Have you ever wondered what people thought about you being a Stay At Home Mom? I don’t think I have ever had anyone to just flat out ask me, but they have hinted with questions. Are you returning to work soon? Didn’t you get your degree in something? Oh, I know you are glad the girls are school age now?! Have you gotten any of these questions? Annoying right?!
I have been a SAHM for seven years, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Well, a babysitter would be nice, BUT I do enjoy being available to my girls and husband. I love knowing that I am not missing any milestones, and I’m there to nurture them daily. Am I the perfect SAHM? Nope, but I am perfect for my family, so I thought I would give you a glimpse of our day.
My alarm clock is only set if there happens to be a morning appointment. This seldomly happens because we are not morning people. Ask anyone who may know us..WE SLEEP…PERIODT!! The only downside to this so far has been when we vacation we still sleep late, so we end up super tired from having to sacrifice sleep, but I mean…whatever. My girls also sleep late. My oldest will wake around 9:30ish-am, and my youngest about an hour later. Now recently I started praying and asking God to make me more of a morning person so that I can spend more of the evening with my family instead of working, and get more things done prior to my girls starting their day. I am pleased to say that God has answered my prayers. I have started waking up around 8am every morning. My struggle now is getting out of bed, but He ain’t done with me yet. One step at a time.
Once we are up and we sing our “good morning” song and discuss dreams..good and bad, then we make our way downstairs. I always prepare a hot breakfast for us. I guess this comes from spending so much time with my grandparents. They always gave me a nice hot breakfast. So you know I’m from the South, so that means grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and juice. My girls are pancake lovers, so we frequently indulge in pancakes and eggs. I would say that is our normal breakfast. Since I do homeschool both girls full-time, we go over daily learning skills as I am preparing breakfast. We have a song that helps them remember letter sounds. Many are amazed that my 3-year-old has mastered her letter sounds, but it only takes a song they can memorize..easy peasy!
The next step would be getting dressed for the day and we get ready for a day of learning. We do have a couple of virtual classes, but not every day. Homeschooling does not always involve books and pencils, but it is very much based on hands-on experiences. If it is a nice day out, we will head to our community garden to do a little work. I think they find more enjoyment in seeing what insects are buried in the soil, and running around to play. I love giving this freedom. My oldest has actually said to me that she once needed a mental break. And we did just that. A mental day for us consists of laying in bed watching a movie or taking a very long nap. I make sure to tap in with her so that she can express herself to me emotionally. Since COVID has changed our routine with ballet and other social activities, I know she just sometimes hate having to be home all the time. I mean even a kid can get bored with going to the park every day.
Speaking of the park, we do walk to the park pretty often. Thankfully, we live in a community that is surrounded by parks. I allow them to play for at least an hour before we walk back home, the long way to burn even more energy. By this time they are ready for a snack and a little screen time. This gives me a moment to start dinner and check emails and such.
Dinner is often still in the works when my husband arrives home from work. The girls will tell him about their day and ask about his. We have dinner maybe an hour later and then it’s the glorious bedtime routine. Ladies!!! If you do not have a bedtime/nighttime routine in place for your kids…GET ONE!! I have had the same routine for my girls since they were months old, and it WORKS!! So, they have a nice warm bath. I say, “Alexa, play rain sounds”. My husband will read a book or allow the oldest to read one, say prayers…I come in to sing the night time song..and they are out like a light!! One reason why they are ready for rest is that they rarely nap, and I don’t push it. Of course, when they were younger they would nap during the day, but my youngest is almost 4. I think she stopped napping shortly after turning 3, but if she is ready for bed then she will just pass out wherever.
And, that is about it. From there I enjoy a nice glass of wine and a bath or shower…door locked…not interruptions. My husband is not a night owl like me, so sometimes I have to cut my “me time” short so that I can be boo’d up a little..ya know, married life *Shruggs
Now don’t judge me yet, everything is never peaches and cream over here. There are tantrums and heavy discussions about why we can’t have a dog. I have to question them about why have they changed dresses 3 times in one day. I mean, anyone who makes this life seem easy is a liar. We have days that range from amazing to some days that I question my abilities. Like, am I doing the right thing? Am I spending too much time trying to build my brand when my girls need one more hug? I don’t know, but I do trust them to tell me because I give them permission to tell me when I am working too much. Just recently my 3 years old told me it was time to clock out, and I did just that.
So, mom, you are doing an amazing job. Your children will grow up with memories that some will only wish for. Give yourself a pat on the back. Heck, I’m applauding you right now. You are absolutely perfect for your little creations.
“Parenting is saying the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Oddly enough, that is the definition of insanity. Coincidence! I think not!”
-Iliketoquote.com
