If you are reading this post you are probably a stay-at-home mom or about to be one. Maybe you are currently working an office job and considering giving it up to be home with the kids. Or perhaps you are a stay-at-home mom who also works from home (and may God bless your soul).
Either way, you are here because you relate to the title or want to learn more about the struggles of being a stay-at-home mom- things that may be considered taboo to talk about.
Welcome! You are in the right place and in good company.
![young working mother cuddling baby and using laptop as a stay at home mom](https://beauty-and-the-babes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-7282818.jpeg)
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Being a Stay-at-home-Mom
Becoming a stay-at-home mom is a choice many families must make for various reasons – to raise their children, maintain the household, or even because it aligns with their personal values.
For my family, we decided before our first child came that I would stay home to raise her for the first year, and then I would go back to work. Well, now we are almost 3 years down the road and I can’t imagine having to leave my kids while I worked. I am so blessed to be able to stay home with my kids, but it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, by far.
While becoming a stay-at-home parent is deeply rewarding, it also comes with a multitude of unspoken struggles that deserve acknowledgment. I know that there is no “roadmap” to parenthood, but I wish I could have been better prepared for becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent.
As you know, I am passionate about keeping it real with my readers. It’s essential to shed light on the challenges of being a SAHM, to create a supportive community as well as the reminder that YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS! Which is the perfect transition to our first SAHM struggle…
The Loneliness
One of the most challenging unspoken struggles of being a stay-at-home mom is the feeling of loneliness. The isolation can become stifling when you spend your days with little or no adult interaction. Playdates and mom groups help, but they often don’t fill the void of daily adult interaction that a typical workplace can offer.
I swear sometimes I even forget how to talk to grown-ups. There are even times I catch myself doing baby voice with my friends, which is so embarrassing. Especially when you have kids who aren’t talking yet, the loneliness can be a daily struggle of being a stay-at-home mom.
Who Am I?
Many stay-at-home moms grapple with an identity crisis. They may have given up successful careers or put their ambitions on hold to be with their child/ren full-time. This transition can lead to a loss of self-identity, which is often unspoken and underestimated. It’s challenging to balance being a mother and maintaining a sense of self.
For a long while, my answer to “Who am I”? was “I am a Mom.” Yes, that is a significant part of who you are, but remember, it is not everything you are.
Finances
Choosing to stay at home can often put a family’s finances under strain. The unspoken stress of living on a single income can be overwhelming, not to mention the added expenses of raising children. With constant budgeting and penny-pinching on the mind, there are often feelings of guilt and resentment from one or both partners.
There are ways to make money as a stay-at-home mom that don’t take much time and effort, but make sure that whatever you add to your plate does not make it overflow.
Lack of Appreciation
Stay-at-home moms often feel overwhelmed and undervalued. Society often overlooks the incredible dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that goes into raising children and running a household. It’s easy for others to take a stay-at-home mom’s role for granted, which can be a heavy emotional (and even physical) burden.
Mental Health Struggles
The unspoken mental health challenges of stay-at-home moms are very real. The constant demands of parenting and household responsibilities can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. It’s crucial to address these challenges openly and seek support when needed.
![stay-at-home mom struggling](https://beauty-and-the-babes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-photo-6624322.jpeg)
Tips to Overcoming the Unspoken Struggles of Being a Stay-at-home Mom
Acknowledging and addressing the unspoken struggles of being a stay-at-home mom is the first step towards creating a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling experience. Here are some ways to cope with these challenges:
- Find a Support System: Connect with other stay-at-home moms who can relate to your experiences. Join local or online mom groups to share your feelings and receive support. Facebook groups are a great place to start!
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Even small acts of self-care, like taking a relaxing shower or reading a book, can make a significant difference in your well-being.
- Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that you can’t do it all. Setting realistic expectations for yourself and your daily tasks will help reduce stress and anxiety. Make lists of things that you want to accomplish and cross them off. If you can’t get everything done (and you won’t), move them to the next day, and the next until you can get to it.
- Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable guidance and support. There is no shame in reaching out and you are not alone in your thoughts and feelings.
- Communicate Openly: Talk to your partner and loved ones about your feelings and struggles. Open communication can help them understand your needs better and offer assistance. Don’t expect others (especially your partner) to be able to read your mind. Ask for what you need, your loved ones want to help!
Final Thoughts on SAHM Struggles
Being a stay-at-home mom is a challenging and rewarding journey. By addressing these unspoken struggles and building a supportive community, we can create an environment where every mom feels appreciated, valued, and empowered in her role.
Remember, you are not alone, and your work as a stay-at-home mom is both vital and commendable. And if being a stay-at-home mom is not for you, that’s ok too! As mothers of all kinds, let’s lift each other and give each other grace based on the fact that motherhood is HARD, and we continue to show up every day for ourselves and our babies.
![struggles of stay at home moms](https://beauty-and-the-babes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/signature.png)
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