13 Habits of Highly Effective (and Sane) Stay-at-Home Moms

Flickr user Aikawa Ke
Newsletter Image | POPSUGAR Original Photography / Maria del Rio
Flickr user Aikawa Ke
Newsletter Image | POPSUGAR Original Photography / Maria del Rio

Staying at home with your children can be one of the best gifts you can get, and give, but it's easy to lose sight of how wonderful an experience it can be. Instead of falling into the complaining trap, adopt a few of these habits that highly effective (and sane) stay-at-home moms put into practice every day.

01
They Hydrate

They Hydrate

Stay-at-home moms (all moms really) require good hydration. Start with loads of coffee, sustain with even more water, and close out the day with an adult beverage. Source: Flickr user electrictuesday

02
They Exercise

They Exercise

There is a misconception that stay-at-home moms can exercise whenever they want. Not true, but if you can find a minute to get your heart pumping, do it! It's not only good for your mind and body, but it also connects you with the outside world, and if you're lucky, your gym may even offer free child care. Source: Flickr user Fit Approach

03
They Get Ready For the Day

They Get Ready For the Day

It sounds silly: get ready for the day. If you are a stay-at-home mom, you know all too well that this is simply not as easy for us as it is for the rest of the population. Do yourself a favor, though, and push through it. Go ahead and put on Sesame Street in the morning so you can get yourself ready for the day. You'll simply feel better. Source: Flickr user Kevin Zamani

04
They Get Help

They Get Help

Many a stay-at-home mom feels that because she stays home, she shouldn't enlist the help of others, be them paid or otherwise. Happy at-home moms ignore the guilt and will get help as they see fit. Being able to sneak off to your doctor or a much needed girls' night out does wonders for a mama's soul. Source: Flickr user voyagevixen2

05
They Take Time For Themselves

They Take Time For Themselves

Me, I don't completely enjoy exercise, so I don't count that as my "me" time. By carving out time for yourself, you're forced to put yourself first. And really, you should do this several times throughout the week, even if it's just taking time to read a book for 20 minutes or going to get a pedicure. Source: Flickr user Memphis CVB

06
They Join Groups, Classes, and Things

They Join Groups, Classes, and Things

Be it playgroups, baby classes, or support groups, join in on the extracurricular fun. Any kind of outside group will not only provide your baby with socialization, but it'll also give you a chance to have semiadult conversations with others. Source: Flickr user surlygirl

07
They Ignore the Naysayers

They Ignore the Naysayers

Stay-at-home moms may be criticized more than any other child-rearing person out there. And guess what? Who cares. People who think you sit at home and relax all day long have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, and it's best to just ignore them. Once you start doing that, you'll be a lot better off. Source: Flickr user Natalie Lucier

08
They Don't Negotiate With Nap Time

They Don't Negotiate With Nap Time

Nap time is sacred in a successful stay-at-home mom's world. Kids try to break themselves free of this ritual long before they (or you) are ready, and it's important to be strong in holding on to the nap for as long as you can. It provides a much needed break in the day for everyone — and if your child has aged out of nap time, introduce quiet time. Source: Flickr user Abigail Batchelder

09
They Teach Their Kids Independent Play

They Teach Their Kids Independent Play

Staying at home with your children does not, I repeat, does not mean that you should be their sole means of entertainment. Teach your children the value of independent play. Everyone benefits from a tot being able to play alone for a few minutes — heck, Mama might even be able to check her email. Source: Flickr user Gordon

10
They Embrace the Chaos

They Embrace the Chaos

The thing about it is that at some point (many points really), there will be chaos. And that is OK. You don't need to be the perfect mom, your house does not need to be spotless, and dinner does not need to be on the table when your spouse gets home. If you can swing it, hats off to you, but if not, then better luck next time. Source: Flickr user Marta A Orlowska

11
They Seek Support of Like-Minded Mamas

They Seek Support of Like-Minded Mamas

It's no easy task staying at home all day with the kids, and other women going through the same feelings can be your best medicine. I tend to stalk out other mothers at the playground, but moms' clubs are also a wonderful way to meet and befriend other like-minded mamas. Source: Flickr user Britt-knee

12
They Have Supplies on Hand

They Have Supplies on Hand

Being in a house with a small child (or two) means that anything can happen, and you'll keep your sanity if you expect the unexpected. That means having ample cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and crafting supplies, as well as food and provisions. Photo: Denise Stirk

13
They Don't Take Themselves Too Seriously

They Don't Take Themselves Too Seriously

As I wrote this post, my son proudly colored all over the playroom (see No. 12) and flushed his underwear down the toilet. I'm not kidding. At this point, all I can do is laugh at my life, which, by the way, I wouldn't change for a thing. Source: Flickr user Rain0975