For many parents, an extra set of hands to help with childcare would go a long way in finishing their to-do list, reducing stress and so much more. Just like self-care isn’t selfish, hiring a babysitter isn’t either. When parents hire a caregiver, they have more time to do what they need so they can show up and be there for their kids.
5 Ways SAHMs can benefit from hiring a sitter or nanny
For many parents, an extra set of hands to help with childcare would go a long way in finishing their to-do list, reducing stress and so much more. Just like self-care isn’t selfish, hiring a babysitter isn’t either. When parents hire a caregiver, they have more time to do what they need so they can show up and be there for their kids. Brené Brown says it best: “We can’t practice compassion with other people if we can’t treat ourselves kindly.”
From looking after the house to paying bills and caring for the little ones in your life, stay-at-home moms give their all in everything and deserve to ask for help when they need it. Hiring a babysitter as a stay-at-home mom is completely their decision—a decision that may benefit their family.
There are so many reasons for families to want to bring in a sitter or other type of caregiver. Read on for five pros to having a babysitter as a stay-at-home mom.
#1 Tackle Your To-Do List
While Amazon has redefined what it means to shop online, you do have to leave the house sometimes. Whether you’re running to the grocery store, getting a haircut or bringing dinner to a mom friend, you need to carve out some time in the day to check things off your list. And let’s face it––you’re way more efficient on a solo shopping mission.
It’s OK to say it: you’re a modern woman and you’ve got stuff to do. It’s not easy to keep track of kiddos while you’re trying to maintain a household and manage all the living expenses associated with it. Having a sitter or nanny allows you to take care of business without interruptions and run all of your errands in a single trip (and avoid any mid-aisle meltdowns). That means when you do spend time with your little ones, you’re not distracted thinking about the million other things you have to do.
#2 Get Back In The Game
Headed back to work? Don’t be afraid to take it slow. Having an extra set of hands to help with the kids can give you the chance to start on a remote or part-time schedule. Being able to move at your own pace provides peace of mind and makes the process go a whole lot smoother.
When you’re back in the swing of things, a sitter can give you a few uninterrupted hours or days each week to focus on your career. Whether you’re starting a passion project or maintaining an adjusted 9-to-5 schedule, being able to concentrate on your work assignments is important to maintaining your professional life.
#3 Have Help In Case Of Emergencies
Whether it’s a last-minute appointment or a serious situation that needs your immediate attention, life happens. Things will come up that you have to deal with, and it’s much easier to do so without having to worry about your children’s safety. Having a sitter as a SAHM is like having a part-time partner around the house. While a sitter could never replace your spouse, they are equipped to step up and step in when you need them.
If you’re having a tough time letting love into your home in the form of a caregiver, remember that it’s your right to have a nanny cam! A nanny cam gives you visibility into what goes on while you’re not around and peace of mind for when you have to step out of the house.
#4 Prioritize Your Relationships
Catch up with girlfriends during a yoga class or reconnect with your partner over lunch, but either way, having a caregiver lets you focus on the other people in your life. According to Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, psychologist and author of Mommy Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Life and Raise Healthier Children in the Process, neglecting adult relationships is a common cause of mommy burnout.
“Mommy burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion that you feel from the chronic stress of parenting,” says Ziegler. “Stay connected. Stop overextending to your kids and start tending to your friends. Reach out.”
Being a SAHM and hiring a nanny means you can take the time to tend to the important relationships in your life. We can’t do it all, all the time. By reaching out to your village, you’ll have the energy and support to be the best mom for your kids.
#5 Take Time For Yourself
Remember you? Wonderful, brilliant, unique you? She matters! You deserve to be a priority. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for it. Hire the nanny and don’t feel guilty. Give yourself permission to get a pedicure, go for a walk around the block, delegate household responsibilities and whatever else you need. A nanny or sitter is there to help simplify your day-to-day, so take your time finding the right caregiver and establish a schedule that works for you and your family.
In the “Balancing Career and Family: The Myth of Having It All” episode of the Windy City Nanny, I sat down with Jaycie to talk about her experience as a working mom and how she balances work with her family. We had such an amazing conversation—check it out below! 💛
