I am pretty sure you all know by now but if not I am a mom of two amazing little girls, Tatum (4) & Blythe (2), and I am a happy wife of 7 years. I want to start off by saying this isn't a post to moan about how misunderstood we stay at home moms are or a post that makes any comment on the choice to stay home or to go work. This post is all about how to be the best mom you can be and how you can be a happy, healthy, and productive mom, whither you are a stay at home mom or if you are a working mom.
I will say being at home with my girls is a non-stop day, I feel like I barely have a chance to sit down. I am always putting toys away and sweeping floors that will instantly be dirty again. Yes I won't lie we may get to take the occasional power nap in the middle of the day, which is amazing! But overall we are always on the go. I love a good to-do list that can keep me on track for the day.
For me being able to stay at home with Tatum & Blythe is such a blessing and is the most rewarding thing ever! It is also one of the hardest jobs I have taken on. Sometimes you find yourself stressed, exhausted and unorganized. Because of this I have to have a panner and an on going to-do list to keep me on track, here are a few tips to help you be the happy, healthy, and productive mom you deserve.
1. Get on a schedule and routine.
Scheduling your day to day routine can make for a more organized home. You might look to schedule wake up time, nap time, bath time, lunch time, etc. and make them a routine daily. This will make for easy planning and you are able to plan other activities, chores, meals and arranges that need to be done each day of the week.
2. Get clean and dressed.
I know, I know this sounds so basic. But I struggle to take care of me. I have a short amount of time to get everything done in the morning before the girls walk up. So for me during that short time frame I like to fresh up and get dressed. Even if that just means splashing my face with water and cleaning my face before I start the day. There are also days I just want to wear my Pajamas all day. But I have started getting in the habit of putting on real clothes, or least one real piece of clothing a day. That might be a nice shirt, maybe some jeans that make me feel good, maybe even a dress. Doing these simple things get me going for the day and also make me feel good.
3. Find some alone time.
Like I said I like to freshen up and get dressed everyday, but with that you need to find some alone time in each day, I find the best time to do this is in the morning or at night when the girls are sleeping. During this time I might watch TV, work on my etsy shop, get ready, or just drink some coffee. I love spending each day with the girls but I will say I love my quiet time. Having this relaxing time to get prepared for the day or unwind from the day I had.
4. Connect and communicate with your spouse.
Let your spouse know when you are overwhelmed, need help, or just need an adult conversation. My husband is always reminding me that we are a team and that we are in this together. Also, set aside time when the kids are asleep to just handout with your husband.
5. Have your own hobby.
Schedule time for yourself and do what you love. Go for a walk, do a craft, or blog. Your job is to take care of your family but you need to make sure you still do things for yourself.
6. Clean a little each day.
The worst thing ever is walking down the stairs to a messy house. Make it apart of your routine to clean a little each day. Make a schedule at the beginning of the week of the cleaning that needs to be done each day.
Sometimes, when the girls finally falls asleep at night and the house is still not in order, I look around and wonder what in the world I got done that day. But them I remember the most important think I am raising happy, healthy children! What is more productive than that.
XoXo | Nicole
