Moms who stay at home are becoming more common as statistics show an increase in the trend of breasts who decide to stay home with their children.
A research paper published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, moms who stay at home reports higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness than working moms, even though they also say more elevated levels of depression.
This article is to bring that spark of refreshing life into the activities of moms who stay at home.
Who are moms who stay at home?
Moms who stay at home have chosen to care for their children full-time, not work outside the home. They may also be referred to as full-time homemakers or housewives.
This option is related to many factors that differ for each family. Sometimes it is voluntary, and for others, it is a must, for example, running out of work, not having someone to care for children, or low wages that do not compensate for leaving home.
In other cases, women with their first child feel it is not time to leave their baby alone after maternity leave.
Likewise, many mothers make this decision when the children are older or with the second’s arrival because they think their presence is necessary to accompany the children in their educational processes.
It is a fact that parents spend more time with their children; it is a condition that brings many benefits for everyone. I hear many moms list a list of benefits among those who are undoubtedly sharing more moments, getting to know them better, and being more sensitive to their needs.
Advantages of Moms who stay at home.
It is observed that the family brings advantages such as:
Bonding with children: Stay-at-home mothers can form strong bonds with their children and be actively involved in their upbringing.
Flexibility: Stay-at-home mothers have more control over their schedules, allowing them to balance family and household responsibilities with personal time.
Cost savings: By not working outside the home, stay-at-home mothers can save on work-related expenses such as transportation, clothing, and child care.
Ability to provide a stable home environment: Stay-at-home mothers can offer a stable and supportive home environment that benefits children’s emotional and psychological well-being.
Opportunities for personal growth and development: Stay-at-home mothers can pursue interests and hobbies, take courses, and engage in volunteer work, leading to personal growth and development.
Total control: having more tranquillity because you control what happens to the children.
They are becoming more involved in their school life and offering them better learning opportunities by participating in the different experiences that occur in their daily lives.
Being at home also allows you more time for other activities such as making the market, visiting the family, meeting friends, and Simple actions that increase happiness and decrease the stress of today’s world. This directly benefits children’s emotional well-being.
Disadvantages of Moms who stay at home.
Staying at home to take care of the children also has implications that can generate concern, such as:
Financial dependence: Stay-at-home mothers often rely on their partner’s income, which can leave them vulnerable in the event of separation, divorce, or the death of a partner.
Isolation: Stay-at-home mothers can experience social isolation and loneliness, especially if they do not have a firm friends and family support network.
Loss of professional identity: Stay-at-home mothers may feel they have lost their professional identity and struggle to re-enter the workforce if they choose to do so later in life.
Lack of job security and benefits: Stay-at-home mothers need to receive job security or benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits, that typically come with paid employment.
Increased stress: Stay-at-home mothers often bear most responsibilities for managing the household and caring for children, leading to increased stress and burnout.
The uneasiness produced by getting a job again or needing to be updated in their trade.
Planning and Balancing: There are many factors to be considered one r the decision to stay at home. These reasons are legitimate; thus, each option and circumstance must be examined individually. Examples are:
You were postponing your career to care for your children full-time. This significant decision should be thought through carefully and discussed as a family.
Discussing concerns such as the mother’s significance at work, the influence it will have on family life, or the children’s ages assists considerably in experiencing this experience more pleasant and stress-free.
Likewise, planning it in the short and medium term and considering it as a transitional option allows us to consider complementary alternatives such as working only a few hours from home or possibly working part-time to balance work and childcare.
This is a difficult decision, and although some things can be controlled, Preferring to stay at home with the children is built and learned as you go about it.
The goal is to enjoy and make it a rewarding and friendly experience for everyone.
Here is a list of 25 fun and exciting things for stay-at-home mothers to do at home to boost happiness:
Reading a good book:
Research has shown that reading can reduce stress, increase empathy, and improve brain function.
Watching a movie or binge-watching a series:
Watching a movie or a series can provide a sense of escapism and entertainment and be a fun way to relax and unwind.
Listening to music or podcast:
Listening to music or a podcast has been shown to improve mood, relieve stress, and provide a sense of relaxation and enjoyment.
Trying a new recipe or baking a cake:
Baking or cooking can be a fun and creative outlet, improving mental well-being and reducing stress.
Craft or DIY project:
Doing a craft or DIY project can provide a sense of accomplishment, increase creativity, and improve mental well-being.
Writing in a journal or blog:
Writing in a journal or blog can provide a sense of catharsis, increase self-awareness, and improve mental well-being.
Exercise or yoga at home:
Exercise, including yoga, has been confirmed to reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem and improve physical and mental health.
Taking a bath or spa day:
Taking a bath or having a spa day can provide a sense of relaxation and pampering and has been shown to improve mental well-being and relieve stress.
Painting or drawing:
Painting or drawing can be a fun and creative outlet and has been shown to improve mental well-being and reduce stress.
Organizing or decluttering a room:
Organizing or decluttering a room can improve mental clarity, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Spending quality time with children:
Spending quality time with children can improve relationships, boost self-esteem, and increase happiness.
Playing board games or card games:
This can improve problem-solving skills, increase creativity, and provide a sense of enjoyment and fun.
Learning a new skill or hobby:
Learning a new skill or hobby can increase self-esteem, improve brain function, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Meditating or practicing mindfulness:
Meditation and mindfulness practices have been shown to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost overall well-being.
Taking a nap or getting a good night’s sleep:
Getting enough sleep has improved mood, increased brain function, and boosted physical health.
Going for a walk or hike:
Walking or hiking can improve physical health, increase mental clarity, and boost overall well-being.
Trying a virtual escape room:
Virtual escape rooms can provide a sense of challenge, improve problem-solving skills, and increase creativity.
Participating in online classes or workshops:
Participating in online classes or workshops can increase knowledge, improve skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Having a virtual coffee date with friends:
Spending time with friends, even virtually, can improve relationships, increase happiness, and boost self-esteem.
Gardening or growing plants:
Gardening or growing plants can improve physical health, increase creativity, and boost overall well-being.
Volunteering or giving back to the community:
Volunteering or giving back to the community can increase self-esteem, improve relationships, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Hosting a virtual game night:
Hosting a virtual game night can improve relationships, increase happiness, and provide a sense of enjoyment and fun.
Having a virtual dance party:
A virtual dance party can boost self-esteem, improve physical health, and provide a sense of enjoyment and fun.
Visiting virtual museums or tourist attractions:
Visiting virtual museums or tourist attractions can increase knowledge, provide a sense of adventure, and broaden cultural perspectives.
Trying a new hobby like knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching:
Trying a new hobby like knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitching can increase creativity, improve mental well-being, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These activities can also create handmade gifts for loved ones, further boosting self-esteem and providing a sense of purpose.
Conclusion:
Stay-at-home parents may do various enjoyable and exciting things to preserve their happiness and wellness. Several activities may bring a sense of relaxation, joy, and achievement, ranging from reading and watching movies to attempting new hobbies and spending quality time with loved ones.
Moms who stay at home may raise their self-esteem, improve their physical and mental health, and deepen their relationships by participating in various activities. With so many options, there is no shortage of ways for stay-at-home parents to have fun and enjoy their whole life.