Life
Most mornings, my son and I wake up whenever he's done sleeping. We nurse, then read a story (unless he finds my iPhone, in which case we’ll fight over that while I try to hide it). We go to the bathroom, then dance around while I brush my teeth. He plays while I get dressed, then we get him clean and dressed, with still more play breaks before breakfast. Taking two hours from waking up until finishing (or occasionally even starting) breakfast is definitely the kind of thing you can only get away with if you're a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
Though there are plenty of challenges and sacrifices you make when you become a SAHM, the nicest thing about the entire arrangement is being able to take your time with your kids. Kids can and do adapt well to schedules every day, but rushing is not their speed. They notice everything and like to play and explore as much as they can, and it's such a privilege (in almost every sense of the word) to be able to honor that.
Also a privilege? Being able to wear soft, stretchy clothing pretty much all the time if you want. Don't get me wrong, it's great to dress up and get extra pretty sometimes, and everyone should get out and do stuff you can't wear leggings for a few times a week. However, I am definitely a huge fan of rocking what basically amounts to a professional cuddling uniform every day, too. I'm also a huge fan of getting away with:
Being Super Chill About Morning Routines
Yes, keeping a daily routine is critical for your sanity , especially when you're a SAHM. Fortunately, the routine doesn't necessarily need to be rushed, since you get to decide where you want to go and when. That's super useful for dealing with really young kids, who move on Opposite Speed (slow when you need them to hurry; fast when you need them to sit still or stay close).
Wearing Comfy Clothes And Stretchy Pants Pretty Much All The Time
No zippers, no stiff fabrics, no problem.
Eating With Your Hands In Solidarity With Your Toddler
Little ones who are still learning how to use utensils can find mealtimes frustrating. Sometimes, you have to show them it's OK to use your hands if that's what it takes to actually get food into your mouth. This might look weird in a public place, but in the comfort of home it totally flies.
Sleeping When The Baby Sleeps
People always give this advice to new parents, but unless you're home, it's really not possible for most of the day. (Can we say, #PaidFamilyLeaveNOW?)
Rocking A Top Knot Every Day
Functional hairstyles that are hard for babies and toddlers to yank, FTW.
Letting Your Toddler Dawdle While Going For A Walk
When you're on a tight schedule, you can't afford all the leaf-picking, flower-sniffing, stick-grabbing detours that toddlers just have to take every time they go outside. Fortunately, when you're a SAHM, you can let them — and maybe even stop and enjoy the scenery a little yourself.
Letting Your Toddler Lead You To Join Neighborhood Dogs On Their Walks
I can't even count how many times we've ended up strolling with our neighbors and their dogs since my son started walking. We are super lucky we have such friendly neighbors — and enough control over our time to indulge multiple dog-ventures throughout the week.
Acting Out The Same Book Seven Times In A Row
A habit I try to stick to is always saying yes when my son asks to read a book, no matter what. (So far he hasn't used this request to delay bedtime by too much. Fingers crossed.) Multiple encore performances of our kids’ favorite books can feel a bit time-consuming and tedious sometimes, but it's a small price to pay to foster a love of reading, right?
Being Way Too Happy To See Package Delivery Folks
Not in the “setup for a vapid adult movie” way. More like the “OMG our wine club shipment is here!” way. Our FedEx guy must think I have no other friends. (I do, but none who deliver wine directly to our house, so…)
Losing Track Of Dates (Or Time)
Wednesday? Thursday? Same difference. However, I now buy clever birthday cards whenever I see them, and keep some in my car along with tissue paper. I may not always know the date, but if I find out it's someone's birthday, I can make it look like I knew that in advance.
Not Setting An Alarm Clock For Months At A Time
If you're a mom of a kid who’s not yet school-aged, it's entirely possible to not need to wake up at a set time every day. Waking up without the unnerving blare of an alarm can be part of a luxurious or ear-splitting start to the day, depending on how your kids wake up.
Leisurely Running Errands In The Middle Of The Day
True luxury is not fancy cars, homes, clothes, food and drink. True luxury is getting to go to Costco and Target in the middle of the day in the middle of the week — when hardly anybody else is there — and taking your time finding things, cruising for mom friends, and playing little games to defuse impending meltdowns before being next to check out. Because you're always next to check out when it's not crowded. Ahhhh.
