The Best Reasons To Be a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom)

I’ve been a stay at home mom for the last 6 years and I absolutely love it. It’s not for everyone, but there are certainly a lot of benefits to being a stay at home mom.

Being a stay at home mom is NOT easy.

I’m not saying being a working parent is easy either, this is NOT an argument post on who works more or less.

But while being a stay at home mom is not an easy job, it also has a lot of benefits. Let’s go over some of those benefits – ones that I have personally seen from my experience of being a stay at home momma.

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Better Friendships and Peace of Mind

1. Making Better Friends: In the world of playdates and park meetups, you’re likely to find a tribe of fellow SAHMs. These friendships are not just about having someone to share a coffee with but finding a support system that truly understands the ups and downs of parenting.
2. Peace of Mind: Knowing exactly what your children are exposed to and who they’re with is a huge relief. It’s about being the gatekeeper to their experiences and influences.

Child Development and Family Dynamics

3. Numerous Benefits for Children: Studies show that children with a stay-at-home parent often exhibit stronger language skills and fewer behavioral issues.
4. Better Sleep for Babies: With you being readily available, managing baby sleep schedules becomes more consistent and less of a midnight mystery.
5. Control in Child-Rearing: Every parent has their own philosophy on raising kids. Being a SAHM allows you to implement your values and practices consistently.
6. Primary Role Model: Your kids will learn by watching you. Being there every day allows you to set a strong example.
7. Ease of Breastfeeding: If you choose to breastfeed, being at home makes the process more convenient and less stressful.
8. Stronger Bonds: The time spent together in these formative years fosters a deep, enduring connection.
9. Childcare Savings: No need for expensive daycare or babysitters. Your wallet will thank you!
10. Witnessing ‘Firsts’: Every giggle, step, and word won’t be missed!
11. Quality Time with Partner: Managing time becomes easier, potentially leading to more moments with your significant other.
12. Hobbies and Interests: Rediscover old passions or find new ones during ‘me time.
13. Personalized Education: Being involved in your child’s learning journey allows for tailor-made educational experiences.
14. Reduced Stress and Commute: No daily work commute means less stress and more time for family.
15. Extracurricular Engagement: Being there for every soccer match and ballet recital is priceless.
16. Homemaking Skills: Running a household is a skill set on its own, and being a SAHM often hones these abilities.
17. Creative Outlets: Time at home can spark creativity, be it in crafts, writing, or other projects.
18. Nurturing Growth: Witnessing and guiding your child’s development is incredibly fulfilling.
19. Family Traditions and Memories: From spontaneous picnics to planned holiday rituals, the memories you create are unforgettable.
20. Strong Support Network: Connecting with other SAHMs can lead to lifelong friendships and invaluable advice sharing.
21. Celebrating Milestones: Be there for every achievement, no matter how small.
22. Teaching Life Skills: Everyday is an opportunity to instill important values and skills in your children.
23. Family Foundation: You’re building a strong, loving home environment that’s the foundation of your family’s life.

Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

24. Work Return Options: The workforce will always be there, but these early years with your children won’t.
25. Creating Your Own Schedule: Flexibility is a luxury that allows for a more relaxed and efficient household management.
26. Reduced Commuting: Say goodbye to rush hour traffic!
27. More ‘You’ Time: While it might not seem like it, you often end up with more time for self-care.
28. Developing New Skills: Whether it’s mastering budget management or exploring a new hobby, the skills you gain as a SAHM are vast.
29. Fulfillment Beyond Career: The joy and satisfaction from nurturing your family can be as fulfilling, if not more, than professional achievements.
30. Lasting Impact: The time and effort you invest in your children have a lifelong impact on them.

