Want to know what its like transitioning to being a stay at home mum or maybe you are one already? This is the podcast and blog post for you, this podcast talks everything about mum life, being home with the kids, mum tips and tricks to get by. Making the decision can be a hard one, so let’s talk about how you can make the decision for yourself and your family.
This post is all about Transitioning to a Stay at Home Mum.
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The Stay at Home Mum Podcast gives you Stay-at-home mom tips, I talk about a realistic Stay-at-home mom schedule and the ups and downs of being a stay at home mum too!
Why Transitioning to a Stay-at-Home Mum is a Life-Changing Decision
The first thing I have been asked is why did you leave your career and it’s sad. Some people don’t understand why I would choose to stay home with my babies than go back to work. It’s a shame that nowadays if you are a stay-at-home mum you can be judged for your decisions.
Adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mum can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Whether you’re juggling newborn feeds or managing toddler tantrums, creating a balance that works for your family and yourself is key. Here are some actionable tips below to help you transition into your new role and thrive in this phase of motherhood.
We as a family made the decision that it would be best for our family for me to be home with our kids and this was a private family decision.
Everyone seems to want to know why I made this decision and try to encourage time away from my children. So, let’s first talk about a few positives of being home with your family.
- I get to bring up my children myself – this time is precious and before you know it they will be school!
- Not needing to sort work-life balance.
- I just want to be home!
- You never miss a memory – their first steps, their first words and so much more exciting stuff!
The challenges –
- Lack of sleep and no recovery time.
- Time away from your career – potentially lose skills over time. (This is not a definate)
- Lack of adult conversations – you have control over this – get out and about!
Understanding Your Reasons: Why Choose to Be a Stay-at-Home Mum?
Have a think about what your motivations for transitioning to stay-at-home mom are. Here are a few reasons to think about:
- Family bonding – Family bonding is a big deal, imagine having unlimited time to bond with your little ones and let’s face it you will never get this time again!
- Financial considerations – Sometimes you are better off at home due to childcare costs. Sometimes finances do not come into your motivations. If one of you earns enough, ask yourself why not stay home?
- Work-life balance – Imagine not having to worry about picking your kids up from nursery, because you are always available!
Preparing Financially for the Transition
Ways to cut costs to make being a stay-at-home mom possible for the long term, here are some budgeting tips for a single-income household:
- Meal planning
- Batch cooking from scratch
- Minimalism – clutter free home – not buying unneccessary items.
- Take advantage of local free activities
- Track expenses
- Shop with a list!
- Cut back on subscriptions
- Workout at home or use the outdoors
- Organize playdates as activities
- Ask family and friends to babysit
- Homemade cleaning products
- Homemade Toiletries
- Repair clothes
- Buy second hand – Vinted, eBay, Thrift shops
- Be efficient with energy – turn off what you aren’t using 😱 (energy saving bulbs)
- Join local library
- Free local museums
- Local children’s centre
- Outdoor activities – walks, scavenger hunts, bike rides
- Shop during sale seasons
- Shop in bulk
- Combine errands into single trips
- Short trips walk or cycle – leave the car at home.
- Start a blog
- Sell on Vinted
- Sell digital products on Etsy
Creating a Daily Routine That Works
Some form of consistency is key for your children and you to have a purpose each day. Not only that, it makes it easier when they start school that they are used to getting up at a certain time!
- Make a list first for what are the things you need to get done every week, including for your kids.
- Then assign a day to each of the activities, this is totally your choice of how and when. Whatever is best for you.
- Each mum will be different and each mum will need a different schedule.
Here are some tips to help you get by:
1. Start Your Day with Intention
Waking up 20–25 minutes before your kids gives you a head start on the day. Use this time to get dressed, do your hair or makeup, and set a positive tone for the morning. It doesn’t have to be a complete makeover—comfy yoga pants and a favorite top can make a world of difference. Even just having time to brush your hair!
