The Ultimate Guide to Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

What is it like being a stay-at-home mom? Perhaps you think it is a mindless job staying home with kids. While the world might tell you that being a stay-at-home mom is a waste of time, I would tell you differently. 

Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a parent. 

As a stay-at-home mother, you can teach your children things they may not get anywhere else. More importantly, you can reinforce their significance as children of God and build a spiritual foundation from the beginning. 

If you are thinking, “What’s it like being a stay-at-home mom?” Keep reading. By the end of this post, you may feel your heartstrings tugging at you to stay home.

RELATED: 4 Awesome Reasons to Be a Stay At Home Mom: Is It Right For You?

What I Love About Being a Stay-at-Home Mom?

So, is it so fun being a stay-at-home mom? I think so! There is nothing like first words, pajama days, sticky kisses, kids playing outside, and storytime. Warm cookies baked in the oven, art projects,  and time at the park. First steps, funny sounds, and made-up words.

These moments are fleeting. You only have a certain number of years before they are gone forever. If you don’t take the time to capture them, you will never have them to remember.

You can always work, but you can never replace the time you have with your kids.

Not everyone has the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom, but it is rewarding if you have the choice. Looking back, I relish the times I had with my kids. I have no regrets.

I bonded with my kids in a way no one else ever would. Although I wasn’t always a perfect mom, I loved my kids in a way only a mom would love.

So, is being a stay-at-home worth it? I would say a resounding yes! There is nothing more important than your children.

Get your FREE WEEKLY MEAL PLANNER TEMPLATE PDF and get organized so you have more time with your family.

What Are Three Benefits of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom?

Do you struggle with being a stay-at-home mom or not? Check out these three reasons before you go back to work. It is not an easy decision, but perhaps it will help you know the best thing for your family once you consider the pros and cons.

1. The family functions more smoothly

One of the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom is that your home runs more smoothly when you are there all day. You have more time to cook, do laundry, clean, etc.

When you are split between home and work, there never seems to be enough time to do anything well. Additionally, you feel pulled in both directions, trying to please the family and your boss, but no one is happy.

When you stay home, you can implement a schedule to help you stay organized. My morning routine set me up for success the whole day. I highly recommend it.

RELATED: 7 Best Morning Habits For Busy Moms Who Need to Get Organized

2. Bonding and development with your kids

Another benefit of being a stay-at-home mom is that it allows you to bond with your child and encourage early development. Contrary to popular belief, many things happen in those first few years of life. 

Babies know when change happens, understand loud noises, and feel all sorts of emotions. They are not mindless blobs cooing and gurgling. They can feel tension through the mother and know when they are not wanted.

Science Daily lists all sorts of things that happen when children do not have a loving and stable environment in their formative years.

There is more of a chance for depression, health issues, and behavior issues when they are not bonded to their mother. (I realize a daycare can be a stable and loving alternative.)

Furthermore, when things go awry with an adult, psychologists always begin with childhood to get a complete diagnosis. Those early years are highly impressionable, and we need to realize how important they are as parents.  

Capitalize on this time by reading out loud, rocking, snuggling, and talking to your baby or young child. This is your chance to bond.

RELATED: 50 Easy School Readiness Skills Parents Can Do With Kids [Printable Checklist]

You can find Estranged on Amazon or at your favorite digital store. 

3. Reinforce biblical values with your kids

The third benefit of being a stay-at-home mom is that it allows you to reinforce biblical values daily. I taught my kids things no one else would have time to teach.

I read the Bible to them daily, watched programs about God, and sang songs reinforcing the Bible. Furthermore, I was there to tell them repeatedly how much I loved them and how God loved them. 

I also took the time to discipline my kids when they were not acting the way God wanted them to. I could take advantage of teachable moments and show them what God says about lying, hitting, etc. This can be done with other caregivers, but it is more meaningful when Mom does it.

Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

RELATED: How to Pray for Your Child: 6 Tips to Pray In Your War Room (really pray)

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Why Is Being a Stay-at-Home Mom So Hard?

Working moms vs. stay-at-home moms–that’s a battle I am not getting into. They are both hard. But if you are a stay-at-home mom, be prepared to wear many hats. On any given day, you are the cook, chauffeur, housekeeper, accountant, nurse, counselor, teacher, nurturer, and so much more.

It is a demanding job that isn’t always validated by those in the working world, yet it is the most consuming job as it never stops. You are on call 24/7. If you are under the impression that you will be sitting around all day, you are sadly mistaken.

Being a stay-at-home mom is hard! You are with kids all day, which is physically and emotionally exhausting. Some women say they want to return to work to escape all the chaos and neediness.

It is good to have realistic expectations before you quit your job. You will never work harder than when being a stay-at-home mom.

Although it is consuming, it is also rewarding. Now, let’s examine some of the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom.

Are Families with Stay-at-Home Moms Happier?

Research seems to go in both directions. Most say that either option is acceptable for your child. For those of you who have chosen another source of childcare other than yourself, I am glad you have decided what is best for your family and you.

My comments are to discuss the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom and be honest about the sacrifices.

Often, it means putting a career on hold and adjusting to isolation. It can be shocking, but you get used to it after a while. Don’t worry!

Why be a stay-at-home mom? Perhaps God is calling you to do it. I encourage you to pray about what God wants you to do. Think about how your choices will affect your family in the long term. More money doesn’t always mean more happiness.

Is being a stay-at-home mom right for you?  Comment below and tell me your feelings.

Got Family Problems? There is Help and Hope!

Creating Family Memories Book

Get Creating Family Memories. This book will help you manage your family in a way that allows more time to be intentional with your kids.  It includes a schedule too. You can get it at your favorite bookstore.

Join the group Christian Family Living on Facebook

Continue the conversation on Facebook and join the Christian Family Living group. This is a place for Christian women to freely talk about parenting, marriage, faith, family, and culture. Being a Christian is hard! Let’s do it together. Most of all, a sense of humor is required. Got memes? Bring it on!

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