5 Ways to Navigate Being a New SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) Without Going Crazy.

This blog is devoted to mothers who have suddenly found themselves to be in a position to be a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) and are not sure how to navigate it. You see, when my husband and I made the move for me to stay at home, finding a new SAHM rhythm became something really difficult for me. I knew that the change wasn’t going to be easy on me because I have held a full time job for the last decade of my life. Even prior to that, I devoted not only my time to part time work but also to full time studies.

I was very honest with the ministry leaders and my boss in the beginning that it was going to be a challenge for me to navigate this new season in my life, but that work would still come easy for me. That still stands to be true. Work gives me a little bit of something to look forward to. However, I want to share with you my experiences of navigating being a SAHM and what that rhythm looked like for me.

My secret to this new SAHM rhythm is what worked for me and these things should only encourage you in your journey for what might work for you! Remember, everyone has a different journey and finds their own rhythm. So, without further ado, here are 5 things that helped me find the right rhythm navigating this transitional season.

1. Give Yourself Grace

First of all, you must give yourself grace during this new season just like any other season. You’re going to mess up. You’re learning something new and no one is there to train you except you. View this as an opportunity to figure out what YOU like. You don’t have anyone else telling you what to do or how to be during this time. You get to navigate this how you like to, and then change it if it’s not working for you.

2. Wait 6 Months

We often wonder if we will ever “get it right”. Truth be told, we never do. But we can find what works for us and most of the time, it doesn’t happen as quickly as we would like it to. I found that for me personally, it takes about 6 months to get adjusted to a new routine as life changes. Take this as a rule of thumb when something life-changing is happening to you too. Just wait 6 months and see how it’s going for you.

3. Take in ALL the Moments

I am a perfectionist at heart and therefore struggle with allowing things to just “be”. I always think how I can be better or make it better. This mentality usually burns me out in the long run. With me staying at home more, it wasn’t just about me navigating this, it was also about my daughter navigating it to. So, instead of stewing on frustrating moments of “not getting it right” I learned to relish in those moments and tell myself, “It will get better. You are still learning, and that’s okay.” I can only encourage you to do the same thing! Take in all the precious moments that life is offering you in this time, take pictures, videos and journal the memories. Most importantly, have a great time!

4. Read Your Word

In the first several months, my mind & body struggled with a want or desire to do anything. I wondered if that was ever going to change. And it did, when I spent time in my Word. There was a day that I spent the whole day cleaning my whole entire house. I literally worked in my house from sun up until sun down that day. My mom questioned my energy levels and I told her that honestly, I owed it all to God. I don’t think I would have done it had I not been in my Word consistently that week. This goes back to the Scripture, “Seek first the kingdom and all these things will follow…” – I’ve personally witnessed this Scripture in several seasons of my life bring much fruit when I am following this instruction.

5. Find Something You Like To Do

Working with my hands brings me a lot of satisfaction. I realized that because I was a SAHM now that I could actually begin to pursue some hobbies I craved for deeply. Prior to giving birth to my daughter, a lady at the church I work for invited me over to make myself a journal. She taught me a lot of tricks of the trade. It’s called a Junk Journal and I fell in love with the vintage proponents of this kind of journal. I have since began dabbling in it and have done more with it since I have become a SAHM.

Another hobby I wanted to teach myself was learning how to sew clothes. Many sewists don’t actually start with this kind of sewing, but I’ve always wanted to learn. It has been such an exciting journey for me! At first, I wanted to sell some items but as life has continued, I realized that I just really want to sew for myself and no one else. At least for now. It is a craft that I truly enjoy doing.

Being a SAHM has been nothing short of wonderful. Everyday, I don’t have to second guess it; I know for the first time in a long time that I’m walking in my calling by choosing to be at home with my daughter most of the time. I know this is not for everyone, and that is okay. I hope this encouraged you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions that might could help you on your journey! I’d love to help in the best way I can!