My Stay-At-Home Mom Commandments

It’s been six months since I worked outside the home.  In many ways, it feels like just yesterday that I was pulling into work.  In other ways, it feels as though I haven’t worked for years.  I am, by no means, an expert at being a stay-at-home mom.  But, the following are some commandments that I am vowing to keep to make myself feel fulfilled and to make this the best experience for my girls.  

I will not let myself go

I can see how easy it would be to let myself go — and I don’t just mean physically.  I’ll admit it… There have been weeks when I have not plucked my eyebrows and have worn leggings every day.  But wow, does it feel good to straighten my hair, read a book, or get in a yoga session.  I will schedule in me-time so that I can continue to feel like a real person — physically, emotionally, and socially.

I will keep a schedule

It is important for my own sanity that I keep a schedule.  My schedule is not perfectly laid out as it was when I worked.  But I loosely have a daily plan of how the day will go.  Does it always go to schedule? Heck no.

I will let go of guilt 

When I first became a stay-at-home mom, I had a lot of guilt.  The guilt that I abandoned my place of work, coworkers, and patients.  The guilt that I have five years of college under my belt, a Master’s degree, and a certification that are no longer being used for their purpose.  And then there is the guilt that I have guilt — I am blessed to have this opportunity to spend time with my girls, and I am moping over my former career!  So, what has helped me get over the guilt?  There is one resonating comment I get from other, more experienced moms, and that is “You will not regret your decision to stay home.”  I know that I can always return to the working world, which brings me to the next commandment…

I will return to work 

I don’t know when, and I don’t know how, but someday I anticipate that I will re-enter the working world.  I’m sure an opportunity will arise that will fit into my family life.  Until then, I will not force work.  After all, I only have 18 years before my little birds fly away.  I will, however, be ready to go back to work… I’ll keep my certification and keep up with the current news in my profession.

I will proudly state that I am a stay-at-home mom.

I used to love telling people what I did for a living.  There was just something so impressive about saying, “I am a clinical exercise physiologist.”  I am still proud of what I do, but I will occasionally find myself trying to spiff up the phrase “stay-at-home mom.”  WHY? There is nothing wrong with staying home with my kids.  After all, I am trying to shape little humans into kind, smart, and giving people.  What’s more important than that?

Original post by Nicki on 11/15/16