out. you learn to find your out rather its just to go to the bathroom and paint your toes during nap time or to write down all the cute things they say and do. i have started scrap booking and doing other things are in the works of starting my own thing. but i have found its nice to know that if someone is sick or has a bad dream and your up all night, you dont have to worry bout working all day, who will watch them and if they can do it your way. my other thing and my main thing is knowing that i am completely responisble for what my kids do, see , and say. the only person i can blame is me, cuz i am raising my kids. so i will never be able to say well if i didnt work such long hours or if i had been there i could have caught her before she fell , i am always here and all the good times, sad times, bad times, sick times. all the times and priceless moments are mine. i never had to miss the first steps, or crawl, or rolling over, or word, or tooth. i was always here and that makes it worth everything.

Sheri - posted on 10/15/2009

It's a tough adjustment to make.. even though it's difficult to be a working mom, work is still a break from your 'mom duties', and finding time for yourself is difficult. The thing that gets me down the most is lack of Adult conversation. My husband is deployed, and I live in a foreign country by myself, so after having nobody to talk to for a week but a 3 year old, you want to pull your hair out. Some tips to get through the day are to work out a schedule for yourself. Write it down.. that will sort of give you the 'i have a job' vibe, and the routine makes things fall into place a little better. nap time is your friend, even if your Child doesn't take naps anymore, if she's young... make her have 'quiet time' in her room. She doesn't have to sleep,b ut she does have to stay in bed for an hour and relax. This will give you time to clean the thigns you can't when your chasing her, or time to take a bath and not worry about what to do with the child, or to call a friend or family memeber on the phone and talk without interruption of a little one wanting you to draw her a doggy in her color book. lol. Try to get out of the house every day. Even if it's just to go to the store, or the park, or something. Go for walks, child in stoller. And never underestimat the importance of a babysitter! It's difficult to find one you trust, but there are some good ones out there. Get together with other stay at home moms in your area. Giving your child other kids to play with will give your ears a break while they're busy with their friends, and you can have coffee with another mom that can give advice and much needed support. Good luck hun! And dont' forget to try and find time for yourself. Maybe one day a week, let your husband watch the child for an hour or 2 after work, and go get your nails done, or a pedicure.. or anything that you enjoy. After spending so much time with your kids, it's nice to be able to go away for a few hours and give yourself a chance to miss them. :)

Jill - posted on 10/15/2009

it is an under appreciated job with no pay... but your kids will reap the rewards..you will never regret it.... i go through bouts of not loving it and wish i could get a job but God wants me right here and i will obey.... other wise financially it would not be working out... we struggle but it is worth it...i have 3 kids

Amber - posted on 10/15/2009

Being a stay at home mom has been a very rewarding thing for me. I love my kids and my husband. However, I do miss working, and you will go through that. There are going to be times where you just want to pull out your hair out cause of feeling overwhelmed, but just remember, this is all you. Your family, you just have to tell yourself, this is all mine. I do it all the time, it reminds me how blessed I am to have what I have. There are soooooooooo many women out there who WISH they could stay at home with their children, and can't. And always remember, regardless of what ANYONE tells you, YOU as a mother, and yet a wife, have theeee HARDEST job out there. ;) Good luck hunny.. Pray, and God will get you through anything...

Rebecca - posted on 10/15/2009

Hi Donna,



It is a big change from working full time to being a SAHM. It's just a matter of finding a new routine and making those adjustments. It may take some time but remember not to lose yourself in the process. I found that taking some "me" time and doing things that were focused on me helped out a lot. I suggest joining a gym, or some sort of moms club or taking a class to learn something new to do something for yourself at the very least have a girls night out every week or so. For me I decided to start working from home. I found something I was able to weave into my daily routine without neglecting my mom duties. I'm able to stay home with my kids, be involved with their activities and still bring in extra money each month to make me feel like I'm still able to contribute financially to the household.



Give it a chance, and things will fall in to place once you find your balance!



Rebecca

Helping Moms Work from Home

www.4ThisFamily.com