Today’s post is our very first guest post and it’s written by my friend, Brandi. Well she was Mr. S friend first, but I’ve stolen her for myself.
Bio: Brandi is a thirty-something Stay-At-Home-Mom that never stays home. She is a first time mom to a 15 month-old baby girl. In between, play-dates, gym and swim class – she is pursuing a dual Master’s Program MBA/Project Management at the University of Maryland. She lives in the DC area with her husband and daughter.
Making the decision to become a Stay at Home Mom(SAHM) was one of the most important decisions I have ever made. In these very short 475 days, it has been the most rewarding position I have ever held. The best part of the job is being there for all of my baby girl’s milestones, the worst is the “look” I get when people hear I am now a SAHM. You know the “look”, the one where people think all I do all day is watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and play at the park. Even though, I know for a fact that my days often start prior to most work days and end… wait it never ends. I think all mothers can admit that even in your sleep you are double, triple checking the monitor to make sure it is working. And if your little one does wake up, you spend several minutes trying to decipher the noise – is she awake-awake, will she put herself back to sleep, or is she having a nightmare that requires your presence.
I think I have been extremely successful in my new role due to the fact I have such a strong background in management. As a SAHM, you are required to have vast management skills. At times, I find is easier to manage a staff of 75 adults vs a 15 month-old. I bear several hats daily – chef, playmate, songstress, disciplinarian, chauffeur, house manager, stylist, interpreter, teacher and graduate student (dual program MBA/Project Management). Just like with any career, you must be extremely organized in order to avoid a nervous breakdown. Routines are key for establishing some type of normalcy.
Here’s an example of our day in a perfect world:
7 – 8/9 Mommy study time
8-9 Rise and Shine
9:30- 10:30 Breakfast
11:30 – 12:30 Gym Class
12:30 – 1 Lunchtime, followed by story time
1:30 – 3:30 Naptime/Mommy study time
3:45 – 5 Snacks, followed by learning time (flashcards, Preschool Prep Dvds)
5 – 5:45 Playtime – Park, if weather permits
6 – 7 Dinner preparation
7-8 Dinner
8-8:30 Bath, followed by story and bedtime
Of course there is flexibility due to errands, dr appts, and playdates that may arise.
The key is to make sure to have activities to do daily – Playdate, gym class, swim class, and storytime at the library. I think it is important for her to have weekly interactions with other children.
I must admit that I had no idea how hard being a SAHM would be and I no longer feel embarrassed by my lack of 9-5. I know that I am contributing to making the world a far more greater place now than ever before.
Do you have any questions about being a SAHM for Brandi? Leave them in the comment section.
Would you like to guest blog for Mamademics? Send your ideas to mamademics@gmail.com
