Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most rewarding and special jobs in the world. However, it does have its challenges. Boredom can be a real issue for stay-at-home parents! Days spent with little ones can be repetitive and isolating. In my experience, they’re rarely uneventful, but they can lack the mental stimulation I long for. As moms, we often overlook our own needs, and boredom may seem low on the priority list. However, busting boredom is actually quite manageable and can help us feel happier and more fulfilled!

Here are some ways to bust boredom as a stay-at-home mom:

Parallel Playing: While your kids do something, do a similar task next to them. For example, you can read your own books side by side, journal while they work on their workbook, build your own Lego sets, or garden while they water plants. This provides an opportunity to watch your kids and connect while doing something you enjoy.

Sharing Your Hobbies: Not everything has to be child-led! Introduce your kids to your favorite hobbies, whether it’s biking, baking, or anything in between. Your kids may surprise you with how capable they are. My kids and I regularly hike and watercolor together—hobbies I enjoy and introduced to them. Gardening, baking, and doing puzzles are also fun outlets that can be shared easily with littles!

Listening to Audiobooks or Podcasts: Download the Hoopla or Libby apps and connect them with your library card for access to lots of free books. I use these earbuds because I’m too irresponsible for AirPods. They’re great as I can listen to a book in one ear while listening for the kids with the other.

Socializing: Make sure you have routine activities that meet both your kids’ social needs and your own. Plan playdates with friends, chat with your family, and attend co-ops or playgroups. Building your community is such an important part of motherhood and homeschooling.

Taking Breaks: Plan at least one monthly break where you spend time with your spouse, a friend, or simply enjoy time alone. Taking breaks away from the kids helps us refresh and better enjoy the time we have together. Having them more regularly helps prevent parental burnout, too. Also, if you can swing it, a girl’s trip is golden.

Doing Something for Yourself: There are many ways to squeeze in a little something for yourself. And no, I’m not suggesting you wake up at 5 a.m. to work out alone. Make small, tangible steps toward making your days more joyful. Take a daily walk when your partner gets home, cook a weekly recipe that’s just for the grown-ups, wear a cute dress just because, make a fancy seasonal coffee, or stock up on a favorite drink.

Getting Outside: Being in nature is proven to boost everyone’s mood. From the fresh air to the change of scenery, getting outside helps us feel better. Download this Outdoor Scavenger Hunt bundle and soak up the sun while your kids explore.

Being Creative: Rediscover creative outlets by enjoying artistic endeavors. Find a fun activity that you can easily do at home with the kids around. Water coloring (this set is lovely!), drawing, writing, jewelry making, and crocheting are easy to start and work on little by little.

Getting Out of the House: Sometimes, we just need to get away for a few hours! Once a week, plan an outing, like taking the kids to the playground, visiting the library, buying treats from a local bakery, or strolling through the thrift shop. While it’s easier to stay home with little ones, spending time outside the house is essential to our well-being.

You can love your kids and enjoy your role while also admitting that sometimes the long days at home are a bit boring. Taking care of our needs as moms can help us be happier, more present mothers. I hope you feel encouraged to find little ways each day to have some fun, relax, and enjoy the ever-so-important role you have!

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