How to Find More Time for Yourself as a Stay at Home Mom

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By Lynn W
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Staying at home with your children is very rewarding and worthwhile, but it can also get stressful, especially if you do not find time for yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

If your children still nap, take advantage of it. Many moms have the habit of trying to get work done while the children are napping, but you should use at least part of naptime to take care of yourself. This would be a good time to rest, read a book or engage in a hobby.
Step 2

Have everyone take rest time in their room. Allow older children to read a book or do a quiet activity. Let younger children (not babies) play quietly or look at books. Just make it a rule that no one bugs you (unless it’s an emergency) until the timer goes off. Start with 15- 20 minutes and work up to an hour.
Step 3

Talk to you husband (if your not married, ask a relative if they can help you out) and let him know you really need time away from the kids. Assure him that you love being with the children, but everyone needs a break every now and then. Ask if he can take care of the kids once a week so you can go out and have some time to yourself. Maybe now and then he can also keep the children occupied while you take a nice, long, hot bath.
Step 4

Fully use the time after your children go to sleep (or wakeup) to spend a little time to yourself. After my children go to bed, I watch television with my husband. This is a real relaxing time and I really look forward to it.
Step 5

Take time to read a little during the day. This is good for the children to see that even though you are an adult, that books are very important. This will also give you a few moments to yourself.
Step 6

Look in the resources, I have included a website that has a free booklet for more ideas on how to make time for yourself. Also look around the sides of this article for more articles like this one.

Comments

BellaCasa said

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on 2/22/2009 These are really good tips and reminders to all of us moms. You are right about naptime, too. If I used that time for housecleaning, I would never feel as refreshed as when I used it for some 'me' time. 5*

Diligent77 said

on 2/8/2009 Such a great article. Oprah once said that being a stay at home mom was the hardest job in the world. At the time (with only 1 kid) I didn't think so. Now though, with two kids, this article rings so true!!!!!

hlruther said

on 2/6/2009 Great tips! I wish I was better about following them though. I really like the idea that you should read though. Modeling is obviously important.