How to Avoid Being a Bored Stay at Home Mom

Are you at that point where you’re like, “I’m a stay at home mom, and it’s getting a bit dull,” or does the routine make you feel a bit bored while caring for your baby? No need to feel bad.

I understand that taking care of your awesome kid(s), cooking, and cleaning all day, EVERY DAY, should keep you plenty busy, right? (said with a touch of sarcasm) The repetition of it all can honestly become a bit tiresome.

It’s okay to feel this way because these feelings are totally normal!

I’m a stay at home mom, and I totally get it! However, I’ve found some things that really help me shake off those feelings. I hope these ideas can work for you, too, because I know they make a difference for me.

Find a Fun Hobby

When I left my office job to be a stay at home mom, it was a big change. Being in new territory, I wanted to avoid boredom and contribute financially.

After some searching, I figured out how to make money from home while taking care of my kids. It was tough, but I found a flexible gig I could do during nap time, early mornings, or at night.

Working from home with kids isn’t a breeze, but it’s doable, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I were only a stay at home mom without work, I’d definitely be bored, even though I love spending time with my kids.

Think about the future – when the kids are older, what do we do if we’ve given everything to them now? You don’t want to lose yourself during these precious years.

There are hobbies for stay-at-home moms; you just have to find one that suits you.

Stay Connected with Friends

Let’s face it, staying in touch with friends becomes a bit tricky once you’re a mom.

We’re all super busy, and most of the time, our kids are on totally different schedules.

But, if you can squeeze in some time to chat with your friends, or even better, meet up with them, it gives you something to look forward to.

Even quick texts help when you’re too tied up to meet in person.

If a girls’ weekend is your thing, try planning one every now and then.

Staying connected with other adults is crucial so you don’t end up feeling bored and start resenting the awesome job of being a stay-at-home mom!

Find Your Local Moms’ Groups

Not everyone is lucky to have friends in the same mom boat. I’ve got married friends, but some don’t have kids, and they just don’t get what life is like with little ones, especially being a stay at home mom.

I found my gang in Facebook groups. I love these groups because these moms “get it.” It’s a no-judgment spot to vent about our daily mom lives.

One mom shared a funny story about her daughter talking so much she thought something might be wrong. Her daughter talks about everything, even describing her cereal like, “oh, so crunchy and sweet, and how cool and fresh the milk is.” I had to laugh because I could totally see this happening. We just assured her that it’s totally normal, and chatty Cathy is just fine :-).

Scrolling through the Facebook threads feels like therapy, knowing I’m not alone in this motherhood/stay-at-home mom journey. I learn so much from the other moms, so joining in is totally worth it and entertaining.

Plan Your Days

If you do the same thing every day, of course, it’ll get boring. Mix up your weekly routine with playdates, trips to the park, the gym, the library, or grocery shopping, just to name a few.

I like planning my days the night before to have something to look forward to and feel accomplished. When I don’t have plans, it can affect my mood, so try doing something if you can.

Take Some “Me” Time

It’s the weirdest thing, but when I FINALLY get to go out without the kids, I somehow feel guilty. Does that ever happen to you?

The good news is that mom guilt doesn’t last too long because I soon realized how much I needed that break. When planning your days, try to set aside at least one day to do something by yourself, even if it’s just grocery shopping.

The thought of doing something solo is enough to look forward to. Self-care is crucial. It is not me first, but it’s me too.

Hit the Gym

I chose to be a stay at home mom so I wouldn’t have to put my kids in daycare, but there’s something different about the kid center at my gym that makes it okay for other people to watch my kids. Maybe it’s because I can sneak in and check on them anytime through the window to make sure they’re okay.

I’m not someone who loves working out, but doing things like Zumba and taking a hip-hop class at the gym puts me in a zone that’s hard to explain.

I get that joining a gym might not fit your budget, but that’s why you should explore various ways to make money from home with kids so you can add this to the budget. It’s so worth it – we all need an outlet.

Plan Fun Nights Out

I love the thought of date nights, but honestly, in my house, they don’t happen a lot. I met this couple who hangs out every Friday for their date night. I told them I thought that was so nice (trying my best not to show my envy).

Having a date night planned, even if it’s just once a month, is a great way to beat boredom. It gives you something to look forward to and lets you plan your outfit and hairstyle. Scrolling through Instagram keeps me occupied for hours.

Since this doesn’t happen too often, make the most out of it and remind him why he chose you.

More Ideas For Stay At Home Moms To Do

Things to Treat Yourself

1. Pick up a new hobby.
2. Get creative – make a wreath for the front door or try another fun craft.
3. Exercise without leaving home by following a workout video on YouTube.
4. Dive into a good book or listen to an audiobook.
5. Spice things up in the kitchen by learning a new recipe.
6. Give yourself a mini pampering session – paint your fingernails or toenails.
7. Relax with a facial mask.
8. Consider starting your own Etsy store. Here’s a peek at mine!
9. Tune in to a podcast.
10. Treat yourself to a homemade iced coffee – just for you!
11. Enjoy some thrifting.
12. Take a stroll – the kids can join in too!

Activities with Your Kids

13. Explore a new park.
14. Have a friend over for coffee or lunch.
15. Share muffins or cookies with your neighbors.
16. Take a stroll around the neighborhood.
17. Bake cookies, bread, muffins, etc.
18. Start a garden, flower bed, or containers.
19. Visit a local museum.
20. Hike at a nearby park.
21. Explore a flower garden.
22. Visit the zoo.
23. Spend a day at the pool.
24. Check out an indoor playground at the mall or a fast-food place.
25. Have a picnic at home or in a park.
26. Host a cookie decorating party with other moms and their kids.
27. Engage in a craft with your kids. Some of my favorites are one-page printable crafts. All you need are printing paper, crayons, scissors, and glue!
28. Play a board game.
29. Put together a puzzle.

Activities at Home

30. Print pictures from your phone and create a gallery wall.
31. Paint an accent wall or an entire room for a change.
32. Declutter clothes from your closet or your kid’s closets.
33. Organize and declutter the garage.
34. Tackle the infamous junk drawer. We all have one!
35. Give the front door a fresh coat of paint.
36. Spruce up the front porch or back deck.
37. Deep clean an area of the home that hasn’t been done in a while.
38. Start that project you’ve been putting off!

Money-Making Ideas

39. Flip furniture and sell it online or at markets.
40. Offer babysitting services.
41. Walk dogs in your neighborhood.
42. Clean other people’s houses.
43. Create digital prints to sell online.
44. Try your hand at knitting or crocheting and sell your creations online.
45. Teach English online.
46. Make and sell jewelry.
47. Create and sell frozen meals.
48. Offer tutoring services for children.
49. Teach music lessons.
50. Sell your art on Etsy.