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Stay at Home Moms
Stacyc625
member
What is your best advice to give to a SAHM hopeful?
Stacyc625
member
What is the best advice you could share with women who are hoping/wishing to be a SAHM? Could be about anything: money, activities, scheduling, etc
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Re: What is your best advice to give to a SAHM hopeful?
Well, my advice is to not let anyone ever make you feel like being a SAHM isn't valuable, or makes you ignorant or less of a person. You may or may not encounter people like this. I know I have, and it's unfortunate that women still haven't learned to simply be respectful of one another and our individual choices.
Another tip is to not underestimate the importance of leaving your house. I notice I get overwhelmed by my DD very easily if the two of us have been cooped up here for a few days. Get out, even if it's just to walk around the store or go for a walk. If you are the type of person who likes to share time with other moms, there are lots of groups on meetup.com.
make sure to have a discussion about finances and expectations of your new role with your husband before--like way in advance and also numerous times throughout the first few months--just make sure you are doing what you both thought you would be doing as a stay at home momma.
best advice i got from friends when i was going to start staying home "treat it like any other job" ie get up, get ready, create your own "schedule" "to do list" for the day
find other moms near you who stay at home to share ideas with, hang out with, call on for assistance etc. always nice to know that there are others in your neighborhood/town who are feeling/doing what you are.
enjoy every minute you can!!! make memories. enjoy the freedom to take a road trip to see other long distant friends, grandma etc. enjoy shopping on days when crowds are low, enjoy having rest time every day-when it lasts, enjoy the sport of finding a deal.
My best advice would be to have no expectations of what it will be like to stay home, the experience is different for everyone and for sure not what you expect it to be!
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1. Have a thorough discussion of finances before-hand. Then periodically revisit all things financial.
2. Try to get out & about. Look into programs at your local libraries, zoos, museums, etc. It has helped me & Ds1 to see & play with others.
3. Start each week with a plan/schedule/routine. I love crossing things off my list.
Ditto everyone's advice in the previous posts!!!
Also, to expect an adjustment period and a change in yourself, your marriage, and your friendships! Baby really does change EVERYTHING!! The sooner you accept it and move forward with the changes, the better life will be!
Expect to miss life before baby, whatever that means to you. It's normal! And find a Mom's Group, or at least one other new mom to commiserate with, laugh with, to feel validated with, and to grow & learn with. It will change your life!
eclaire 9.10.06 diggy 6.2.11
This. I'd also add that make the effort to keep your friends before you had children, before you left work, before everything changed. They will be invaluable to your sanity. Take the time to take care of yourself. Don't be too attached to baby, it's ok to hand baby off to DH or other trusted people for care, and go out, enjoy yourself, go to happy hour with friends. Everyone needs a break. Make that effort to take that break.