2. Stick to a Morning Routine
Having a routine makes mornings smoother. Get yourself and the kids dressed before coming downstairs, prepare breakfast, and plan dinner. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy days.
3. Plan and Stick to a Daily Schedule
Structure is your best friend. Assign specific tasks to days of the week—like food shopping, cleaning, or attending baby groups. Flexibility is essential, especially if your partner works shifts, but having a framework keeps you organized.
4. Get Out of the House Daily
Fresh air and a change of scenery can do wonders for your mental health. A quick walk around the block, a visit to the park, or running errands can break up the day and boost your mood.
5. Connect with Other Mums
Building a network of stay-at-home or working mums is invaluable. Whether through local Facebook groups, baby classes, or playdates, finding someone who understands your journey can be incredibly supportive. (Just to note – this isn’t always easy. Not everyone wants to talk when you are at the park LOL)
6. Create a Chore Schedule
Managing a household with kids can feel overwhelming. A simple chore schedule helps you stay on top of cleaning without overloading your day. Prioritize key tasks and delegate when possible.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant. Enjoy a cup of coffee during nap time, go for a peaceful drive, or indulge in a hobby you love. Involving your kids in your interests, like crafts or outdoor activities, can make it more manageable.
8. Ask for Help When Needed
Being a stay-at-home mum doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Whether it’s arranging playdates with grandparents or asking your partner for support, sharing responsibilities lightens the load.
9. Set Realistic Expectations
Parenting is unpredictable, so give yourself grace. Forget Instagram-perfect standards and focus on what works for your family. Missed snacks or forgotten extras are manageable—you’re doing your best!
10. Reflect and Adjust
Motherhood is a learning curve. Experiment with routines and adapt as your children grow. And don’t forget to celebrate small victories—they’re the foundation of lasting memories.
Navigating Emotional Challenges During the Transition
At first there is a mix of emotions. You can be made up to be home with your children but worried about the career you have built and left. You can feel isolated, feel like you have lost your identity and even guilty because you are having these feelings.
Now remember, these are your feelings and they are definitely valid feelings. In this moment its time to revisit why you made this decision.
In this situation you may need to take a look at some self-care tips or resources for good mental wellbeing being. I understand you may not want to be away from your kids, so let’s have a think about what you can do with them for your mental health.
For example:
- Living room yoga!
- Living room or garden Zumba
- Crafts with the kids
- Reading
- Dancing together!
Building a Support Network as a Stay-at-Home Mum
Joining mum groups can help significantly, or visiting your local children’s centre for the social side of this with other mums.
Online forums can help and also hinder depending on what group you join! I did leave a mum FB group as it turned out to be a husband slating group at the end of the day and was quite depressing.
Now if you are rubbish at making friends like I have been in the past, here are some tips for making some meaningful connections 😁:
- Talk to the mums that your kids are playing with their kids – it gives you something easy to talk about!
- Always say hello to everyone when you enter a mums group.
Balancing Household Responsibilities with Personal Goals
When it comes to keeping your household in one piece this is something that can be very difficult. You can be in your home alot so it is trashed by your kids all day, which then you need to clean!
I tend to complete the absolutely necessary chores in the morning and then attempt to batch everything else.
Alot may not agree with this but I tend to allocate my goals for of an evening when the kids are in bed. My husband does shifts so I cannot always allocate day time to myself, it’s just not possible.
Delegating Chores
Now this is a fun subject as it really does depend on what your other half works and when or if they can even help you.
If they have the energy after work to help, totally go for it and delegate some chores between each other. If not, it is what it is and you can only do what you can! You aren’t superwoman and you do have your children to look after too!
Fun and Educational Activities to Keep Kids Engaged
Now you don’t need to be bored at home, here are some sge-appropriate activity ideas for children:
Infants (0–12 months)
- 1. Tummy time with colorful toys.
- 2. Playing with soft sensory books.
- 3. Singing nursery rhymes.
- 4. Peek-a-boo games.
- 5. Listening to calming music.
- 6. Exploring baby-safe mirrors.
