Unusual Confessions From a New Stay at Home Mom

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On this episode of the Real Happy Mom Podcast, I am talking to Cheryl. Cheryl is a wife and mother of two little ones. She is also a new stay at home mom.

Cheryl recently became a stay at home mom within the last four months after wanting to spend more time with her sons.

Before being a stay at home mom, Cheryl was a full-time fashion designer. After having her son her dream of being a fashion designer shifted.

She knew that working the long hours she was accustomed to would not allow her to spend the time she wanted with her kids.

So Cheryl started doing early childcare so that she could be with her kids more by working at their school.

This worked for a while, but Cheryl doesn’t have plans on going back. Now Cheryl is embracing being a stay at home mom.

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Challenges as a New Stay at Home Mom

Cheryl’s biggest challenge was getting a routine. Because she is more of a go with the flow type of person, routines were not something that she was used to. Now she has a better handle on routines and has established bedtime routines and meal plans.

So what helped Cheryl with establishing these routines?  My online bestie, Pinterest.  And of course, Youtube.

I knew that Cheryl probably had found some great resources while on Pinterest.  And I had to find out.

Meal planning

One resource that Cheryl found super helpful was The Family Fudge for meal planning and meal ideas.  I checked out this site and it is pretty awesome.  Cheryl was right about making meals that kids would enjoy eating!

If you have a picky eater, you definitely want to check out Bunches of Lunches to make it fun for your little one to eat vegetables.  Cheryl has found recipes for sweet potato oatmeal and smoothies that her kids enjoy.

Evening routine

So one thing that helps with being a mom period is routines. This is what Cheryl’s evening routine looks like during the week:

• Quick clean up around the house
• Snack time
• Homework time
• Kids play while dinner is being prepared
• Dinner time
• Prepare for bed

The most important time for Cheryl is dinner time.  This is the time that she finds valuable to connect as a family.

Using a planner to help with routines

I had to know what Cheryl does to help her with her routines. And I almost guessed it.

I recently got into planning. I’ve been doing a lot of research about the Erin Condren planners and Happy Planner. And I got a little generic one from Barnes and Noble.

Now Cheryl doesn’t use an app, like Google calendars as Felicia uses in episode 3. She uses a good old pen and paper to plan out her weeks and months.

I am really big into planners like Cheryl.  I have created a planner for you to download.

There is a planner that I have been using all year from Target and I enjoy it because I am able to write down quite a bit. Plus, it is organized weekly so that you can plan the week and also see what is coming up.

You can try bullet journals as well and customize them for whatever you need.

I personally prefer a planner that has more space so that I can write down a lot and also use stickers.  I was so happy to find out that I was not alone when it came to stickers!

Cheryl loves stickers too!

I am a little embarrassed that I am an adult that is obsessed with stickers, but I’m really enjoying it. And then my husband comes in and he’s like, you’re playing with the stickers again. I’m like, I on track.

Advice for Stay at Home Moms

I asked Cheryl to give her best advice for stay at home moms that are feeling like they want to pull their hair out and this is what she shared:

Have some type of support system.  And I know that is easier said than done, but someone that you can call in those moments when you’re ready to pull your hair out.

All moms need help sometimes.  If you don’t have any family close by, make sure to reach to mom friends that can help support you during a tough time.

And to do what’s best for your family. You don’t have to live that Instagram family life. You have to do what works for your family and your family’s lifestyle. Everything can’t be or make you feel so obligated to be cookie cutter or you know, picture worthy, but you have to do and implement what works best for you and for your children.

Want to learn more about Cheryl or find out what she is up to?  Check her out on Instagram.

Key takeaways

• Utilize Pinterest and Youtube to find healthy meals for your picky eater.
• Establish routines for your little ones.
• Use a planner to help you stay organized whether it is an app on your phone or a printed planner to write in.
• Have a support system that you can call on during the hard times.
• Do what is best for your family and don’t feel like you have to keep up with moms on social media.

Links mentioned in this episode

• The Family Fudge – website
• The Family Fudge – YouTube channel
• Bunches of Lunches

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