stay at home mom

Nothing will make you crave life balance like having kids.

How I Lost “Me” When I Had My Son

“You need to come home right now,” I sobbed into the phone, no doubt sending a jolt of panic into my poor husband while he sat at his desk in his air-conditioned office with the free coffee and free access to adult conversation.

Read...
 I’m in; I’m out. I’m done.

I Don't Love Target, And Other SAHM Anachronisms

I have a confession to make. Target, meh. I’m just not that into it.

Read...
Joking about a kid who doesn’t nap is one thing, but I am back from the front lines to tell you that when you’re living it, it is no laughing matter. Image: Thinkstock.

7 Things I Learned From Raising A Kid Who Doesn't Nap

“Sleep when the baby sleeps” is the cruelest thing you can say to a new parent. It sounds oh-so-simple, doesn’t it? Just like my sleep advice sounded all those years ago, before I knew the harsh reality of parenting. It’s impossible to sleep when the baby sleeps if the baby is only down for 10 minutes at a time!

Read...
Taking an actual break while my husband parents feels somehow subversive, no matter how often I do it.

Why It Doesn't Bother Me That My Daughter Prefers Her Daddy

My toddler’s recent preference for her father has gone from sub-textual to textual. She has no compunction about loudly pushing me away and requesting her dad instead. I’ve been reprimanded for even speaking to her on occasion — “Don’t talk to me, Mom! Don’t talk!”

Read...
My daughter will be who she will be despite me, not because of me. Image: Thinkstock.

I Am The Mother I Am Because Of The Mother I Had

To blame [my mother] for all parts of me that are broken wouldn't be kind. She isn't responsible for who I am today. That said, on a subconscious level, I am the mother I am because of the mother I had.

Read...
Envy goes both ways, and that can be frustrating — especially when all we really want when we state our jealousy is a little bit of sympathy. Image: Thinkstock.

Why My Husband's Jealousy Is Good For Our Relationship

While the trials of caring for three small kids make it easy for jealousy to bloom, what makes stay-at-home life even harder is the lack of empathy and understanding I get for this 24/7 job. I have spent a frustrating amount of time trying to “prove my worth” to my husband.

Read...
so.many.cars

7 Danger Zones I Navigate Every Morning

Some mornings feel like the day wakes up two hours before I do — there's just no other way to explain the mess that greets me after washing the sleep out of my eyes. (In true SAHM fashion, though, that can be hours after getting up. Please tell me that's not just me.)

Read...
It’s normal to get a little sick of each other once in a while — and that’s OK.

10 Things I’ve Learned From Being A Sudden Stay-At-Home Mom

When I found myself suddenly not working 50 hours a week, I had no idea what to do with myself. But as my family eased into this new normal and found our rhythm, I’ve figured out a few things.

Read...