By Sarah Yared
Being a stay-at-home mom has many challenges, especially if you work from home. But even if you are unemployed, you are still working! In fact, a 2018 study conducted by Welch's found that working moms clock an average of 98 hours per week. That’s equivalent to 2.5 full time jobs!
If you’re like me, you have a hundred things to do, a thousand thoughts going through your head, a screaming toddler, and a naked baby running around the house with a full-tube of toothpaste–a daily occurrence!
Here are some tips for you to stay motivated so you don’t lose your mind:
1. Make Routines Simple
Your morning routine may seem less than simple, especially with multiple children. Make a short list in your head or on paper for the morning. This way, you can stay on track and cross things off as you accomplish them. Don’t forget to give yourself credit for the small things too!
Example - Morning list:
Diaper change
Breakfast
Clean up: Kitchen
Bath
Self care
Clean up: Bathroom
Get dressed
Pack up a day bag and snacks
2. Quick Self Care
When you wake up, if your kids aren’t awake yet, take any amount of time to yourself to do a small self-care routine, make your coffee, or sleep in! If your kids are up, change diapers and grab them a drink and snack. This can give you a few minutes to wake your body up before the chaos (unless the toothpaste gets spilled all over the couch.)
3. Morning Bath Time
If you need an extra 20 or 30 minutes to get yourself ready and finally drink your coffee, have your children take a bath with their favorite toy in the same bathroom as you. This way they are contained and can’t make messes around the house. You can keep an eye on them while you complete your own morning rituals.
4. Have Activities Ready
If you are working from home, having activities ready is a must. Puzzles, Lego, sticker books, Crafts & Sensory Bins, etc. There's a plethora of ideas out there. With Christmas right around the corner, check out this cute gift idea!
5. Embrace Screen Time
Using screen time so that you can have a moment of sanity throughout the day is not something to feel guilty about. You deserve to complete your daily tasks or even have a moment to yourself. There are lots of educational games for children’s tablets. Try PBS Kids Games! I am loving that my 3-year-old knows her letters, numbers, and can even make patterns. I have spent time teaching her these things and she can continue to practice them on her iPad.
From one stay-at-home mom to another: You are doing the most important job in the world! I hope your day is filled with a little more peace, lots of hugs, and a little less chaos (and no toothpaste on the couch.)