15 Stay-at-Home Mom Benefits That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job

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What are the stay-at-home mom benefits that will make you want to quit your job?

I had a hard time making the decision to quit my job to become a stay-at-home mom. But I will say the stay-at-home mom benefits that I have experienced far outweigh any of the drawbacks I have encountered.

I’m a college-educated woman who was working as an accountant for the last 15 years. I spent many of those years climbing the corporate ladder and really earning any wage increases that I received through the years.

I don’t tell you this to be boastful or to make you feel less. It’s just that for those 15 years, that’s who I was. It was all I had known. I worked really hard (for many years), and I felt accomplished.

Then I got pregnant. And I knew I was going to be a fantastic working mom. I had a plan. I had checklists. I had everything set up for my maternity leave. Everything was lined up and ready to go.

And then a few things happened… the person I was training as my backup for maternity leave quit 3 months prior to my due date, another little thing called covid, then my supervisor became a remote worker (due to covid) and eventually quit.

Everything I planned just fell apart and after returning to the office from my maternity leave, it no longer felt like it was the place I belonged. I didn’t want to leave my baby and I couldn’t stop the overwhelming feeling that I just needed to be home with him.

Our stories may not be the same, but if you feel that pull of becoming a stay-at-home mom, read on to see how you and your children will benefit.

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What is a stay-at-home mom called?

Stay-at-home moms are often referred to by the acronym SAHM. You could also have a SAHD (stay-at-home dad) or be considered a SAHP (stay-at-home parent), as more men are choosing to take on the role of caretaker.

And while you probably won’t hear SAHM around the parks or at playdates, you’ll know exactly what people are talking about when you read those letters (including some stuff you may even find here). And maybe you’ll even become a SAHM someday soon!

Do children benefit from having a stay-at-home mom?

Before I get into the benefits you will receive as a stay-at-home mom, I want to address what benefits your kids receive from you being at home with them.

First, kids are shown to do better in school, even through high school, with an at-home parent. And kids who are homeschooled by a parent are shown to score better on standardized tests than kids in public school (source).

Also, kids who have a stay-at-home parent are less likely to have behavioral problems than kids who are enrolled in daycare (source). So those tantrums that you’re experiencing could be lessened by becoming a stay-at-home mom.

What are the pros and cons of being a stay-at-home mom?

I don’t want to give you the stay-at-home mom benefits without sharing some of the drawbacks with you as well. If you’re deciding to make the leap to become a stay-at-home parent, you should have all the information. And I certainly don’t want to sugarcoat things for you. This is a personal decision that you must make for yourself and your family, so it should be an informed decision.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #1: Free Childcare

For many women, the number one reason they become a stay-at-home mom is the cost of childcare. After recovering from a possible unpaid maternity leave, it just seems like the better option to stay home with your new baby than have the majority of your salary go to someone else raising your child.

Of course, this may not be everyone’s situation. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have family nearby who will watch your child for free or less than a traditional daycare. Or maybe your job pays you enough that you can easily afford daycare.

Whatever your personal situation, a huge stay-at-home mom benefit is free childcare. It’s just up to your family to decide if losing your income is enough to cover this benefit.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #2: More Time to Bond

Well before ever having kids or planning to have kids or even before I was married, I had thought it would be nice to spend at least the first year at home with my babies. And I guess I wasn’t wrong. The first year at home (even though I missed a few months in there) was the absolute best!

There were no more crazy morning routines. There was no stress on if we were sleeping enough. There was just time to enjoy my baby and bond with him.

Even now as he’s coming up on 2, it’s the best stay-at-home mom benefit I could want. We read books, we play with cars and Legos, we built a makeshift ball pit, we go for walks, and we build blanket forts on rainy days. I’ve had so much fun these 2 years by being home with him that I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #3: Personally Experience Developmental Milestones

This benefit is the reason I personally became a stay-at-home mom.

About two weeks before my maternity leave ended, my husband suggested that I practiced my normal routine of getting ready for work (smart man!).

So, Monday morning I got up (at 4:45) nursed my baby and put him back in his bassinet. I assured him it would be okay, and I would be there when he woke up. I grabbed my stuff and went to take a shower.

And I bawled my eyes out! In just 2 weeks, I would do the same routine, but I wouldn’t be there when he got up and I would miss everything that he did all day, every day, forever.

I’m not trying to bum you out, and you might not feel the same way. (And that’s totally ok!)

When I returned to work, other moms told me it would get better, and those feelings would go away. They definitely didn’t. It actually got harder every day because I knew where my heart really wanted to be.