Even More Reasons

1. Customized Learning Environment: Create a learning space tailored to your child’s interests and needs.
2. Healthier Lifestyle: More control over meals, leading to healthier eating habits for the family.
3. Family Health Management: Easier to manage family health appointments and emergencies.
4. Community Involvement: Greater opportunity to be involved in local community events and activities.
5. Environmental Influence: Direct control over the household environment, promoting a greener lifestyle.
6. Holiday Celebrations: Flexibility to celebrate holidays and create traditions without work constraints.
7. Volunteer Opportunities: More time to volunteer at your child’s school or in the community.
8. Reduced Child Stress: Less rushing around in the morning and after school can reduce stress for kids.
9. Home-Based Business Opportunities: Potential to start a home-based business or freelance work.
10. Learning Through Play: More time to engage in educational play activities with your child.
11. Sibling Bonding: Siblings spend more time together, strengthening their bond.
12. Personal Growth: Time to reflect on personal goals and aspirations.
13. Gardening and Outdoor Activities: Opportunity to engage in gardening or other outdoor activities with your kids.
14. Less Exposure to Illness: Fewer germs from daycare or school mean potentially fewer sick days.
15. Special Needs Attention: Ability to give more attention to children with special needs or challenges.
16. Family Pet Integration: More time to integrate and care for family pets, teaching responsibility.
17. Cultural Education: Teach your children about your family’s cultural heritage and traditions.
18. Home Organization: Time to organize and maintain a more efficient household.
19. Local Exploration: Explore local attractions, parks, and museums during off-peak hours.
20. More Outdoor Time: Increase in outdoor play and exploration for your children.
21. Personal Health and Fitness: Time to focus on personal health and fitness goals.
22. Less Workplace Stress: Elimination of workplace stress and politics.
23. Improved Mental Health: Potential for improved mental health without work-related pressures.
24. Artistic Pursuits: Pursue artistic projects or crafts that you’re passionate about.
25. Greater Privacy: More control over your family’s privacy and online presence.
26. Economic Savings: Save on work-related expenses like clothing, transport, and lunches.
27. Parental Education: Time to read and learn about parenting techniques and philosophies.
28. Safety Assurance: Assurance that your child is in a safe and familiar environment.
29. Homeschooling Option: Option to homeschool if it aligns with your family’s educational goals.
30. Increased Family Time: Overall, more quality time spent with family, strengthening relationships.

Being a SAHM is not a one-size-fits-all choice, but for those who choose it, the rewards can be immense. It’s about more than just being physically present; it’s about shaping lives, building a family legacy, and finding joy in the everyday chaos of raising children.

References

1. Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Stay-at-home mothers report complex emotions, including both fulfillment from spending more time with their children and challenges related to identity and self-care. The decision to stay home often stems from a desire to be the primary caregiver, emphasizing the value placed on the maternal role in child development (Rubin & Wooten, 2007).
2. Societal and Media Perspectives: Media portrayals of stay-at-home mothers have evolved, often reflecting broader socio-economic trends and ideologies. Analysis of UK news coverage suggests that stay-at-home motherhood is represented through a lens of neoliberalism and postfeminism, complicating traditional views of maternal roles (Orgad & De Benedictis, 2015).
3. Sociological Views: The role of stay-at-home mothers is viewed as a social construct, influenced by changes in the economy, women’s rights, education, and cultural attitudes. This perspective highlights the fluctuating nature of the choice to stay at home and its implications for family structure and gender roles (Gemelli, 2016).
4. Changing Attitudes and Satisfaction: Research on attitudes toward employment and motherhood shows a pervasive belief in the importance of the maternal role, with many mothers expressing a desire to stay home despite potential career sacrifices. This reflects ongoing societal debates about the best environment for child-rearing and the value of maternal presence (Hock, Gnezda Mt, & McBride, 1984).
5. Work-Life Balance and Family Dynamics: The dynamics of stay-at-home mother and working father relationships reveal benefits such as positive parent-child relationships, parenting cohesion, and enhanced quality time. This suggests that the decision for one parent to stay home can have beneficial effects on family interactions and child development (Rushing & Powell, 2015).