Being a stay-at-home mom is an exhilarating journey full of coffee dates with your gal pals and fun days that fly by with your precious babies, right? WRONG (at least in most cases)! But you don’t need to become a bored stay-at-home mom!
Here’s the deal:
When I resigned from my stable office position to pursue being a stay-at-home mom, I couldn’t wait for all the exciting days ahead.
I had imagined constant adventures and memory-making moments with my daughter.
But after the first few enthusiastic weeks passed, I found myself in a slump of baby-playing boredom.
I was tired of playing the same games over and over, talking in ridiculous voices because my little girl wanted me to (“again, Mommy!”), and found my days revolving around cleaning crumbs and playdoh from every nook and cranny imaginable.
I knew I wanted to be home with my kids, but I didn’t want to be a bored stay-at-home mom…
Don’t become a bored stay-at-home mom.
I made a change and so can you!
It’s definitely not always a walk in the park but with a few tips described below, you can absolutely go from a bored stay-at-home mom to one who enjoys her days again!
Let’s jump right in!
Are You a Bored Stay-at-Home Mom?
Being home with your kids can start to feel mundane when you do the same thing day in and day out but you can avoid becoming a bored stay-at-home mom by getting out of the house, keeping your days interesting with new activities and your own hobbies, and feeling like you’re part of a community.
Sure, that sounds easier said than done.
But there are actually several simple steps you can take to live a happier stay-at-home mom (SAHM) life.
Let me explain:
Stay-at-home Mom Boredom: Get Outside!
One of the biggest mistakes moms make when it comes to SAHM boredom is not getting out of the house!
I get it.
It’s not a quick thing to get one or more munchkins ready to head out.
So you think to yourself, “nap time is in 1 hour and I still need to prepare lunch so what’s the point in going to all that trouble just for a 5-minute walk?”.
Well, the point is that you’re making excuses, taking what seems to be the easier way out, when it’s really eating away at your soul day after day!
Sure, that’s a bit much.
But it’s true that you often start to feel sluggish and more stressed when stuck indoors for too long.
Believe me!
Fresh air indeed does your body and mind so much good.
Just check out all these health benefits from fresh air:
- Helps clear your lungs
- Can give you more energy and mental focus
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Helps you heal faster
- Can improve your digestion
I know getting outside improves my physical and mental well being. It boosts my mood and helps me have a clearer mind for the rest of the day.
And the benefits are great for our kids too!
Whether it’s a simple drive to a coffee shop or a stroll around the block, get yourself and those kiddos out of the house (the more fresh air the better)!
I can’t emphasize this enough!
Whether you’re trying to get out with your newborn baby or struggling to get 3 kids ready, do what you need to do to get yourself and the kids out that door.
The more you do it the easier it becomes.
If you’re a new mom or a mom juggling multiples, you can read all about safely managing a baby and toddler. It may make getting out a little less daunting.
Your kids will start to get the hang of the new routine and your head will feel clearer and your body lighter with some new scenery to see and revitalizing air to breathe.
Sure, you may not manage this every single day. But if you’re not getting out much at all, you need to try harder.
You’ll thank me later!
When you’re feeling up to it, try to plan little excursions where your kids can be active (and you don’t have to). This could be a local playground, indoor play gym, trail walk or even a field with a ball.
Exploring nature is a wonderful way for kids to learn and burn energy.
As your confidence and energy grow, you can try out bigger and better adventures.
But no need to bite off more than you can chew, this is about making your SAHM life more enjoyable!
Stay-at-Home Mom Activities (For You and the Kids)
So you’re bored with the toys the kids have, you’ve read the same stories over and over, and if your toddler asks for Cocomelon one more time you might just explode.
Take a deep breath.
Tomorrow is a new day. And another opportunity to prepare fun activities.
See, the funny thing about preparing activities for your kids is that it seems like SO MUCH WORK, right?
And who knows if you have all the supplies on hand.
You don’t want to go to the store, and you’re already thinking of the big mess that you’ll have to clean up after.
I hear you!
But… with a little preparation, you can actually create fun learning experiences for your little ones and make the day go by faster (and more interesting) for you too!
Try Googling anything you’re thinking of and I bet the idea is out there.
I have a list of 25 easy indoor toddler activities.
Yet I’m only one of like a zillion other blogs out there (great marketing, right?).
Well, it’s true.
The World Wide Web is an amazing resource to find anything under the sun.
Don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on art supplies? Well, there are easy cardboard crafts for that.
Is it a rainy day and you want ways to burn that energy indoors? Sure thing, you can find it!
