Staying Home with Your Kids: Making It Work

I think it’s important to say right off the bat: there’s no magical formula or quick solution to staying home with your kids. It takes a clear goal, sheer determination, and a willingness to make it happen, whatever that might look like for your family.

For over 11 years, I’ve been a stay-at-home mum (SAHM). Along the way, I’ve made countless decisions, sacrifices, and changes to make it work. My journey won’t look exactly like yours, but the principles and steps I’ve learned can guide you toward building the life you want at home with your kids.

Selfies with my very cheeky Ari-Bear

The Challenges of Being a SAHM

Let’s be honest: society is not set up to make staying home with your kids easy. Everywhere you look, families are encouraged to send mum back to work. There’s financial pressure, social pressure, and even self-doubt about whether staying home is the “right” thing to do.

But here’s the truth: it is possible, and it can be deeply rewarding. You may need to rethink your budget, find creative solutions, and take advantage of support systems—but if your goal is to stay home, you can make it work.

Principles for Success

1. Money Saving

I always say that if I can’t earn money, I can “earn” it through what I save. Small changes can add up to big savings. For example:

• Meal planning and cooking at home: If I was working full-time, I know I’d be tempted to grab takeout or eat out more often. Cooking at home saves us hundreds of dollars every month.

• Shopping smart: I look for grocery specials, use vouchers, and stock up when items are on sale.

• Avoiding impulse purchases: Staying mindful of what we really need has helped us cut back on buying toys, clothes, and extras.

Saving money is like giving yourself a wage for the effort you put into managing your household budget.

one of my weekly hauls from our local community grocer. Finding a community grocer that assists in food recovery was a wonderful way that we maintained our family budget.

2. Seek Support and Prioritise Self-Care

Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you don’t need a break from the kids—in fact, you probably need it more! It’s important to take time for yourself so you can be the best mum possible.

Self-care is trending, and for good reason: it helps ease the guilt that mums often feel about taking a breather. Whether it’s asking your partner to take over for an hour, swapping childcare with a friend, or hiring a babysitter for a few hours, don’t hesitate to give yourself time to recharge.

3. Make Sure You’re Getting What You’re Entitled To

Are you receiving all the Centrelink payments and benefits you’re eligible for? I know government support gets a bad rap, but if you’ve paid taxes in the past, this is your turn to benefit. Those funds are there to help families like yours.

And think about this: when you raise happy, healthy, well-adjusted kids who are connected to their family, they’ll grow up to be contributing members of society. So don’t feel guilty about seeking the support you need—it’s part of the cycle.

4. Embrace “Less Stuff”

When you live on a tighter budget, adopting a “less stuff” mindset can make life simpler and less stressful. This doesn’t mean you need to give up everything you love, but it might mean being more intentional about your purchases.

• Declutter your home and sell items you no longer need.

• Avoid bringing unnecessary items into your home unless they serve a real purpose or bring you joy.

• Remember: kids don’t need a million toys to be happy—they just need you.

Creative Solutions for Making It Work

1. Making Money on the Side

Earning extra income from home can be a game-changer. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Virtual opportunities: Freelance writing, graphic design, online tutoring, or selling handmade goods on Etsy are all great options.

• MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing): These can be controversial, so do your research thoroughly. Some people find success, but it’s important to understand the risks and avoid scams.

• Affiliated Marketing: This is when you get a little bit of commission for recommending a product or service to another person.

• Other ideas: Babysitting, renting out a room on Airbnb, or teaching a skill (e.g., piano lessons or baking classes) from home.

Start with small steps, explore what fits your skills and schedule, and see what works for you.

2. Scheduling Your Priorities

So many times, we come across great ideas on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, only to forget about them hours later. One strategy that works for me is to schedule these ideas into my calendar.

For example:

• If I read about a money-saving tip, I’ll make it a task for the week to try it out.

• If there’s a parenting strategy I want to explore, I’ll set aside time to research it more deeply.

Scheduling important (but non-urgent) tasks into your life ensures they actually get done instead of falling through the cracks.

Building the Connection with Your Kids

One of the greatest rewards of being a SAHM is the opportunity to build a close, lasting bond with your kids. Spending time with them now helps you understand who they are, who their friends are, and what they need to thrive.

Here are some simple ways to nurture that connection:

• One-on-one time: Set aside time to spend individually with each child, even if it’s just a short walk or playing a quick game together.

• Be present: Focus on quality time without distractions (put away your phone!) so they feel valued.

• Get involved: Take time to know their friends and their friends’ parents, so you’re familiar with the people in their lives.

Those slow, tiring, yet fleeting days when your baby is little. It was such a privilege to spend my time loving on them in their baby & toddler years. I didn’t miss a minute, and I am grateful for that.

While it might not seem important now, these connections will matter so much when they’re teenagers and well into adulthood..

Planning for the Future

It’s important to think ahead and plan for possible challenges, such as:

• Government changes: Keep an eye on shifts in policies that might affect family benefits.

• Financial crises: Consider consulting a financial planner to help you prepare for unexpected expenses, interest rate rises, or changes in income.

• Family emergencies: Make sure you have a will and any other necessary legal documents in place.

Thinking ahead doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst—it just means you’re prepared for anything.

Final Thoughts

I’m not a professional financial advisor or parenting expert, but I’ve spent over 11 years learning how to make staying home with my kids work for my family. With determination, creativity, and a willingness to adapt, you can create a life that allows you to be present for your kids without sacrificing your family’s well-being.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You’ve got this!