9 tips for stay-at-home parents

There’s a lot to juggle as a stay-at-home parent. With so much to do, there isn’t always much time left for you. Here are 9 ways to help achieve that balance:

1. Keep a positive attitude. There are days when everything may seem overwhelming, but not all days will be like that. Focus on things that went well or made you happy each day and forget about the events in your day that didn’t go as planned.
2. Hang out with other parents. Join a baby-care class, discussion group, or parent-child playgroup where you can meet informally with other new parents.
3. Pursue old interests and develop new ones. Take a class in a subject that interests you. Many are offered online so you can do them at home. And many craft stores offer drawing, knitting, scrapbooking—and don’t mind if you bring your baby.
4. Take time for yourself. Let your significant other watch the baby as you take a relaxing bath, go for a walk, or read a favorite magazine. Even if it’s just for 15 minutes, it’s time for you to recharge.
5. Keep a journal. Commit to paper how you feel and what you think. Rereading your entries later is wonderful therapy.
6. Exercise and eat well. Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean you should neglect your health. You’ll have more energy to keep up with your baby if you eat healthy foods and stay in shape. Even a quick, 10-minute walk can help you feel more energized.
7. Take time to play. No matter how busy you are, take frequent breaks throughout the day to play with your little one.
8. Volunteer your services. It will keep your skills sharp should you decide to return to work when your child is older.
9. Stay in touch with friends. It’s easy to set your social life aside when you’re busy with a new baby, but it’s important to make time for friends. Schedule a morning coffee hour with other parents. Have a girls’ or guys’ night out with former coworkers, other parents, your single friends, or a mix of all three.