Self Esteem Boosters for Stay-at-Home Moms

I have been a mom for eight years but have been a full-time, stay-at-home mom for almost three years. I can honestly say that I thought I would absolutely love everything about staying home full time, but I don't. Of course, I love the fact that I am home with my kids every day and can focus on my family's needs more than I could when I worked outside my home. But I miss adult conversation, and most of all, I'm disappointed in how I let myself go!

Go where, you ask? Nowhere! I didn't go anywhere, do anything, and most of all, I forgot I was more than a Mom. I gained weight, stopped putting makeup on, and would wear the same sweats and jeans every week. What a sight I must have been to my husband - poor guy! He never once said anything to me, but I must admit that I hardly ever heard him say, "You look nice today" or "You look pretty." The only day I heard that was on Sunday when I got "dressed up" for church or when we went out. I finally got sick of what I saw in the mirror and decided to make some simple changes. Oh, I still wear my sweats sometimes, but I see myself differently now and hopefully my husband does too! I'm a work in progress, but going in the right direction.

Stay-at-Home Mom Tip #1: Get Dressed

This may seem like a simple thing to do, but until you get into a rut and stay in your PJs all day, you won't understand. Some days I would look at the clock and realize that I better throw some clothes on before my husband got home. Why get dressed if you aren't going anywhere? I'll tell you why - you will feel so much better about yourself! I am more productive when I'm out of my robe and into clothes. I don't have the lazy mentality anymore and actually get things done!

Stay-at-Home Mom Tip #2: Put on a Little Makeup

You don't have to look like you're headed to a party, but just a few simple touches will boost your positive outlook on the day. Some days I just put on eyeliner and mascara because these are the two makeup items that are a necessity for me. What do you never leave the house without? If it is lipstick then put on lipstick and when you look in the mirror you will smile instead of frown.

Stay-at-Home Mom Tip #3: Set Aside Me-Time

This is crucial to keeping your sanity as a stay-at-home mom. You have to spend time doing something for yourself each day. Some days it seems like I only get 15 minutes, but other days I manage to get a few hours. You can paint your nails, search the web, write (which is what I love to do), read, watch a TV show, or anything else you enjoy. Just remind yourself that this is important and when you begin to feel guilty, remember that you will be a better mom after you've had a break.

Stay-at-Home Mom Tip #4: Keep Contact with Friends

You may not have much time to get together with friends, but email and phone conversations are a nice way to keep in touch. Plan a lunch outing every so often or get your families together. Just be sure to keep these relationships going because you need other adults in your lives besides the teacher and pediatrician. I'm sure your husband won't mind if you go out with friends one evening a month, especially when you come back refreshed! Do the same for him.

Stay-at-Home Mom Tip #5: Spend Time Alone with Husband

This is probably the most important thing for my husband and me. We need time together without the kids talking over us. So, one thing we do is put our kids to bed at a decent time so we can have time alone. Occasionally, I feed the kids dinner and after they go to bed, we enjoy a nice, quiet dinner together. We are fortunate to have family in town and so we are able to go on a date every few weeks. If you don't have free babysitting, one suggestion is to swap kids with another couple each month. One night you watch their kids while they go out on the town and they return the favor. This way you get to go on a date, but don't have to pay a babysitter.

Note: I also decided to lose the weight that I can't seem to get off since having my last child who is now two. This has made an incredible difference for my self-esteem!