Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Grow Mama Grow

Home
About
Contact
All Posts
- Islamophobia and The Prophets: What We Can Learn
- Is Islamophobia a Reality at School? How to Talk to Your Kids About It
  - There’s a Used Condom on My Door Handle: Hate Crimes and the Burden of Proof

Home
Muslim
An Ode to the Stay at Home Mom

An Ode to the Stay at Home Mom

Last updated on: January 21, 2013 at 6:00 am by Admin GrowMama

An Ode to the Stay at Home Mom 2013-01-21T06:00:16-04:00 Admin GrowMama

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Many of us chuckled during the blackouts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy when we read the internet meme that read: “Being at home reminds me of how much I miss my crappy job.”

It’s seems to be a toss-up whether being home creates more work or allows the time to catch up with it. What is certain is that being with multiple kids at home full-time is an impressive feat not for the faint of heart. Although some seem to be managing quite well, I suspect that many struggle with home and child management in the same way I did.

After poking around a bit, I’ve compiled a list of easy-to-do ideas for life with kids, that I’ve noted from moms who appear to have things under control.

De-clutter: The less stuff, the better. There are always containers going overseas, a rummage sale at a local school, or a drop box somewhere, to give away your overabundance of toys, clothes, household items. Some mothers go as far as to give away one item for every new one bought. Also, try your hardest not to get stressed over the smallest mess. Your house is a space that is lived in.

Hire help: There is nothing wrong with getting some help cleaning or cooking, if you can afford it. Also, use slow cookers, rice cookers and such appliances more often.

Include your spouse and kids in household chores: There are no excuses for dishes left on the table, laundry or clothes not in their proper place, or toys left on the floor. Have that talk, encourage them to do their part and stay strong! Keep them involved, and don’t clean up after them because it’s faster to do it yourself.

Sleep train early or find a livable sleep solution. Try to do it within the first year of infancy. There is simply no substitute for sleep.

Pay bills online: Or even better, set up automatic bill payments. Do this if this is a reasonable choice for your finances.

Make physical lists: Keep a planner and don’t overbook yourself, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Routines and lists are like gold to a busy mom. Also, if you don’t have time for something or feel stressed, don’t commit until you free up a bit and catch up.

Delegate when possible and learn to say ‘No’: I am pleasantly shocked at what I see some very young children do for themselves, when given the chance. Also, just because a child asks for something, it doesn’t mean you need to do it. I’ve seen many a sweet, accommodating mom go nuts trying to meet her childrens’ whims. Some stay at homes may feel that they can be extra accommodating because they’re at home with the kids, when, in reality, they have no such afforded time.

Focus on your quality of worship and duaa: Whenever I became frazzled, my mother would remind me to take time to pray with patience and peace. Remember to ask for forgiveness for your shortcomings and help with your family management/stress regularly.

Self-care: Whether it’s scheduled pampering that you can look forward to, exercise, or scheduling in some girlfriend time, the mere knowledge that you are taking care of yourself will help. Set up some space (even if it’s your room) away from the craziness, if only for a few minutes each day. Meditate, take a deep breath and be thankful that you’re lucky enough to be a mom and that life is so full for you. As hard as it is for stay at home’s as well as working moms, it’s so much better than the ache of emptiness. Alhamdulillah.

Mona Abdala

Mona is a mom of two young daughters who lives and works in NJ and is passionate about all things expressive. She is a teacher, fine artist and photographer (basemandmona.com). She is also a coffee connoisseur and your can find her café online at roastingpostcafe.com.

Motherhood Reflections

asking for help

developing good habits

tips on staying at home

Previous Post

January 17, 2013

A Clean Page

Next Post

January 24, 2013 Grow Mama Blast from the Past: The Wait

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book and Movie Reviews Community Connecting with Allah Counselor's Corner Environment fatherhood five stars GrowBaba Spotlight GrowMama Picks Growmama Roundup Health Light Fare marriage Motherhood Reflections moving Parenthood Photography Poems Schooling Self-development tragedy Tutorials Uncategorized

Select a Month December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 November 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does the name "Abraham" mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

My joy He laughs God is my judge Father of many