From not missing out on any ‘firsts’ to adding great skills to your CV, being a SAHM has a million benefits. Here are our top 13…
13 brilliant bonuses to being a stay at home mum
You can make new SAHM friends
Sign up for a baby, new mum or NCT group and you’re bound to double your Facebook friends in no time. Could come in handy when you need a last minute babysitter.
You’re there for every moment
The first smile, the first laugh, the first step and even the first shower of puke.
You can take it easy when you’re ill
No more do you need to down Lemsip by the gallon in order to get through a working day with a cold – you can chill on the sofa when you’re under the weather. And thank the lord for CBeebies.
You’ll have extra bonding time
From cuddles on the sofa, to nappy changing time, to bathtime, you’ll have plenty of one-on-one bonding time with your baby as a SAHM.
You can take daytime naps
Ok so lie-ins are out, but being at home does mean that when you need to you can nap when your baby does. Helloooo siesta.
You can enjoy the sun – when it’s out
Forget gazing longingly out of the window when it’s sunny – you can be out there enjoying it all with your tot. Cue lots of playground and beach trips.
You’ll spend lots of time playing
And your toddler’s toys aren’t so bad. You may even find you get weirdly into building Duplo towers…
You’ll get plenty of non-strenuous exercise done
Don’t worry about fitting in a gruelling (and costly) session at the gym – the running around after your baby you’ll do will be enough to keep you healthy and in shape. Result.
You’ll save on childcare costs
Has the extortionate cost of your local nursery or your friend’s nanny made you feel dizzy? You don’t need to worry about that as a SAHM.
There’s no dress code
Forget digging out your lint roller on a daily basis and ironing your go-to suit – your baby doesn’t give a toss what you wear. So pull on those trackie bottoms if you feel like it.
You’ll have time to enjoy cooking
Embrace your inner Nigella and take the time to try out some new recipes. You’ll realised that minus the mad post-work dash to rustle up something for dinner, cooking for your child can actually be fun. You can even enlist him as your sous chefs.