You want to bake but is there really something to make with a preschooler? Of course there is!
See, you can basically find anything.
You just need to make a tiny effort to search for it.
But believe me, you and your kids will be so happy you did.
Even if you can find 3 new activities to do per week, it takes your mind off of the repetitive mundane daily routine you’ve been doing so far and gives you something to look forward to!
And don’t think all of the activities have to be for the kids.
Make it a little more fun for you by doing some craft or activity that MOM enjoys as well (or, at the very least, play some of your favourite tunes in the background)!
Stay-at-Home Mom Burnout Is Real! (Ensure Down Time)
Whether your child naps or not, carve out some down time during the day.
Any mom of little ones knows that motherhood is not really a relaxing role. And stay-at-home mom burnout can happen to any of us.
You’re playing, cooking, cleaning, planning, walking, lifting, pushing, washing, entertaining and pacifying. The list could go on for miles (just like you do).
IT’S OKAY TO NEED SOME DOWN TIME!
Don’t feel guilty.
You deserve to sit down (without someone on you) for 10, 30 or even 60 minutes. You’ve earned it and you don’t need to justify having an hour to yourself.
Whatever time you need, make some.
Take advantage of nap time if your baby naps. And if they don’t, schedule some quiet time each day where your child can rest or read or play quietly… by themselves.
There are so many advantages of a little quiet time for kids. How Wee Learn lists 7 benefits including improved concentration, avoiding meltdowns, as well as building confidence and independence!
(See! I told you not to feel guilty about ensuring some down time!)
Beware of the Stay-at-home Mom Blues: Recognize Bad Days
Just like days at the office or at school, bad days are bound to happen.
But that’s all they are.
We all have them. Recognize them and move on.
I’m not trying to preach that everyone should adore being a stay-at-home mom and that every day is hunky-dory. In fact, it’s not for every mom or every family.
And that is A-okay!
However, by understanding what a bad day or week looks like, you can enjoy the great days even more!
And if that sad or lonely feeling lingers for more time then perhaps you need to find support as the stay-at-home mom blues can really take a toll on your mental health.
Whether professional or personal, make sure you’re vocalizing your feelings and needs by asking for help if and when you need it.
There’s zero shame in that!
Make Connections to Beat Stay-at-home Mom Loneliness
Hey momma, you’re not alone!
Do you feel isolated or lonely?
Like you only ever speak to a baby or a 3-year-old? That you have conversations with more stuffed animals than you do adults?
Well, you don’t have to put up with stay-at-home mom loneliness. It’s important to make connections with other adults.
Lean on your own friends/family by making a conscious effort to call or visit. Strike up a conversation with another guardian at the park. Engage a little with a neighbour.
Find someone other than your child (and even partner) to talk with during the week.
Social media is also a beautiful place to connect with other like-minded people.
You’re welcome to add me on Instagram!
And there are some pretty incredible communities of other moms, stay-at-home moms, and even BORED stay-at-home moms out there.
It’s great to have real conversations with other adults and build connections. You may find support or friendship where you least expect it!
Hobbies for Stay-at-home Moms
I know you live for your kids, now find something (anything) to do for you.
Being a mom, and especially a stay-at-home mom, can be an all-consuming life decision.
All of a sudden your coworkers are a babbling baby and a judgemental toddler, date nights are few and far between, and 99% of your mind is taken up by thoughts of your coworkers (I mean, children!).
You still need to do something for yourself.
Find a hobby and do it.
Understandably, you may need to squeeze it in when your kids have gone to bed or someone can give you some time without child-related responsibilities, but you need to make the time.
Hobbies give you a sense of accomplishment. Even if it’s just that 1% remaining mind space, you’re finally taking time to focus on yourself.
It will build your confidence, improve mental health, and reduce stress.
I know that’s a scary thought because you’re not used to thinking about anyone but your family. Yet it’s an important factor that’ll help you love dedicating the rest of your time to your family. It’s all about filling that cup so that you have something to pour from!
Some examples:
Hobby Ideas for Stay-at-Home Moms
- Yoga (at home or in the studio)
- Cook or bake (as long as it’s something you actually enjoy and not something you have to do)
- Photography
- Run/work out
- Learn an instrument
- Craftbooks
- Art (whatever style tickles your fancy)
- Learn a new language
- Garden (inside or out)
- Knit, crochet, sew
- Take an online class (in any subject)
- Volunteer
- Dance
- Woodwork
- Blog!
Sometimes you need to plan ahead and push yourself to make days more interesting. Prioritizing your own happiness will have a domino effect on your kids, life at home, and your own health and wellbeing.