Confronting Stay-at-Home-Mom Depression

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"Mom, I love you, even though I’ll never accept your friend request."

Happy Monday, Mommy! Or as we like to call it, "Strong Coffee Day". But don't worry, we've got you covered. Here are today's gems.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Real talk: battling the stay-at-home-mom blues

• The ice pack hack

• Crockpot magic: Aloha, Hawaiian chicken

• DIY snow globes that Elsa would approve

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Yoga Mats & Bubble Baths

Stay-at-Home-Mom Depression is Real

Feeling a bit sad while staying home with the kiddos?

You're not the only one. Let's talk about the hidden side of being a stay-at-home mom.

Understanding the Stay-at-Home Blues

• Many moms (27% in fact) decide to stay home with their kids.

• Sometimes, this comes with feelings of being alone, missing your old life, and wondering what your purpose is. This is called 'stay-at-home mom depression'.

• More than a quarter of moms who stay at home feel this way, so remember, you're not alone.

When 'Mom' Becomes Your Only Name

• Remember when you used to work, study, or just be you? Suddenly you're only known as 'Mom' and it feels strange.

• Rachel, a stay-at-home mom, says she struggles every day to figure out where she fits in now.

Non-stop Mommy Tasks

• Moms are super busy with things like packing lunches, driving kids around, and cleaning.

• This never-ending to-do list can feel exhausting and not very rewarding.

• Studies show stay-at-home moms often feel more sad, stressed, and worried than moms who work.

The 'Perfect' Moms Online

• Moms on Instagram and Pinterest make it look easy and fun, but remember, that's not real life.

• Don't feel bad if your kids' lunches aren't picture-perfect or your house isn't spotless.

Taking Care of You: Steps to Feel Better

• Eat Right: A healthy diet does wonders for mood. Go for lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. Try to limit junk food and sugary drinks. It's all about balance!

• Stay Active: Exercise can boost your mood. Even a 10-minute walk or a quick workout at home can make a difference. Dancing around the living room with your kids counts too!

• Soak Up the Sun: Sunlight gives you vitamin D and helps keep your mood up. Try to spend some time outside each day, even if it's just drinking your morning coffee in the backyard.

• Sleep Well: Moms are often sleep-deprived, which can make you feel down. Try to get a good night's sleep as often as you can.

• Set Goals: Having something to look forward to can help a lot. This could be a personal goal like reading a book or a bigger goal like training for a 5K.

• "Me" Time: Taking some time for yourself each day, even if it's just a few minutes, can make a big difference. Read, meditate, garden, or do something else that you love.

Getting Help is Okay

• If you're feeling down, there's no shame in talking to your close friends/family or joining a mom’s group online.

• If things don’t get better, don't hesitate to see a professional, like a counselor or doctor.

Takeaway

It's normal to feel overwhelmed as a stay-at-home mom. It's okay to miss your old life and to not feel perfect.

And remember, it's always okay to ask for help. We're all in this together 🙂 

Keep reading here.

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Mom Hack

Sponge Ice Pack

Mom Hack

Have you ever tried a sponge ice pack?

It's the perfect hack for those inevitable kiddo bumps and bruises.

Just take a sponge, give it a soak, wring out the excess water, and pop it into a ziplock bag.

Stick it in the freezer, and voila! It's ready when you need it.

Not too icy, not too hard, just right for little ones.

Plus, it's more comfy than a typical ice pack!

Mom’s Menu

Easy Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken

Ready for an "oh-so-easy yet oh-so-delicious" kind of recipe that'll have the kiddos licking their fingers?

Let's dive into our Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken – it's a sweet and savory treat that’ll make your crock pot your new best friend!

Ingredients:

• 1 can (8-ounce) of crushed pineapples in juice

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, bone-in and skinless

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Instructions:

Step 1: First off, take that crushed pineapple, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic. Whisk them together in a large bowl, creating a sauce that’s sweet, salty, and a little tangy. It’s like a tropical vacation for your taste buds!

Step 2: Nestle those chicken breasts and thighs into the cozy confines of your crock pot. Pour the Hawaiian vacation sauce over the top, making sure every piece gets a nice, juicy coat.

Step 3: Crank up the crock pot! If you’re feeling the 'need for speed', set it on high for 2 hours. Got more time? Low and slow for 4-6 hours is your way to go.

Want to level up the flavor? Pop some cooked brown rice into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes to let it soak up all those tasty, tropical juices.

Serving Suggestions: Serve your masterpiece over Perfect Brown Rice, Asian Slaw, Sesame Seaweed Salad, Simple Sautéed Collard Greens, or Crispy Broccoli for a luau in your living room!

Storage Tips: Leftovers? No problem! Pack them into an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. This chicken freezes well too – just defrost in the fridge and reheat in the oven for another round of Hawaiian fun!

Wrap-up

So, there you have it, ladies!

Your ticket to an easy, delightful dinner that’ll leave your family asking for seconds.

This Crock Pot Hawaiian Chicken is a savior on those busy weeknights, and the leftovers make lunchtime a breeze.

Keep reading here.

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Daily DIY

Novelty Snow Globes

Help your kids craft trendy snow globes with oven-bake clay.

From cacti to hot dogs, they can create anything they imagine.

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This monitor is a game-changer because it allows moms to keep an eye on their baby while driving, providing peace of mind.

It eliminates the need to pull over to check on the baby, making car rides smoother, safer, and calmer 😄 

Car Baby Monitor

Game

Parenting Quiz

When do children typically start learning to count? (Answer below)

A) 1 year old

B) 2 years old

C) 3 years old

D) 4 years old

E) When they can balance your checkbook

Mom’s Meme 🤣

Answer

C) 3 years old