Welcome to Mom Motivation Mondays where weekly contributing writers share their motherhood experiences to encourage you to find the joy in being a mom.

{This week: Guest Post by Melissa Matters}

It was one of those days. I must have cleaned pee off the floor four times, scrubbed 15 dishes and said “Don’t do that” about 100 times.  I dealt with a three-year-old tantruming on the way to drop my older daughter off at school.  We went to the park.  I made two meals, prepared several snacks and did three loads of laundry.  We picked up my daughter from school.  We went to the park again.  We watched Octonauts and read stories. After doing homework and getting some work done, I collapsed in bed knowing that tomorrow morning I would start this all over again. Sound familiar?

Being a stay-at-home parent is hard work. Sometimes, being home with the kids every day, all day, can become monotonous. I want to break up the monotony so I am not a bored stay-at-home mom.

Here are 7 tips for the bored stay-at-home mom

Join a Group

When my daughter was born, I joined a mom’s club.  I met a lot of moms and made some great friends.  Although I’m not in a mom’s group anymore, I recommend it to moms, especially with babies and young children.  After all, having planned activities helps you get out of the house.

Exercise

Often times when we go to the park, we walk there. This way, I feel like I am hitting two birds with one stone.  I also play tag with my kids and, most nights, I try to take my dog on a run.  Exercise releases endorphins:  chemicals in your body that help you feel good.

Get Out of the House

I’m so glad I live in Southern California because I can’t handle being indoors all day. Even if we just go on a walk, most days, I can get outside. Picnics are my favorite. The kids seem to behave better when they are outside. In addition, the crumbs can simply be brushed into the grass.  It’s a win-win. On inclement weather days, we may head to the library or a museum instead.

Go Somewhere New

I love finding new places and activities for the kids and I to enjoy. We might find a story time, a different park or a beautiful spot for hiking. My favorite is when we take a road trip and go to a new beach or find a new restaurant we all love.

Go Somewhere Sans Children

Sometimes, I just need to go somewhere by myself.   For instance, I will go to the coffee house down the street, write and be in silence. Other times, my husband and I will go out on a date. All I need is an hour and I feel refreshed.

Let the Dishes Wait

I think the hardest part of being at home is the neverending mess. Sometimes, to keep my sanity, the dishes have to wait. Rather than cleaning, we will go outside, play a game or do a craft.  Other times, I will sit on the floor, do a puzzle with my kids, and just enjoy them.

Learn

I believe it is vital to actively use your brain. I love to write so I am always learning and researching. Learning a foreign language, taking a class or reading a book are all good options.

Most days, being at home with my children is a joy. However, these tips are important to remember on those “lather-rinse-repeat” days when I can become bored as a stay-at-home mom.

What tips do you have for stay-at-home moms to help break up the day so you do not get bored?

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Melissa Matters is a teacher, turned stay at home mom. She resides in Southern California with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two cats. She blogs over at Wading Through Motherhood where she talks about the joys and trials of motherhood, with a side of humor.

Socialize with her on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.

 

 

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Get caught up on all the encouragement in the Mom Motivation Mondays series!