Here are 8 survival tips for stay at home moms:

Mommy fatigue is a form of exhaustion that occurs as a result of feeling physically and emotionally overwhelmed by parenting. An exhausted mom often experiences fears related to not being good enough, relinquishing control, and losing her sense of self.

Perfection is Expected There are some who believe that “good” SAHMs always feed their children homemade and healthy unprocessed foods, drastically limit screen time, keep a perpetually perfectly clean and tidy house, and spend their days engaged in creative, educational play with the kids.

1. Make a plan the night before.
2. Get out of the house.
3. If it’s free, you should be there.
4. Don’t be afraid to give out your number.
5. Exercise.
6. Do something for yourself once per week (at least).
7. Break the rules.
8. Make the time you spend with your kids count.

The results revealed that moms who work part-time or full-time outside of the home during their child’s infancy and toddler years were happier and had stronger feelings of well-being than stay-at-home moms. Additionally, moms who worked outside of the home were healthier and happier overall.

Take Care of You

1. Refresh Yourself and Smile. It is so important to find some time in your day to get dressed, clean yourself up a bit, and smile in the mirror.
2. Work It Out.
3. Fuel Your Body.
4. Sleep—Just Do It.
5. Plan Out Your Day.
6. Get Realistic.
7. Open the Door.
8. Be Social.

Moms do more because we have the overwhelming need to ensure that our children are cared for in every way possible. We want to give 110% of ourselves because we’re selfless when it comes to our little ones, even when they are not so little anymore.

Baby Will Only Sleep When I Hold Him. Help!

1. Take turns. Switch off holding baby with your partner (just remember, it’s not safe for either of you to doze off with baby in your arms — easier said than done, we know).
2. Swaddle.
3. Use a pacifier.
4. Get moving.
5. Plus, more from The Bump:

9 Ways to Get Your Newborn Down to Sleep

1. A bed Goldilocks will love. Create a comfortable and cozy oasis that no baby can resist falling asleep in.
2. Just the right angle.
3. Make some noise.
4. Fill ’em up.
5. Cuddle up.
6. Don’t rock-a-bye-baby.
7. Swaddle.
8. Night and day difference.

“It’s always okay to hold an infant under four months old, to put them to sleep the way they need it,” says Satya Narisety, MD, assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Rutgers University. Always put him or her on his or her back on a flat mattress in the crib or bassinet after he or she falls asleep.