Stay at Home Successfully

Interact with other adults

Don't isolate yourself. Acknowledge your need for adult companionship and deal with it. Staying in touch with adults, especially other moms, is key to keeping your sanity. Try joining a playgroup, parenting class, church group, and so on to get involved. Invite other moms and their kids over for play dates.

If you're comfortable leaving your kids home with dad or a sitter, try a night out! Dinner with a group from the neighborhood, seeing a movie with a girlfriend, or getting together for cards or game night can be a great way to regain a sense of self and have fun in a role other than mom.

Keep your mind sharp

Don't let your brain turn to mush! Keep up with current affairs, read, do a crossword puzzle once in a while, or try a new hobby. Check your local college or community center for classes that interest you. Being able to have an intelligent conversation with your husband at the end of the day on grown-up points of interest will help with the need for adult exchange and foster your relationship.

Watch the books

Staying on top of the finances is crucial, especially if you're making the adjustment from two incomes to one. Setting a budget and sticking to it may not always be fun or easy, but it's important to avoid the stress of not being able to pay the bills or put money aside for college savings.

Baby your body

Many moms are natural nurturers when it comes to their family's health but neglect to take care of themselves. Remember that care for yourself is just as important! After all, this particular job doesn't offer the sick day option! Keep current with medical and dental appointments. Get involved in a physical activity, whether it's walking the kids in a stroller or going for a bike ride: exercise is proven to benefit us both physically and mentally. Don't forget to pamper yourself on occasion with a hot bath, a fresh haircut, or a cute new outfit. You'll be surprised how a little pampering of mom positively affects the entire family!

Avoid cabin fever

Getting out of the house is important for you and the kids—even they need a change of scenery once in a while. A trip to the museum, aquarium, or park is a fun way to pass the day and make lasting memories with your children. Even an outing to the store or walk around the block can boost your spirits, particularly if you're still in the postpartum phase of motherhood.

Be glad that you're home

Your confidence in your choice to stay home with your children is vital to your sense of happiness and good parenting. Being proud of your choice doesn't mean putting down other mothers who may have different parenting styles, but rather it is knowing you are doing what is right and best for your family.