Not everyone can afford to be a stay at home mum. Yet, for some it is the most cost effective option.
Being a stay at home mum can come with it’s own challenges. You feel you are letting go of fully being in control in life. Giving up your career can feel daunting, it can make you feel like you have lost your sense of identity. It is also common to feel isolated, lonely and depressed.
I find being a stay at home mum, the most fulfilling job I have ever had. I love making the most of the time I have as a SAHM, knowing it won’t last forever. Reflecting on the benefits help us SAHM’S to get through the challenges that come with it. I love remembering the benefits to my daughter and I, it makes me feel proud and lucky to be a SAHM.
These are my favourite benefits of being a stay at home mum.
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Benefits for Kids
Less stressed kids
There are some studies that have found kids in child care to be linked with behavioural problems. Studies show that it is more beneficial for kids to have a parent at home with them when they go through their tantrum stages, as opposed to them being in childcare. Previous and follow up studies from The Institute Of Child Development Of The University Of Minnesota, The National Institute of Child Health and Human development, found children who spend a large amount of time in daycare can experience higher stress and aggression levels compared to those who stay at home.
As someone who has worked as a nursery assistant, I know there is no right or wrong way. Every parent decides what is best for them and their child. Daycare also comes with it’s advantages for kids. Overall, it is fulfilling knowing, I am an integral part of my daughters emotional development.
Kids Thrive At School
A 2014 study highlighted how children with a stay at home parent can be more successful at school. Having a stay at home parent is beneficial beyond the early years of a child’s life. I like that studies by the National Home Education Research Institute, prove the advantages of having a stay at home parent for educational purposes. By being an at home parent your helping your child to potentially score higher than peers, without a parent at home. This is for kids who are home schooled, or have a parent who stays at home, for when they return from school.
Positive impact on your child’s brain
The loving care of a parent cannot be mimicked by a caregiver. The love a parent has for her child, contributes to a child’s confidence in their social structure. Research has recognised this healthy development in both babies and kids.
The early security and love for a child by a stay at home parent, has a long term cognitive impact, helping kids prepare for dynamic social interactions in the future. Many health experts agree that a mother being present in the first three years, is crucial for a child’s development.
Benefits for stay at home parents
Time to realise what makes you happy
It is wonderful to feel that I am getting more out of life now, although I don’t have the money I once did. As a result time is well spent and I have more determination than ever. I realise that money can’t buy happiness. An advantage of having plenty of time, can help you to find and make the most of what makes you happy.
Productive
I used to be the most laid back person ever. I thought I had all of the time in the world, which I did compared to now. I have learnt to multitask and to do a lot with my time compared to before. I feel more productive than ever. The time I have now sparks productivity. There is time to plan ahead, make lists and to prioritise what is most important.
Value Energy
I know how important it is to make the most of every day with your child. Especially, as not everyone is fortunate enough to have much time with loved ones. As a result I am selective of who I spend time with, time goes by so quickly and is so valuable. Time spent with family is so precious. Its energy well spent. It is perfect having quality time to spend with my daughter daily, which involves actually having time for fun.
Seeing all your little kids firsts
It is so rewarding to be home and to witness the precious milestones. I have seen my daughter do everything from saying her first word, to crawling and standing all balanced.
The next milestone for Birdie will be walking. As a first time Mum, it’s hard to imagine how amazing seeing your child walk for the first time will be.
Time to plan and cook nourishing meals
When I worked before becoming a Mum, I wouldn’t have the time to eat healthily. I suppose I used to commute for up to a total of 3 hours a day. I was exhausted and couldn’t get enough chocolate bars and coffee for that short lived boost! I can’t imagine how hard it would be to make healthy meals, around working now that I’m a Mum. It’s great that people manage it.
I just noticed a lot of the time Mums are expected to work as if they don’t have kids. If they work full-time they are too exhausted to have a real balance in life. Then if they work part time, the work load is often that of a full timer, so it cannot feel too different either way.
It is lovely to have time to put into planning, preparing and then enjoying nourishing meals as a family.
As a SAHM I need ways to relax and to have my own outlet, so I can keep myself busy. These Item’s help me to relax and thrive as a stay at home:
Mummy Pregnancy and Birth Journal
I adore this journal. During my pregnancy and since the birth of my daughter, I like to write memorable moments in this journal. It’s the perfect place to write your special moments before and after birth. I am sure it will be wonderful for Birdie to read in the future.
Happy Vibes Pulse Point Oil
The essential oil blend is so relaxing. It is a quick way to have a burst of YOU time. Take a few deep breaths and focus on the scent, to get a relaxing moment.
The scent gives me the recharge I need, when I don’t have the time to do yoga or meditation. Which I hardly ever get a chance to do.
Diffuser
Well what can I say. This diffuser is so therapeutic. It lights up and looks so pretty at night. It’s super peaceful to have in a dim room, it’s like feeling you are enjoying a spa in your own home. It’s also great for when my baby is all congested. If essential oils are added then WOW, the home feels transformed!
Kindle
A kindle is so handy as a stay at home mum. You can’t beat being able to read anything you fancy, at a flick of a button. I enjoy watching whatever I want, when I get a chance on apps like Netflix. It is especially handy while my baby is needing me near, at her bedtime of 8pm. I just need to plug in my earphones, to enjoy whatever I decide on.
Huawei watch
The Huawei watch has become an extension of me, as well as my phone of course! It is such a buzz to see how many steps I have taken, then how much sleep I actually get. Plus so handy for it to buzz when I am getting calls on my Huawei phone. It even alerts me when I have been sat down for too long. Overall, this is such a great motivator and tracker.
Chuwi Herobook. Pro Laptop
This Herobook is my Hero for sure. I feel so grateful to have found a Herobook Laptop with enough storage, while being cost effective. It allows me to work from home. It is ideal with it’s fast speed, two USB ports and easy to carry with it being so light weight. I am one HAPPY Momma!
| CHUWI HeroBook pro Ultrabook | ||||
| Product Dimensions | Standing screen display size | Resolution | Processor Speed | RAM Size |
| 33.2 x 21.4 x 2.13 cm; 1.39 Kg | 14.1 inches | 1080p Full HD Pixels | 2.8 HGz | 8 GB |
| 1920 x 1080 | ||||
| Wireless Type | Avg Battery Life | Operating System | Hard Drive | Processor count |
| Bluetooth | 9 Hours | Windows 10 Home | ssd | 2 |
Blogging planner
Blogging is something I do for me as a stay at mum. This planner is the perfect buy. It has space to write down and map out your weekly content across all of your social media platforms. My blog has taken off, since I have bought this little gem. I can’t recommend it enough!
ADORIC Leak proof Water Bottle with filter
I always need a water bottle by my side, as a reminder that I must keep hydrated. This bottle is easy to clean and I love the eye catching colour. It is also available in various colours.
Bamboo Lavender Travel Mug
Why drink hot drinks cold, when you can save them in a lovely mug until you have time to enjoy it. I love using my travel mug around the house and while out and about.
Thanks for reading. I hope the stay at home benefits are a great reminder of why being a SAHM is worthwhile. It is great knowing that we do the BEST job ever! It would be interesting to know what your favorite benefits are, in the comments.
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