So you’ve spent years in the workforce, dealing with stressful situations and clients, bosses and budgets. You’re competent. Respected. Liked. So how hard could being a Stay-at-Home-Mommy (SAHM) be, really?
Six months into my new role, I can tell you that the frustration, occasional despair and sometimes, sheer boredom faced when dealing with your screaming precious bundle of joy is real. But handily enough, I’ve also worked out a few ways of staying sane transitioning to full-time mommyhood from the working world:
Plan an Activity a Day: Once you’re done with your confinement period, or the six-week checkup mark, venture out on your own with bub for little trips and errands. The first time is always the scariest, so start somewhere close to home, and for less than an hour, and gradually work your way up.
Get Moving: Moving more, even if it’s just doing laps around a mall with baby in a stroller, is good for you and can be part of your planned activity-a-day. If you can, join a mother-and-baby exercise class, or set aside time each week to take bub for a walk in one of KL’s gorgeous green lungs.
Make Friends: Reconnect with old school friends who have had babies around the same time as you, or just start by saying “hi” to that other confused-looking mom in the playground. Make time to meet once a week at home or to do a fun activity, like checking out baby-friendly cafes together. If you have a few friends with babies, why not form your own mother’s group?
Have Other Interests: In the first few months of new motherhood, it’s easy to think, sleep, talk baby around the clock. But it’s also important to have an interest other than your baby – whether it’s following current events or freelance work, you need the mental stimulation to keep sane.
Outsource and Delegate: Resist the temptation to do everything by yourself, and to have it done perfectly. When help is offered, always say yes!
Take Care of Number One: That’s you, mommy – you can’t look after the family if you’re running on empty. Get hubby to take bub one weekend while you get a massage, or make a pact with a friend to take turns watching your babies while the other has an afternoon of peace to catch up on errands or chores.
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Faye Song is a city girl finding her feet in regional Victoria, Australia. A former journalist, she works in marketing and communication, but has found that her real passion lies in dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing – while she awaits the arrival of her first child.
Image Credit: www.essentialparent.com.
