Managing Your Household Effectively as a Stay at Home Mom

Being a stay at home mom is definitely not an easy job! One thing that I find extremely helpful as a stay at home mom is to view my stay at home status as a profession. The word profession is defined as a job that has duties and results in a payment or a return of some kind. Technically, if I wasn't at home with our daughter, we would be paying for childcare so, I am being reimbursed in the big picture.  Also, stepping out of my role as a mom and stepping into a role as a teacher helps me stay grounded and focused.

When I view my role as a stay at home mom as a job, I am better able to handle stresses and stay 'professional' (or not react emotionally to stressful situations). I know that the word professional sounds weird but it is really important to not take things personally and stay focused on the responsibilities at hand. As much as I love being able to give my daughter hugs and kisses all the time (and I do!) it's nice to also step away and just do my job!  Next, any CEO of a successful company will tell you that organization is very important. Your home is no different and needs to have systems, goals, and rewards.

Set Measurable Goals

Having goals as a stay at home mom can help you to stay focused and happy.  Every organization needs measurable goals and your job is no different.  Having a schedule that refects your goals is VERRRY important.  This will help you and your children stay focused and allow your children to understand what is coming next. 

Create a support system for yourself.

Having a active support system is SOOOO important and is so often overlooked! In any job setting, people have mentors, supervisors, and coworkers...you should too! Set yourself up with a friend that you respect and admire to talk to often.  Make sure you set up times to talk to them about issues and struggles or just listen as they go through the same things you do. I am really big on scheduling (on the calendar) 'moms night out' or dinners with a friend at LEAST once every 2 weeks...this can really be a sanity saver!

Take a Personal Day

Do you work hard during the day? Do you accomplish most of your goals?  Do you keep a happy healthy home? If yes, then you should have no guilt about taking a day to yourself!  Every job has personal days and you should too!  Make it happen!

Get out of your sweatpants

Every office has a dress code to make people appear and feel professional. There's an old saying that says you should "dress the part" if you want to succeed at something. What if styling your hair, putting on make up, and getting out of your slippers made you feel better about yourself? Maybe it could improve your confidence and your productivity?

Picture yourself as the person you want to become. If being a stay at home mom is something you truly want, take the time to create the role you wish to attain and set yourself up with all the tools you need to make it happen!  You can do it!