Being a stay-at-home mom is not an easy job (that is an understatement by the way), but it sure is rewarding! Below are just 27 of the many reasons I love being a stay-at-home mom.
Quick note- By writing this blog post I’m not trying to personally demean anyone who is not a SAHM. I’m just simply sharing what I love about the profession I’ve chosen.
1- I get to chill with the most important people in my life all day long.
I feel so blessed to be able to hangout with the kids who I love more than anything in the world.
2- I get to be there for all of their ‘firsts’.
The first time my son said, “I luff U” was one of the most memorable moments of my life. His first step was as well. The first time I sneezed and he said, “blesh you” I couldn’t help but grin. I love it when my 10-month-old daughter says, ‘Hi’ or ‘Ma Ma’. There are so many memories and experiences I’ve been there to witness and there will be many, many more. I’m grateful that I get to be there to enjoy, encourage, and remember (or if I’m lucky snap a photo of) all of their precious ‘firsts’.
Including when my son, Denali, climbed into his sister’s jumper and got completely stuck. He still does this all the time and I have to bail him out!
3- I’m there to comfort them when they need it.
For the most part, whenever they slightly hurt themselves, I try to ignore it so they can learn to cope. But when it is something big—a hard bonk on the head, a bad fall, etc. I want nothing more than to hold them in my arms and comfort them. My son recently started to get scared of certain things. When he runs to me or when they cry for me I’m so glad I’m there for them.
4- I get to monitor what and how much my kids watch.
I appreciate T.V. and entertainment (especially educational programs). But I also want my children to spend time learning with their hands, developing motor skills, learning through books and play, etc. This is important for baby and toddler learning. I like to be able to limit their screen time and encourage them to do other things.
5- We have relaxing mornings.
I generally wake up when the kids are ready to get up. I get them dressed, we have a nice breakfast and take our time. There is no rushing to get out of the door. I know this will change when they start going to school, but for the little ones who are growing so quickly, I like to let them sleep as long as their bodies need and to make mornings as easy and relaxing as they can be.
6- I get to read to them.
I love reading to my kids and do so daily. They enjoy it and learn a lot. I adore having both of them sit on my lap as we read together.
7- We play a lot!
My son and I have sword fights or play ‘keep away from the ball’ on our DIY inground trampoline. We play the memory game (with the cards facing up—making matches and learning words). They love to play ‘superman or flying’ (I put my son or my daughter on my calfs and I lift them in the air), we play with toys, and they love to tackle and crawl all over me when I’m on the ground.
8- Discipline is much easier and effective for my kids when I am the one sticking with a system consistently.
We went to Alaska on a cruise this summer and they stayed with grandma. When we came back it was miserable getting Denali back into good behavior. Aurora was a little ‘off’ too. Being consistent in discipline and being around my kids throughout the day helps them act better.
9- I appreciate having more time to do the homemaking.
Laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. is time consuming! Before kids I worked full time and I still didn’t feel like I could get everything done. Now that I am a SAHM, I feel like I’m able to accomplish all of these tasks a little better—even when there is much more work to be done. Don’t get me wrong I’m not perfect (none of us are), but I appreciate the extra time I have to do the homemaking.
10- I am my own boss.
Stay-at-home moms are typically very busy and work a lot. I like ‘beating to my own drum’ and determining the things I do in my home. It’s liberating and refreshing to set my own schedule, clean things the way I deem appropriate, etc. I’m not a control freak, but I like the freedom of not having a boss.
11- I can save more money.
I have more time to coupon, look for discounts, pay bills, make homemade meals, and learn and practice ways to stretch our income. Further, we pay a lower tax bracket (with me not working), and we don’t pay for two commutes, two lunches out, daycare, etc. That said, by cutting out my income I did have to supplement some of the loss by working from home. If you want to become a stay-at-home mom and need to supplement your income to do it, don’t miss this post with 35+ interviews from moms who do different things to help out financially from home.
