Staying home with children everday is rewarding, yes, but it is also challenging, exhausting and can literally make you crazy. But I am here as proof that stay-at-home moms can make it through to the other side (or at least until all the little ones are waving at you through the school bus windows)without losing their hair or their minds in the process. My advice:

-As soon as you bring that bundle of joy home, do everything you can do to get him or her on a schedule. Babies function so much better when they have enough sleep and they are eating at regular intervals. It is worth it to you to build your day around those invaluable naptimes. Do your errands and outings before or after naps, but make sure and be home to tuck your munchkin into their own bed at the same time every day. This is important for also establishing good sleeping habits for the rest of their childhood.
-Give your child the gift of independence. As soon as they can sit up on their own, you can sit them in a pack-in-play with a few safe toys. Stay within range of being available if their are problems, but let your child begin to build independent play skills and the security that comes from being able to play alone for a short time. When your child is older you can give them "room time". This is a short period of time when they can play independently in their room. Let them know that mommy needs some room time too and that you will play something special with them after you each have some independent time. Just make sure that there are not items in the room that could be dangerous.
-Get your kids outside everyday. Sun exposure helps the body produce melatonin and melatonin signals the body to go to sleep.....And we all want our kids to fall to sleep easily, don't we? Also, fresh air and exercise keeps a child strong and healthy.....and healthy kids are happy kids.
-Have a predictable routine that your kids can count on from day to day. Kids use the milestones of meals and naps to help them keep track of their day. Children crave predictability.
-Schedule playdates with your friends and their kids. Those dates may be the only time during your day when you get to converse with another adult. You can also share valuable tips and advice, and your kids can learn to build social skills while you are there to guide them.
-Find out what your town offers for children. Many libraries and museums have regular programs for children of all ages, and often they are free. It is important to have activities to look forward to (and to use as rewards for good behavior).
-Teach the kids to pitch in. Even the smallest tike can begin to help with chores such as stacking the tupperware or sorting the laundry. Make it fun by doing it together. Make a sticker chart and reward your children for their help. As they get older, keeping the home in order and participating in chores will come natural.
-Put kids to bed early. Most children under the age of six need 12 hours of sleep a night. That means that they really should be in bed no later than 7 pm. It might seem inconvenient in the beginning, but think about the wonderful downtime that mom and dad will get to spend together each evening.

And finally, enjoy your kids. You've heard it a million time, but it is true that their childhoods will fly by. Cherish every moment....and sneak in a nap when you can!

Learn more about this author, S J.
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