Some may think that stay-at-home moms have it easy. What do we have to do all day?! Well, let me tell you, by 5 p.m. I’m wondering where in the world the whole day went, why dinner isn’t done, and when I’m going to get a minute alone. When you become a stay-at-home mom, your worries go from work deadlines and running late to nap time troubles and runny noses. They may seem insignificant to some, but here are the things I stress about every day
1. Poop
Yup, I said it. Ever since my son was born 18 months ago, poop has been on the top of my list. Is he constipated? Is it too runny? Is he uncomfortable? Does he have reflux? Tummy troubles are a new mom’s greatest enemy, in my opinion. I was so upset that poop was occupying so much of our time once that I actually screamed out, “WHY DON’T MY CHILDREN EVER POOP?!” I’ve often felt like I’m the only mom in the world who is patiently awaiting that lovely stinky diaper each day and stressing when it doesn’t happen. I’ve come to realize that I’m not alone in the poop waiting game, and everyone goes through it at some point. I’m just dreading the day I have to potty train2. Naptime
I’m pretty sure we’ve all worried about our children’s sleep at one point, but stay-at-home moms have it the worst. My day literally revolves around my children’s naps, and when they have an off day, all HELL breaks loose! Seriously, naptime affects every aspect of our life! I know it may not seem like a big deal to some, but this 1-2 hour stretch is the only time I have to myself! It’s usually when I cram in everything I need to do that day – workout, shower, eat, pay bills, clean, I could go on and on! To find out how I manage to get a workout in, click here! It’s hard enough with two kids to synchronize naps and when I get a good naptime, I celebrate.
3. What My Kids Eat
If you’re a mom, you know that kids go through various stages when it comes to food. From an eager baby, just learning to sit up and eat homemade veggie purees to an excited one year old who loves to try new things, to the dreaded toddler who has discovered that throwing food is more exciting than eating it and will only eat two food groups. I’ve stressed, cooked, called the doctor, complained to my husband and friends, and worried endlessly when it comes to my son’s eating habits, but at the end of the day, I’ve realized that I can’t make him eat. I know he gets what he needs and is a happy and growing toddler. It doesn’t make me worry any less though! Not to mention, what he eats directly affects his poop! See? It all leads to poop.
4. The Kitchen Countertop
Ok, all moms might not feel me on this one, but I’m going to include it anyway. My husband always makes fun of the way I obsess over a clean and shiny countertop. I can’t help it; the kitchen is where I have control. I have given up control of my living room – it is literally chuck full of toys. You can usually find clean laundry stacked on all of the flat surfaces of my bedroom, my car is filled with baby gear, and in my bathroom you will find bath toys, tubs, and towels. I don’t mind everything baby, but I enjoy the fact that my kitchen is usually neat and orderly. I make sure to empty and load the dishwasher in the morning, and I always make sure my countertop is clean. What can I say? The kitchen is where I find my Zen.
5. My Children's Development
Every mom worries about her children. It comes with the territory. As a stay-at-home mom I literally stare at my children all day, which is wonderful, but it leads me to stress a lot over the little things. I’ve asked myself, is it developmentally appropriate that my son just threw that toy? Should he be pronouncing the word “star” more clearly? Does he get enough playtime with other kids? Does the baby get enough tummy time? Does the back of her head look a bit flat? I could go on and on. It doesn’t help that I was an elementary teacher prior to being a mom, and constantly worried about my students’ development as well. I thoroughly enjoy watching my children go through the various phases of their development, and I know that I overreact at times, but it’s just who I am.
I’m not perfect; no mom is. All I can do is create a safe and nurturing environment for my kids to grow up in. I can’t help that I stress; my brain knows nothing but babies right now! The most important thing is that my kids don’t see me worry or stress, and that I find time for myself once and a while too. Being a mom is the hardest but most fulfilling job I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
To find more words of wisdom from this stay-at-home mom to two babies, visit www.betterwithbabies.com or visit Facebook.com/betterwithbabies.
