Surviving the Day as a Stay-at-Home Parent

As much as we love our kids, staying home with them full-time can be physically and emotionally draining. Young children have a knack for making messes, and their urgent demands never seem to end. In fact, a 2012 Gallup poll found that stay-at-home moms report higher rates of worry, sadness and depression than their working counterparts.  

But even though it is common for stay-at-home moms (and dads) to feel overworked and underappreciated, it is also possible to truly enjoy the time you spend at home with your kids. If you’re finding it difficult to keep everyone entertained and happy throughout the day, try creating a list of “go-to” activities that will keep your kids busy – and your sanity intact.

Channel Your Inner Picasso

Investing in art supplies and taking the time to plan ahead can make a big difference when you’re sitting at home on a rainy day. If you have a well-stocked art cabinet filled with paints, crayons, colored papers, glitter and stickers, it’s easy to open the door and watch imagination take flight. Visit a website like The Crafty Crow for inspiration, or if you prefer a more structured project (translation: you’re feeling a little lazy), head to a craft store and purchase pre-made craft kits to keep on hand.  

Love Your Local Library

It’s no secret that children who learn to love books when they are young are more likely to love reading as adults. And it’s hard to beat the library’s collection of classic children’s literature. But did you know that your local library has even more to offer? 

You will also find audio books, movies, video games and programs designed to teach reading and literacy skills. Many libraries across the St. Louis metro area feature play areas stocked with puzzles, educational toys and computer stations. And most offer story times, as well as family-friendly programs and events during day and evening hours, too. Or for story time with a science theme, check out Science Storytime with Ready Readers at the Saint Louis Science Center. Lots of free story times are listed in our Things To Do calendar as well.         

Play the Day Away

Play groups allow your kids to make new friends while you indulge in adult conversation. Most have regularly scheduled outings at parks, playgrounds and restaurants, and you can usually join for a minimal fee. Thanks to the internet, play groups are easy to find; visit a website like www.meetup.com to discover one that’s right for you. Morning Play Dates at the Contemporary Art Museum, which repeat regularly on the first Wednesday of the month, are a great option too.

Mix and Measure     

Kids love to mix and measure, so why not invite them into the kitchen to help you cook or bake? Older children can use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into fun shapes and even toddlers enjoy decorating cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles. Think outside the box with Buzzfeed’s list of 21 Fun and Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Your Kids.    

Soak Up Some Sunshine  

Don’t forget to engage with the world beyond your front door. Take a walk around the block and let the fresh air and sunshine renew your spirit. Use bikes, scooters and strollers to keep little ones happy while you allow yourself a moment of peace. Even a brief outing to the mall, bookstore or coffee shop can be a welcome change of pace when you’ve spent too much time at home. 

Embrace Education    

There is a lot that children never learn in the classroom. Do yours have any hobbies or special interests? Conduct a science experiment in the kitchen. Begin a unit of vocabulary study. Let little ones who are learning to read and write explore the interactive website www.starfall.com. For even more educational ideas, homeschooling books and websites are a great resource.

Use What You Have   

Look closely around your home. Cell phones and remote controls can entertain toddlers for hours. A couple of blankets and your dining room chairs are all you need to build a fort. Make old toys new again by simply replacing the batteries. And don’t forget about household staples like pots and pans; throw in a few spatulas and create your very own family band in the kitchen.

Water’s Where It’s At   

Kids almost always enjoy a trip to a swimming pool, lake or beach. But when the weather won’t cooperate with outdoor plans, try filling up your bathtub instead. Keep bath toys on hand, as well as paints and crayons designed specifically for creating artwork on bathtub walls. A warm bath is a relaxing way to calm little ones who have become too tense or rowdy.   

Take Time for You     

You will be better able to care for your children if you take care of yourself too. Indulge in simple pleasures like a bubble bath or a cup of your favorite tea on a regular basis. Rent a movie to watch while you’re folding the laundry. Hire a sitter for the kids or schedule a playdate at a friend’s house if you need some time alone to rest and recharge.       

Play Up the Positive

It’s easy to get so caught up in the day-to-day requirements of raising a family that you forget to appreciate spending time with your children while they are young. When you start to feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, leave the dishes in the sink and focus on your kids. Because even though they sometimes drive you crazy, choosing to spend time with your children is a decision you’ll never regret.