How to Beat the Stay-at-home Parent Blues

Unfortunately, guilt is one of the natural by-products of being a parent. Since we all want the absolute best for our children, we are naturally plagued with guilty feelings that we could, or should, be doing something more for our kids. And since there has been so much written about "working" moms and the guilt they feel, this week I want to discuss some of the special guilt issues specific to stay-at-home parents. All of these are normal feelings for stay-at-home parents.

Although we definitely have a lot of time with our children as stay-at-home parents, I often feel guilty that I don't spend enough "quality" time with my kids. Just being with them 24 hours a day does not alleviate the nagging guilt I often feel that I should be reading more books to them , talking to them and even playing with them. SInce they are around all day you almost feel like you should be teaching them or interacting with them every second. But when you have house cleaning that needs done, bills that need addressed, and dinner to get on the table. Quality time is going to be the last thing on your mind. I have found that I keep a semi-tight schedule that I commit myself to spend an hour spending quality time with kids when I have gotten some things done. For instance, after the kids and  I have eaten lunch and I have taken care of the lunch dishes, it is time for quality time. That way you dont spend your quality time worrying about other things. 

We all feel guilty when we blow-up at our kids, but being home all day with our kids, it's only natural that our children occasionally drive us crazy. Add that to the no adult contact during the day and the feeling of being the only one to care for the children and it is no question of why we blow up. My toddlers have stopped taking a nap on a regular basis. So, I put on a movie for them and tell that it is time to take a break. They lay down and watch the movie and if they are tired, they fall asleep. I use this time to just relax and have some alone time. Also, when your spouse gets home from work, give them some time to relax and then they should give you that same luxury. Remind them that they can leave their job, you can't!