12- I get to monitor what my kids eat.
I like knowing what and how much they are eating. Mainly because my son gets wild when he has too much sugar. Also, I know that there is a lot of junk, food coloring, and additives in foods these days. In moderation that is okay, but I appreciate being able to monitor that and get them to eat a balanced and healthy diet.
13- I don’t have to dress up each day.
Call me lazy, but there are some days that I like to throw on a T-shirt, put my hair up in a ponytail, and use minimal makeup (see photo below). While most days I do try to be presentable (I actually love makeup and sell my favorite brand Younique when I have time), I like the flexibility that being a SAHM gives me in the ‘getting ready’ department. I also love that I can get ready without rushing. I go over my makeup routine here. Although it is time efficient, I am not racing to get it done and get out of the house like I used to with a 9-5.
14- I don’t worry as much.
I’m not a ‘worry wart’ but it is nice to be able to be with the kids and be mindful of their safety. It is also nice not have to worry about them catching sicknesses from other kids because they are in the home. I know this will also change as they start up school, but it is a perk right now.
15- We can find, alter, and stick to a schedule that works.
If my kids don’t nap enough and at the right times, their schedule or mood gets off balance. It is nice to be able to find what works best for them and then stick with it. It’s also great to be there for signs of excess tiredness, teething, etc. which requires altering the schedule we’ve set.
16- We get to go on day activities with other moms and kids.
We’ve gone on some great day outings. We go to the Aquarium, to parks, the beach, and other day activities that are fun for the kids and me.
17- They get to go to different play or trade dates.
I love setting up play dates or ‘trade dates’ so my son can learn to socialize and start learning how to develop friendships. It is fun for me to get to know the moms in the neighborhood better as well.
18- I don’t have to worry about taking time off of work.
It’s refreshing not have to worry about time off when the kids are sick, need me to attend an event, we go on an outing, or when I need to take them to doctor or dentist appointments.
19- I have more time to do my favorite things.
If I was working full time out of the home with two little ones I know that I wouldn’t be able to: workout as much, craft, make homemade Halloween costumes, blog, pursue hobbies, serve in my church and community, make more time-consuming-yet-delicious-recipes, etc. as much as I am able to now. I appreciate having time to pursue some of my favorite things to do.
20- I can rest when needed.
Although this is a bit of a rarity, if I was up a lot at night with a sick kid or just really exhausted I can lie down, rest, or nap. This is especially helpful when pregnant with another child. Resting is vital while pregnant and was much easier to do when I was a stay-at-home mom vs. working full-time. I know this because when I was while pregnant with my first I worked full time and never could really get the rest I needed.
21- We learn together.
We try to have learning time daily. We use these fun counting bears as a way to learn colors and numbers. We find animals on his world lamp globe, go through flash cards, read, etc. I feel like I teach them in an enthusiastic and dedicated manner because I love them and am determined to help them learn.
22- Being a SAHM has improved my relationship with friends and family.
I am able to hangout with friends and family during the day for playdates, get togethers, birthday parties, lunch dates, etc.
23- I have an easier time making and prioritizing family dinner.
Family dinner is sooo important (reasons why here). Making it a priority in our home helps us with many things including building strong relationships, eating healthy, and spending time together. It is easier to find time to prepare dinner as a stay-at-home mom.
24- I get tons of hugs, cuddles, and kisses all day long each and every day.
I get to give and get hugs when the kids wake up, go down for naps, and even get to rock my baby to sleep. I love kissing my baby’s chubby cheeks and squeezing her ‘bubbly thighs’. And my heart flutters when my son randomly gives me a kiss. It’s the best.
25- We giggle and laugh together.
I love tickling the kids (not too much to be uncomfortable, just enough to make them laugh). We usually giggle at each and with each other at least a few times during the day.
My son also makes his sister laugh. It melts my heart seeing them becoming such great friends, interacting together, and making each other happy.
