I never imagined before having my own children that I would be a stay-at-home parent. The thought crossed my mind, especially after my first child, but I didn’t think it was possible for me. Life, however, had other plans. Hi, I’m Keli, and I’m the mom behind The Stay at Home Space. This blog is where I share my experiences, insights, and a whole lot of real talk about the beautiful chaos of stay-at-home parenthood.
My firstborn! Time flies. Cherish every moment.
Starting this stay-at-home parent blog was born out of a feeling of loneliness and desire for connection. When I became a SAHM, I quickly realized how isolating it could feel at times. I wanted to create a space where other parents could find relatable stories, practical advice, and a supportive, judgement-free community. My hope is that The Stay at Home Space becomes a go-to resource for SAHMs and SAHDs, offering support, encouragement, and a reminder that we’re all in this together.
The Journey to SAHM
My Life Before…
Before becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom, my life was a constant hustle. I was already a mom to my first child from a previous relationship. I juggled multiple part-time jobs, working as hard as life allowed to make ends meet. To be honest, we were living paycheck to paycheck. It was a stressful cycle, but it was what I knew. Especially with the resources available to me at the time.
Our little bundle of love nearly 1-month old!
Then, when I met my current partner and we later decided to have another child, everything changed. The thought of continuing that relentless pace while trying to give both my children the attention they deserved felt impossible. We wanted at least one parent to be more present, to create a stable and nurturing environment for our growing family.
Little did I know, my partner was doing the math on his own to prepare [me] for this journey. While it wasn’t going to be easy, we decided that if we were frugal, I could stay home. It was a leap of faith, a huge shift from the life I was used to, but it was a decision driven by a deep desire to prioritize my family’s well-being.
The Transition…
The shift from juggling multiple part-time jobs (or even attempting to when I couldn’t find a second one) and living paycheck to paycheck to becoming a full-time stay-at-home mom was a complete 180.
Initially, it felt incredibly strange. I went from constant motion and external validation to a world that revolved only around nap schedules and diaper changes—and navigating the needs of my then 9-year-old. The silence was deafening at times, and I missed the structure and adult interactions of my previous work life. There were days when I questioned if I’d made the right decision, especially when I was trying to balance the needs of a baby and a school-aged child.
But even with the challenges, there were also unexpected joys.
Being able to witness every milestone, every little giggle, and every new discovery with my youngest was a gift I hadn’t fully anticipated.
And with my 9-year-old, I found a different kind of fulfillment. I was finally able to be more involved in his school life, help with homework, and have those crucial after-school conversations. Being home allowed me to notice some learning difficulties he was experiencing, which we were able to address.
It felt like I was finally giving my children the time and attention they deserved.
I discovered a different kind of joy in making our home a place of love and support. The chaos of our days was often balanced by moments of pure, unadulterated love and connection.
The boys at Great Wolf Lodge!
I learned to find joy in the simple things. A quiet morning cuddle with the baby, helping my 9-year-old decide what to take to school for lunch, a silly dance party in the kitchen, or a homemade meal shared around the table.
It wasn’t the life I had originally pictured, but it was becoming a life filled with purpose and a deeper sense of family.
A Day in My Life as a SAHM
Whirlwind Mornings
Mornings in our house are always a surprise. My kids seem to have a knack for waking up at completely random times, so there’s no such thing as a typical start to the day. But once everyone’s up, breakfast is a flurry of activity – getting everyone fed and ready for whatever the day holds.
Summer mornings are for sleeping in.
Some days, we might venture out for an appointment or, if we’re lucky and schedules align, maybe even a playdate. But most days, our adventures are at home. The kids build pillow forts and get lost in imaginative play. I’m usually a part of their impromptu dance-offs in the living room.
Lunchtime is another busy rush, and then, if I’m lucky, the little one goes down for a nap. That’s my chance to catch my breath, maybe do a load of laundry, or check in on my social media accounts. I see if there are any user comments I need to reply to or check the activity on my latest Pinterest pins.
Our youngest with his daddy on our occasional grocery outing.
Errands and Adventures
Errands are usually handled online – thank goodness for delivery services! – unless my partner is home, or we have an appointment to attend.
Dinner prep is always an adventure, and that’s where Amazon Fresh comes in. I started using it back in 2020, and it’s been invaluable. Ordering groceries online and having them delivered saves me so much time and stress. If you’re a busy parent or have trouble focusing when your little ones are in-tow, you know how valuable that is. Check it out here: Amazon Fresh Delivery.
Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link. This means I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase.
After dinner, it’s the bedtime routine – which, let’s be honest, changes every single day! – baths, stories, and lots of cuddles are usually involved.
Finally, if I’m lucky, I get a little time to relax before starting the cycle all over again!
What I Hope to Provide to My Readers
When I decided to start this blog, I knew I wanted to create something more than just another parenting website. My aim is to build a community, a place where a stay-at-home parent could find a bit of themselves reflected in the stories and advice shared here. I want to provide resources and support for every stage of the SAHP journey, starting with the initial decision-making process: To Be or Not to Be: Stay-at-Home Parent
I hope to provide practical tips and real-life experiences that make the often-chaotic journey of SAHP life a little bit easier. Whether it’s finding ways to manage the daily grind, discovering new kid-based activities, or simply reminding you that you’re not alone in this, my goal is to create a space that feels supportive and relatable.
I want this to be a place where you can come to find encouragement, maybe a laugh or two, and the feeling that, even on the toughest days, you’ve got this.
Ultimately, I hope to show that staying at home isn’t just about the endless chores and routines; it’s about creating a life filled with connection, joy, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime. And for me, a big part of that joy comes from pursuing my own passions, like gardening. When the warmer months arrive, you’ll find me out in the garden with my kids, getting our hands dirty and growing our own food. I’ll be sharing our gardening adventures, tips, and recipes here on the blog, so stay tuned!
You can also find more inspiration and ideas on my Parenting Pins on Pinterest! I’ve curated a collection of resources and tips there to help you on your SAHM journey.
Let’s Connect!
Well, that’s me in a nutshell – a mom trying to navigate this intense, beautiful world of stay-at-home parenting. I hope you found this post helpful, and maybe even a little bit relatable. I’d love to hear from you! What are your biggest challenges as a SAHM? What brings you joy in your day-to-day life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – let’s build a community here!
I’m mindful of practicing digital wellness, so I don’t post often on all my social media accounts. However, if you’re looking for a peek into my daily life and some behind-the-scenes moments, you can find me on TikTok and Lemon8. By the way, Lemon8 is the platform I enjoy perusing the most.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss out on future posts. I’ve got lots of ideas brewing, from activity guides to meal planning tips. Also, honest reflections on the ups and downs of SAHM life.
Thanks for stopping by and remember – you’re not alone on this journey. We’re in this together!
With Love,
Keli ♥
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