The Emotional Side of Becoming a Stay-at-Home Mom

So the baby is almost here, and you have decided to be a stay-at-home mom (or dad). You have it all planned out; your budget is set, you know when you have to tell your job, and you know all those important steps. But are you really ready?

I think one of the biggest shocks about starting to stay home is how different it feels then what you expected. You have worked for any number of years, maybe at one job maybe at many different jobs, but you have always worked, and now you are no longer employed. Don't get me wrong, you still will work even if it you have only one child, there is so much to do, but it is different then having to report in. I never expected how I would feel when I started staying home, even though I was working part time in the beginning.

One of the first feelings is a feeling of isolation. Even if you still go to the office, or visit with friends frequently, you are not part of that environment of work. You are now an outsider, someone who is out of the rat race, and enjoying the time off. You are viewed different and start to have to redefine your role, now as a Stay at home mom as opposed to an employee. Being a mom, is one of the best and most important roles you can have and that is the focus you must bring to the situation. It is important to develop some ties to others in the same situation. Before the baby is born, look for some activities you can do with your new child. Is there a Mom and me group; does your library have infant story time? Ask your doctor if they have any recommendations for groups that you can become involved with after the birth of your child. Having these connections will help you develop your new role as a mom and help you with the feeling of isolation.