- 7. Gentle baby massage with lotions.
- 8. Watching bubbles float.
- 9. Stacking soft blocks.
- 10. Exploring textured fabrics.
Toddlers (1–3 years)
- 11. Finger painting with non-toxic paints.
- 12. Building with large blocks.
- 13. Playing with water and cups in a tub.
- 14. Dancing to upbeat music.
- 15. Pushing or pulling toys.
- 16. Sorting shapes or colors.
- 17. Exploring sand with scoops and molds.
- 18. Simple puzzles with large pieces.
- 19. Reading interactive board books.
- 20. Nature walks to collect leaves or rocks.
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- 21. Crafting with paper, glue, and scissors.
- 22. Pretend play with costumes or toy kitchens.
- 23. Playing hide-and-seek.
- 24. Gardening or planting seeds.
- 25. Practicing balance on a mini obstacle course.
- 26. Baking simple recipes like cookies.
- 27. Creating with Play-Doh or clay.
- 28. Learning basic numbers with counting games.
- 29. Exploring instruments like tambourines or shakers.
- 30. Drawing with crayons or chalk.
School-Age Children (6–9 years)
- 31. Building structures with LEGO or similar sets.
- 32. Writing and illustrating a short story.
- 33. Learning basic coding with apps like Scratch.
- 34. Science experiments, e.g., baking soda and vinegar volcano.
- 35. Playing board games or card games.
- 36. Creating jewelry with beads.
- 37. Practicing sports like soccer or swimming.
- 38. Exploring maps or simple geography games.
- 39. Designing paper airplanes and racing them.
- 40. Creating art with watercolors or oil pastels.
Here are 10 tips for balancing playtime and independent activities for children:
- Set a Daily Routine – Schedule specific times for interactive play and independent activities, so children know what to expect. Include transitions to help them adjust, like a short story before solo play.
- Encourage Independent Play Early – Start with small intervals, gradually increasing the time they spend playing alone. Provide engaging and age-appropriate toys or activities to keep them interested.
- Provide Open-Ended Toys – Offer toys like building blocks, art supplies, or dolls that encourage creativity and self-direction during independent play.
- Be Fully Present During Playtime. – When it’s interactive playtime, give your full attention to build connection and trust. This helps children feel secure and willing to explore independent play later.
- Create a Safe Play Environment. Set up a designated play area where they can explore freely without needing constant supervision. Child-proof the area to ensure safety and peace of mind.
- Model Independent Activities – Show them how to work on puzzles, color, or build structures, then step back and let them try on their own.
- Use Positive Reinforcement – Praise them for playing independently and creating something on their own. This boosts confidence and encourages repetition.
- Incorporate Breaks and Flexibility. – Mix solo activities with shared play to maintain balance and avoid frustration. Allow flexibility if they need extra attention or reassurance.
- Limit Screen Time – Replace excessive screen time with activities that stimulate their imagination and self-reliance.
- Gradually Introduce New Challenges – Encourage problem-solving by giving them tasks like organizing toys or completing age-appropriate crafts. Offer help only when necessary to foster independence.
Balancing playtime with independent activities promotes a healthy blend of bonding, skill-building, and self-confidence in children.
Conclusion: Thriving in Your New Role as a Stay-at-Home Mum
I absolutely love being a stay at home mum (just saying), I have the freedom to take my kids anywhere with no time restrictions other than nap times and bed times! Its truely the best thing we have decided to do. Yes it can be hard with the lack of sleep and no rest, but I would do it again and again!
Let me know below if you have taken the leap and why you personally chose to do it or if you are thinking about it!
I wouldn’t change it for the world and if I can inspire more mums to do the same I will. Any questions, drop me a message on my contact page and I will get back to you asap! (Plus it would be nice to meet more stay at home mums!)
Transitioning to a stay-at-home mum lifestyle is a significant change, but with intentional planning and self-compassion, it can be a fulfilling and joyful experience.
This post is all about transitioning to a stay-at-home mum!
