How to Thrive as a Stay-at-Home Mum: A Personal Journey and Practical Tips

For many, the role of a stay-at-home mum is a beautiful paradox—filled with joy, challenges, and a constant juggling act between parenting and self-care. Christelle, a mum of two, shares her story, offering relatable insights, practical advice, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Meet Christelle: A Mum with a Love for Exploration

Christelle is mum to Archie (3) and Lucia (16 months). Originally from France, she met her partner Dan, from England, ten years ago. Their journey to parenthood wasn’t easy—it took six years, two surgeries, and a lot of resilience to welcome their first child, Archie. “That experience really tested my self-confidence,” Christelle admits, reflecting on how infertility affected her both personally and professionally.

Now, with two little adventurers by her side, Christelle’s family enjoys a life full of exploration, whether that’s wandering the neighbourhood or building forts at home.

How Christelle Became a Stay-at-Home Mum

For Christelle, the decision to stay at home wasn’t entirely planned. Back in 2019, she left her corporate job to pursue copywriting—a passion she’d nurtured since childhood. This career change gave her the flexibility to support her family while continuing to work. When her children were born, Christelle adjusted her schedule to fit their needs, working during naps and late evenings.

“I knew a demanding corporate role wouldn’t work for me during those years, so I carved out a path where I could balance motherhood and work,” she explains. That flexibility, combined with help from her mum, made staying at home a viable and fulfilling choice.

A Day in the Life of a Stay-at-Home Mum

Christelle’s days are busy and full of variety. “Mornings are a bit chaotic,” she laughs, describing breakfast battles and getting everyone dressed. Once the whirlwind of early routines settles, the family’s adventures begin—playgroups, park visits, or neighborhood explorations. Naptime doubles as her work time, while afternoons are spent crafting or heading out again.

In the evenings, once the kids are in bed, Christelle carves out a few more hours for her business. With Archie in preschool and Lucia in daycare two days a week, she’s been able to focus even more on her writing and creative pursuits.

Finding Balance Amid the Chaos

“Balance is something I’m still figuring out,” Christelle admits. “Some days, everything works in harmony. Other days, the laundry pile wins.” Her secret? Embracing flexibility and making the most of small moments of connection, like reading a book with her kids first thing in the morning or spending time together before tackling chores.

Christelle also highlights the importance of being present. “I’ve learned that structure helps, but you also need to adapt to the chaos and focus on bonding with your kids wherever you can.”

Christelle with her son Archie.

The Joys of Motherhood

For Christelle, the rewards of staying at home are in the little moments. “It’s the cuddles when you least expect it, the first words, or when they grab your hand to show you something because they can’t talk yet.” Spending so much time with her children has deepened their bond, and she cherishes these fleeting early years.

Challenges and How She Overcomes Them

One of Christelle’s biggest challenges is the guilt of dividing her attention between her kids and her work. “When I’m working, I feel guilty for not being present with my kids. When I’m with my kids, I feel guilty for not working.” Over time, she’s learned to prioritize what’s most important and embrace imperfection.

She also acknowledges how easy it is to lose yourself in the whirlwind of family life. “I make it a point to carve out little moments for myself—whether that’s a short walk, burning incense, or reading for ten minutes. It’s about being creative with your time.”

Tips, Tools, and Surprising Lessons

Christelle’s advice for other stay-at-home mums is simple but powerful: don’t compare yourself to others. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to motherhood. Give yourself grace and know you’re doing an amazing job, even on the hard days.”

She also swears by the “two-minute tidy” rule. “If something can be cleaned in two minutes, just do it. Breaking tasks into small pieces really helps when you’re juggling a lot.”

One thing that surprised Christelle about being a stay-at-home mum is how hard it is. “You imagine it’s all arts and crafts and cuddles, but it’s also a full-time job that demands patience, creativity, and flexibility.”

Finding Community and Staying Social

Maintaining a social life is important, and Christelle has been fortunate to connect with other mums through playgroups. Many of them had second children at the same time as her, making it easy to schedule playdates and form lasting friendships.

Weekends are reserved for family time or catching up with friends. “We try to keep one day just for the four of us—it’s a nice way to recharge and connect as a family.”

Funny and Memorable Moments

Parenting comes with its fair share of surprises. Christelle recalls a time when her son Archie crept into her room at night for the first time. “I was reading with the torch on my phone, and I saw this shadow moving at the foot of the bed. I was so scared! But when I looked closer, I found Archie sitting there, scared to come into bed because he thought he’d be told off.”

Her daughter Lucia, on the other hand, keeps life interesting by hiding Christelle’s shoes in unusual places—or throwing them off the balcony!

Looking Ahead

As her kids grow, Christelle envisions her role evolving from hands-on carer to supportive guide. She’s excited to watch them develop their own interests and navigate the world. Travel is also on the horizon for her family, as she hopes to introduce her children to new cultures and experiences.

On a personal level, Christelle is working on her middle-grade book series, The Intrepid Explorers. Writing remains a passion, and she’s determined to keep nurturing it alongside her family life.

The Intrepid Explorers -

Final Thoughts

Christelle’s story is a reminder that there’s no perfect way to be a stay-at-home mum. “It’s about finding what works for you and your family, being present, and giving yourself grace.” Whether it’s embracing the chaos, savoring the small moments, or creating a balance between work and play, Christelle is proof that with patience and creativity, you can thrive in this role.

To all the mums out there: you’re doing an incredible