How to Be a Stay at Home Mom with Little Stress

Many parents find that working outside the house is less stressful than staying home with a preschooler all day. I know many stay-at-home moms that would rather work because they say it's very stressful and tiring being home all day with their preschooler. Being a stay at home mom doesn't have to be stressful. I will give you some practical, easy tips to make your life at home be much more enjoyable.

Routine, Routine, Routine!!

One of the best ways to avoid some small discipline problems with your child is by creating a routine for the everyday activities. Try your best to make a schedule and stick to the same schedule everyday.

Wake up with your child at the same time each day. Make a healthy breakfast and eat with your child. During breakfast is a good time to discuss with your child what is going to happen today. Do you need to go to the post office later? Is someone coming over for lunch? These might seem like little events, but for a child this advance notice is very important. Children like when things run smoothly and they know what to expect. When things go out of the norm, this is when you may notice small discipline problems.

Sample Daily Schedule

8:00 Wake up and make your bed

8:30 Breakfast and daily plan

9:00 TV time

9:30 Reading time

10:00 Writing time

10:30 Errands or free time

12:00 Lunch

12:30 Rest and watch TV or listen to music

1:30 Math

2:00 Outside play

3:00 Computers

3:30 Free play

4:00 Clean up and draw or quiet activity

5:00 TV time

5:30 Dinner

6:00 Bath time

6:30 Free play until bed time

School-like environment at home

Even if your child doesn't go to school you can create a school-like environment at home. Make a schedule. During the day make reading, writing, math and play should be a part of everyday. You don't have to teach your child to read and write everyday, but model good behavior.

Explain the importance of reading. Some days reading time might be a story read to your child. Other days it might just be a time when you can read your novel and your child can "read" his/her books. Set the timer, say "it's reading time" and pick a reading activity for the day.

Writing time might be as simple as having your child watch you write the grocery list or email your friend an email.

Math time might be as simple as counting how many stuffed animal your child has.

Make house rules

In school the teacher makes and posts class rules the first day of school. This should also be done in the house. Your child should be aware of your expectations in the house. Display a set of rules for your child to see. You should only have 3-4 rules or it will be too overwhelming for your little one to remember.

Along with the rules come up with some rewards. If your child follows all the rules for one week, he/she can pick an activity to do over the weekend. Or he/she can rent a movie for the whole family to sit down and watch together. The rewards can be simple, but your child will work hard knowing they will get rewarded for their hard work.

Don't forget the consequences. When your child breaks the rules, there should be consequences in place. Keep these simple as well because your child will not respond well to yelling and punishment. If your child doesn't follow the rule they can make a sorry card after a short time out. Maybe take away some free time if your child doesn't follow the rules.

Don't overwhelm your child

Some parents try to keep their child busy by signing up for many outside activities, such as ballet, art, drawing, etc. Sometimes too much can overtire your child and create discipline problems. Find your child's interest and try to only sign up for one outside activity outside the house.

Being able to stay home with your child can be a very rewarding experience. Your child will thank you some day and remember all the good times. Don't spend those good times yelling and getting frustrating with your child.