26- I get to teach them responsibility and work and make sure they get their chores done.
During the day my son puts his dishes in the sink, helps me load and unload laundry, cleans up his messes, and wipes off the table. When he throws the pillows off of the couches, he is required to put them back. I’m trying to be diligent to ensure that he helps and works around the house—and so his self confidence grows as well.
27- I have a strong relationship with my kids.
By spending 10+ waking hours together daily, we know each other really well. I typically know what to do when they are in one of their many moods. I understand what certain looks, body language, etc. mean. They know I’ll be there for them too. I love that when my son doesn’t know where in the house I’m at, he’ll call out, “mom?, mom?” and trusts I’m there and I’ll answer. I love that my daughter crawls towards whatever area of the home I’m in and just wants to be with me. The stability of our relationships, my children’s trust and love, and time we spend together is priceless to me.
And although being a Stay-at-Home mom is often very tough and every day doesn’t always include all of these amazing moments, the rewards and the things I love about it far outweigh the negatives. These 27 reasons plus some more not mentioned are what keeps me dedicated and excited about my stay-at-home mom profession.
Are you a stay-at-home mom? If so, what do you love about it?
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Steph
Thursday 24th of November 2016
This is a lovely post, thank-you for reminding me about all of the reasons why I chose to be a SAHM (who also works from home). I think if you can be at home until they go to school it is so wonderful as they are only babies for the blink of an eye and it's such a magical time :)
Mary
Wednesday 5th of October 2016
I need to say thank you, Anita! I also LOVE being a SAHM. I cherish all of my boy's expressions, and we enjoy our days in many of the same ways you listed. He is such a joy, and we are so fortunate to know that we are able to do this. I need to thank you for reminding me how fortunate I am to be able to do this, and for reminding me what a beautiful calling this is. My husband is in North Dakota for work right now, and though he very rarely has to travel, today was trying. I appreciate you.
Anita Fowler
Wednesday 5th of October 2016
You're welcome! Thanks for the comment it is very meaningful.
Geist
Thursday 21st of July 2016
A couple downsides to being a SAHM is that, until hubby and I got on the same page, I was the bad guy all the time. Primarily due to him working at night.
The other downside is that unless I'm gone for a weekend it's always daddy, daddy, daddy. Our daughter is a daddy's girl through and through, but, it hurts when she wants nothing to do with me. This even happens when hubby isn't home.
Although hubby and I make plans for me to get away once or twice a month on a weekend. Gives me a break from her, gives hubby time with our daughter, and I get lots of love and cuddles when I get home.
suzie 33
Friday 24th of June 2016
Why does society try to make us feel guilty about being a stay at home mom.
It is what I want to do but i feel guilty about it.
Up until the 1970s it is what most women did. I wish I wouldn't be judged.
Why does my life have to be stressed out with no time for my family for society to admire me.
I hate hate hate this world that extreme feminism has produced.
People should be thought to respect both choices.
What if what if what if ??
You can't spend your whole life worrying about what if ? Deal with it when it happens.
My baby is due in October and I can't wait to spend all my time with her.
So what if I dedicate my life to my children and have little life of my own. Maybe that is what i want to do with my life.
We all end up lonely in our old age anyway whether we have a lot of friends and a career or not. That is life.
I admire all you stay at home mom's out there who have people that support your decision.
Hugs and kisses.
Valerie
Wednesday 5th of October 2016
LOVE THIS! So true Suzie! :)
Anita Fowler
Monday 29th of August 2016
Thanks for stopping by.
LZ Cathcart@ The Summery Umbrella
Saturday 26th of September 2015
What an AMAZING and such a true list! Ever since I started my own business and now work at home I thank my lucky stars that I get to also spend it with my little girl. It truly is a blessing :)
Anita Fowler
Friday 23rd of October 2015
I'm so happy for you! Thanks for sharing!!