Becoming a Stay At Home Mom: 4 Things To Consider First
Becoming a stay at home mom is one of the best decisions I have made for my family! But the decision didn’t come lightly. In this blog I’ll share 4 important things to consider before you decide to be a full time stay at home mom.
The idea of staying home to raise your children is beautiful and for many moms, deeply fulfilling. But becoming a stay at home mom is also a huge transition that impacts nearly every area of your life. From your finances and marriage to your mental health and daily routine, the shift from working outside the home to being a stay at home mom (SAHM) is more than just a change in job title. It’s a lifestyle transformation. Keep reading for my best tips to help you decide if you should be a stay at home mom!
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Becoming A Stay At Home Mom
If you’ve been wondering “Should I be a SAHM?” then you’re in the right place! I’ve been a stay at home mom for about 9 years now so I want to share my best tips. Before you make the leap, it’s important to think through what this new role will mean for you and your family. These four key areas below will help you prepare thoughtfully, so you can thrive, not just survive, at home.
1. Financials: Can You Make It Work on One Income?
Let’s be honest, going from two incomes to one (or reducing your income) is a big deal. Before becoming a SAHM, you need to take a hard look at your finances. What’s your current budget? What expenses can be trimmed or cut entirely? What will you need to sacrifice and are you okay with that? Because there will definitely be sacrifices. Many people assume if you’re a stay at home mom your husband/partner must make a lot of money, but what they don’t see is the sacrifices we make to be the SAHM.
So some important financial questions to discuss with your husband/partner are:
- Can we live comfortably on one income?
- What costs will go down (commuting, childcare, eating out)?
- Do we have savings for emergencies?
- Can I contribute financially in other ways (side hustles, part-time work, selling unused items)?
It’s not just about surviving paycheck to paycheck, that’s not fun. It’s about creating a sustainable plan that won’t leave either of you stressed or resentful down the road. A financial planner or budgeting app can help clarify what’s possible and what may need adjusting.
2. Mom Groups & Social Settings: You’ll Need Support
One of the most unexpected parts of being home full-time is it can feel lonely. You might be surrounded by your little ones all day, but also still feel isolated and unseen. You might find you crave some adult interactions and that’s why social connection is crucial. Before transitioning to staying home, start exploring local or online mom groups, faith-based meetups, or family-friendly events in your area. You don’t need a packed social calendar, but having regular adult interaction, think weekly at the minimum, helps prevent burnout and keeps your identity intact. I highly recommend getting in-person support over online!
Look for:
- Local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups
- Community center or library story times (my favorite!)
- Mom meetups through Facebook or the Peanut app
- Online support communities or forums (Just A Basic Mama Instagram)
The most important thing is to not wait until you feel lonely. Make sure to set yourself up with a support system from the start! You will feel like you’re moving out of your comfort zone, but that’s ok. You won’t regret finding that group of like-minded stay at home moms, I promise!
3. Communication: Get On the Same Page With Your Partner
As always, that life-long lesson of “communication is most important in relationships,” rings very true when becoming a stay at home mom. Going from dual working parents to one working and one staying home can cause unexpected tension in a relationship. That’s why open, honest communication is a must. Don’t be afraid to talk to your husband about anything that might be bothering you.
Make sure you and your partner are aligned on:
- Financial expectations and responsibilities
- Division of household labor and childcare
- How each of you will get personal time and rest
- What support you need to thrive in your new role
Remember, just because you’re home doesn’t mean everything falls on your shoulders. Your husband is still a parent and should be helping around the house. Discuss your needs often and revisit the conversation as seasons of motherhood change.
4. Come Up With a Daily Routine (Before the Chaos Hits)
Last, but certainly not least is creating a daily routine for your new life as a SAHM. One of the best ways to transition smoothly into SAHM life is to create a flexible, life-giving routine before the overwhelm sets in. Trust me! Without daily structure, your days can start to feel chaotic or even unproductive which often leads to burnout or resentment. Your kids will thrive on the structure too.
Think about these things:
- When you’ll wake up (and ideally have a few minutes to yourself)
- Mealtimes and snack routines
- Nap/quiet time blocks
- Household chores and errands
- Time for you (even 10 minutes counts!)
Don’t try to copy someone else’s schedule either because that will never stick. Build one that fits your unique family rhythm. It’s also important to remember that a daily routine doesn’t have to be rigid. Routines are there to serve you, not stress you out. If you need help getting started with one, check out my daily schedule template below.
Final Thoughts: Becoming A Stay At Home Mom
Believe me when I say that becoming a stay at home mom is incredibly rewarding! There is truly nothing better and I’m sure you won’t regret this decision. But honestly, it’s also a major life shift that deserves thought and preparation. Considering your finances, building your support system, communicating well, and setting up a routine can make all the difference between barely surviving and truly thriving in this season. Be sure to stay positive, have fun, and enjoy this time with your baby/toddler. Let me know in the comment section below if you’re planning to become a stay at home mom! And make sure to get on my email list to stay connected so you can thrive through your stay at home mom journey.
Create a simple, low-stress morning by downloading my FREE Morning Routine Checklist to start your day with more peace and intention!
The Motherhood Burnout Guide
Already home with your kids and feeling overwhelmed? Or maybe you want to get ahead of the game? Either way, grab The Motherhood Burnout Guide today on sale! It’s your go-to resource packed with mindset tips, simple routines, and more to help you feel like yourself again. You don’t have to do this alone, mama! Learn more below.
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Related Blogs:
- How To Embrace Yourself As A Mom
- How To Prioritize Yourself When You’re A Stay At Home Mom
- Stay At Home Mom Goals For 2025 To Help You Thrive
- Family Routine: How to Create a Flexible Daily Routine You’ll Love
- Mom Groups Are Important But Lacking: Here’s What To Do
- Toxic Mom Culture & How To Navigate Through It
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