5 Things To Do BEFORE Becoming a SAHM

In life, we have to make so many decisions, both big and small. When we were younger, the biggest decisions we had to make were who did we want to go to prom with and what college we might want to attend. Then later what will our major be followed by saying yes to that first real job that allows us to use that degree we spent all those years working to obtain.

However, by then we still have not made the biggest decisions we will make. Like who will we say “I Do!” to? Do we want to have kids? Then if we do, what kind of mother do we want to be? These decisions do not just affect us, but our potential families as well. Often once you become a mother the great debate on whether to become a stay at home mom, SAHM, or not ensues. If you want to become a SAHM, there are 5 things you should do first.

1) Pray About Becoming A Stay At Home Mom

Seeking God first when making any decision, whether big or small, is never a bad idea.

‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’
Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)

Prayer can often not just give you the answers you need, but also the peace you need. Becoming a SAHM is a big decision and can big a huge lifestyle change. So having true peace throughout the journey is important.

I remember when I made the decision to take the leap and become a SAHM. Knowing that God had given me a peace about it and was calling me to make this change was so comforting. There were times when I would question myself, but I would just pray and seek that peace that I knew was there.

Still, even though I made that decision years ago, there are times when I question whether I made the best decision. So having that peace gives me and will also give you the ability to quiet those thoughts and know you did make the best decision for you and your family.

2) Have Honest Conversations With Your Husband

Having open and honest communication in marriage is key, especially when making big decisions. When thinking about becoming a SAHM, having honest conversations with your husband early and often is so important.  This helps you both not to only be on the same page. But it also allows you both to share your questions and concerns.

Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?
Amos 3:3 (NLT)

Becoming a SAHM will not just mean changes for you, but also for your husband. Your husband will have his own thoughts, concerns, and hopes. You both will need a lot of support from each other if you choose to become a SAHM, so keeping the communication lines open is key.

One thing I learned through my journey to becoming a SAHM is that the conversations cannot stop once you have made a decision. As time passes and your family grows, your thoughts, views, and needs may change. So making sure that you stay on the same page is so important. You may decide that being a SAHM is not best for you right now, but that may change in time; and vice versa.

3) Consider Your Goals Before Becoming A SAHM

Being a mom is a very important responsibility and is such a blessing, but that does not stop you from being a woman. A woman who has goals, plans, and visions for her life. Becoming a SAHM can greatly affect your goals in different ways, so being mindful and considering that is so important.

Also when talking about goals, I am not just talking about your personal goals. What are your goals for your marriage? For your family? Have you really taken the time to talk about them with your husband and write them down?

Then once you have done this, be honest with yourself. Does becoming a SAHM fit in those goals? With all your gifts, talents, and things God has placed in your heart, does this fit? There are so many great ways for you to be a great mom, wife, and woman, so making sure you are doing what’s best for you overall is important to consider.

4) Take An Honest Look At Your Finances

I know that money is not everything, but you have to be mindful of the amount of money it will take to take care of our your family. Both today and in the future.

Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds,
Proverbs 27:23 (ESV)

Living on one income will take some adjustments and is not always possible for every family. Truly embracing stewardship and learning to how to really budget is going to be key as well having to live on one income. I never really worried about our finances or sticking to a budget until I became a SAHM.

I realized that in order for me to stay home and not to have my husband, Eric, stressed about making ends meet, I need to be proactive. So taking an honest look at your finances both now and for the future is another important step to take before becoming a SAHM.

5) Talk To Other Stay At Home Moms Before Becoming A SAHM

Let me be real for a moment. Being a SAHM often sounds and looks a lot more glamorous or easy from the outside looking in than it really is.

These snapshots of life are simply only a moment in time. Just like this photo, my girls and I do not look like this on most days.

Now do not get me wrong, being a SAHM is a beautiful thing and such a blessing, but it is not easy or for everyone. Just like with motherhood period, there is nothing easy or one size fits all about it. So talking to other SAHMs to get some true insight into what life may be like for you and things to consider is also important. Remember that every mom is different.

We all will have different ways we do things and things that work for us. Yet, building a network of moms you can go to and connect with is necessary no matter what your decision will be. Both while considering becoming a SAHM and after you make your decision.

Whether you become or are a SAHM, WAHM, or you are a mom that works outside of the home, there is no absolute right or wrong decision. Our families, just like us, are beautifully unique. So what works for one mom or family may not work for you. Using these five steps you will be on your way to making the best decision for both you and your family.

I’d love to hear how you are rocking motherhood in the comments!