13 Habits of Highly Effective (and Sane) Stay-at-Home Moms

Stay-at-home moms (all moms really) require good hydration. Start with loads of coffee, sustain with even more water, and close out the day with an adult beverage.

Source: Flickr user electrictuesday

There is a misconception that stay-at-home moms can exercise whenever they want. Not true, but if you can find a minute to get your heart pumping, do it! It's not only good for your mind and body, but it also connects you with the outside world, and if you're lucky, your gym may even offer free child care.

Source: Flickr user Fit Approach

It sounds silly: get ready for the day. If you are a stay-at-home mom, you know all too well that this is simply not as easy for us as it is for the rest of the population. Do yourself a favor, though, and push through it. Go ahead and put on Sesame Street in the morning so you can get yourself ready for the day. You'll simply feel better.

Source: Flickr user Kevin Zamani

Be it playgroups, baby classes, or support groups, join in on the extracurricular fun. Any kind of outside group will not only provide your baby with socialization, but it'll also give you a chance to have semiadult conversations with others.

Source: Flickr user surlygirl

Stay-at-home moms may be criticized more than any other child-rearing person out there. And guess what? Who cares. People who think you sit at home and relax all day long have absolutely no idea what they are talking about, and it's best to just ignore them. Once you start doing that, you'll be a lot better off.

Source: Flickr user Natalie Lucier

Nap time is sacred in a successful stay-at-home mom's world. Kids try to break themselves free of this ritual long before they (or you) are ready, and it's important to be strong in holding on to the nap for as long as you can. It provides a much needed break in the day for everyone — and if your child has aged out of nap time, introduce quiet time.

Source: Flickr user Abigail Batchelder

Staying at home with your children does not, I repeat, does not mean that you should be their sole means of entertainment. Teach your children the value of independent play. Everyone benefits from a tot being able to play alone for a few minutes — heck, Mama might even be able to check her email.

Source: Flickr user Gordon

The thing about it is that at some point (many points really), there will be chaos. And that is OK. You don't need to be the perfect mom, your house does not need to be spotless, and dinner does not need to be on the table when your spouse gets home. If you can swing it, hats off to you, but if not, then better luck next time.

Source: Flickr user Marta A Orlowska

It's no easy task staying at home all day with the kids, and other women going through the same feelings can be your best medicine. I tend to stalk out other mothers at the playground, but moms' clubs are also a wonderful way to meet and befriend other like-minded mamas.

Source: Flickr user Britt-knee

Being in a house with a small child (or two) means that anything can happen, and you'll keep your sanity if you expect the unexpected. That means having ample cleaning supplies, medical supplies, and crafting supplies, as well as food and provisions.

Photo: Denise Stirk

As I wrote this post, my son proudly colored all over the playroom (see No. 12) and flushed his underwear down the toilet. I'm not kidding. At this point, all I can do is laugh at my life, which, by the way, I wouldn't change for a thing.

Source: Flickr user Rain0975