I’ve seen a lot of people online asking for advise on transitioning to being a stay at home mom.  I know the fear and uneasiness that comes with a decision of this magnitude.  I struggled for years on weather or not to stay home with my kids.  I prayed and prayed and God answered my prayer loud and clear.  Even though I knew that it was going to be coming, it was still hard not to worry and stress out about such a monumental change!

Get and Live on a Budget

When we knew for sure that I would be staying home, I started reworking our budget.  For two to three months before we would lose my income we lived off our “new” income.  This was a big help because it showed me which areas we were short in and those that I had over budgeted.  I highly suggest getting on the new budget as soon as you can so that by the time your “safety net” is no longer coming in, you feel more comfortable and secure and know what to expect.

With the “extra” money we had coming in those two to three months, we used to stock pile on certain items, pay off more of our car, and saved what was left.

Read

Please take the time to read

Read my review here.

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Talk

If at all possible, find someone near by that has gone through the same transition.  Some of the hardest things for me were my own expectations.  I thought that since I’d be home that I would be able to clean more, not thinking about the fact that we would be home more and therefore make more of a mess.  I also didn’t expect to feel like I wasn’t making a difference.  I knew in my heart that I was, but my brain wasn’t always on the same track.

This person can also be a great resource for you and probably become a friend!

Look Into Resources

Look into programs to join, classes to take your children to, etc.

Look for a MOPS group, a Mom’s Day Out or Kid’s Day In program, classes or story time at the library.  If you can afford it, look into a gym membership that also offers kids classes.

Libraries, churches, museums, and parks and recreation are good places to search for resources.

Other Tips

• get on a routine once you are home
• make sure to make time for yourself
• make sure to make time for your spouse
• stay connected to other stay at home moms
• find 2-3 blogs to follow
• make daily or weekly goals to help you feel like you’ve accomplished things
• other books to read:
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  and

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Hurry, time is running out to get this great bundle!  :)