Having the opportunity to be a stay at home mom truly has been a blessing. It is both the most fulfilling thing and the most difficult thing I have ever done! I’ll soon be entering my 6th month of this crazy journey and I thought I would compile a few things that have helped me keep my sanity along the way. I think these things can particularly apply to stay at home parents, but also to any parents, because no matter if you work at home or out of the home, being a parent is a full-time job in addition to all of life’s other responsibilities.

Get Dressed Everyday

This one is so important to me. When I first became a stay at home mom, someone told me that if it were them, they would just stay in their pajamas all day. I think a lot of people seem to have this misconception about stay at home parents that we sit in our PJs all day. While there certainly is no shame in doing this, I feel like when I don’t get dressed, I feel less happy and motivated throughout my day. I try to get dressed and do my hair and makeup most days because I end up feeling better overall. Even if its just leggings and a t-shirt (my literal wardrobe — lol), it makes a difference!

Get Out of the House!

My daughter was born at the end of summer and my postpartum healing was quite drawn out so I didn’t get to enjoy going on outings with her much in the summer and fall. However, even though it is winter now, I have been making an effort to get out of the house -at least- once a week, if I can. Whether it is for a short walk with my daughter, or getting some groceries alone. I will say, if you can, getting out while your partner takes care of the baby is so beneficial to your psyche too. Even if it’s just a short drive to the coffee shop on a Saturday, getting to be alone in the car, blast your favorite music (something you can’t do with the baby in the car, haha) and get a few minutes alone can be very rejuvenating.

Find Community

Whether this is bringing your child to a playgroup, or joining a mom group on Facebook, I feel like having a place to go and talk to other parents can be very helpful. Sometimes being a stay at home parent can feel very isolating, especially when your child is a baby who can’t really talk back to you and have an engaging conversation. Having a place to go where you can talk to other adults, is super helpful. I found an awesome group on Facebook for moms of babies who were born the same month as my daughter and I think its fun and helpful to see there are others going through the same thing as me right now, such as leap 5, and teething.

Ask For Help From Your Partner

We no longer live in the days where moms were expected to do every last thing and dads only went to work. Today more than ever, dads are more involved in parenting, as they should be! I’m blessed to have a great co-parent in my husband. We split up responsibilities as much as we can, and if there is a day that I’m particularly burnt out, I know I can ask for my husband for help and he will be there for me. If this isn’t your situation and you have anyone who can help you, such as a sibling, parent or close friend, don’t be afraid to ask for a hand if you feel like you’re struggling. There is no shame in needing help; being a mom is a very demanding and sometimes very draining job!

Take Care of YOU

Once a week make a point to do something purely for your own self-care. Whether that is taking a long shower or bath after the baby goes to bed, getting a manicure, or treating yourself to a glass of wine or a latte – do it. Raising up children is one of the most important jobs in the world. It is so rewarding, but hard work. As hard as it can be, you have to remember to try not to lose yourself in the process.

What are some of your tips for being a happy SAHM? Leave a comment below!