And if I had continued working, I would have missed feeding him his first solid foods, him rolling over, crawling, his first steps, and his first words. But I’ve been here for all of that and have enjoyed every minute!

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #4: You Make the Rules

When someone else is watching your child, whether it is a daycare worker, a nanny or a grandparent, you are no longer the sole rule maker. You can make your wishes known, but ultimately the decision lies in someone else’s hands.

I’m not saying that doesn’t give you the right to make changes to your caregiver, if you find they don’t want to follow your rules. But it does make it easier when you are the one home all day to enforce the rules 24/7.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #5: No Worries About Who is Watching Your Child

Who is watching your child all day is a huge stressor for first-time moms (and even moms in general). Becoming a stay-at-home completely removes this stress. You don’t have to worry about the workers at the daycare, whether or not your nanny has the best credentials, or if your aging parents can handle everything a newborn or toddler will throw at them.

An additional stay-at-home benefit is not having to worry where they are all day. Who else is coming and going at the daycare facility or what adventures your nanny or a grandparent may be taking them on.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #6: Take Daytime Adventures

And speaking of adventures… you get to do that too as a stay-at-home mom. Want to spend the day at your local park or museum? No problem. Need to get back in shape? Hit up a walking trail and take your baby for a stroll. Need to spend some time around other adults? Set up a play date.

Stay-at-home mom benefits also include being able to make daytime doctor appointments.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #7: Available for Doctor Appointments

I’m so lucky to have a pediatrician with evening hours. But I know that’s not always the case.

One of the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom means you’ll be available for those daytime doctor appointments without having to take time off from work. And you’ll also be available if your little one gets sick.

My son’s fourth month vaccines happened shortly after I returned to work, and I couldn’t be home with him the following day. Fortunately, my mother was his caretaker and was able to comfort him. But it really hurt to be away from him when I knew he needed me.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #8: Less Sicknesses and Germs

Anyone who has kids in preschool or even grade school will tell you that their kiddos are sick often. And those germs spread throughout the house, and everyone ends up sick. One of the benefits of being a stay-at-home mom is that you can worry less about those childhood illnesses: RSV, hand foot and mouth, strep throat, pinkeye and the flu, to name a few.

Of course, your kiddo will be subjected to germs at some point, but hopefully by that time, he’ll have a better immune system.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #9: No Work Stress

Not having work-related stress in my life has been a huge stay-at-home mom benefit for me. After spending 8+ hours in the office and another 2 hours commuting, I felt like I had no time in the evening to spend with my baby or husband.

Add in the stress of juggling the work that was waiting for my return from maternity leave, the time I had to spend at the office pumping breastmilk, and the time I had to clean the breast pump parts and bottles. My brain was completely fried. And I certainly didn’t want to deal with bosses, coworkers, emails and meetings. Even thinking about it now is stressing me out.

Being a stay-at-home mom lets you put those deadlines and work behind you for someone who is truly important.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #10: You are the Teacher

We have new experiences every day at home. And I get to be the one to introduce the ABC’s, colors, shapes and numbers. I get to see my son’s face light up when we listen to birds or the neighbor’s dog, and I get to be the one to introduce him to the world.

Your kiddos are watching everything you do and learning even when you’re just playing. I think one of the biggest stay-at-home mom benefits is that I get to be the one he learns from. It’s my behavior that sets the example. Of course, that’s a huge weight to carry, but at least I don’t have to worry about the values a stranger would be teaching him.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #11: Able to Make Meals

I am not a cook. Not that I’m exceptionally bad at it. I just don’t particularly enjoy it. But since I’m a mom I don’t have much choice. (Little people are always hungry.)

Being a stay-at-home mom allows me the time to make homemade meals that are (mostly) nutritious. In the five-month period that I was a working mom, this was one of the things that was most difficult for me. I truly commend working moms for their ability to juggle work and home life.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #12: Help with School

Although I’m still in the toddler stage, I can easily see how a benefit to being a stay-at-home mom is going to be helping with school. Whether it’s being a homeschooler or someone to get the kids on and off the bus or helping out with homework and school events, you get to be part of the education of your kiddo.

You’ll be there to talk to them about their day and learn about their friends and help them find out what they are passionate about. You get to be intentional about your parenting. That’s my goal as a mom.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #13: Better Morning Routine

I mentioned that I got up at 4:45 to feed my little one before hurrying to get ready for work. Having a slow start to our mornings is one of the greatest stay-at-home mom benefits I have encountered. After a few months getting on to a new schedule, my son now sleeps until 7:30. (I hope I didn’t just jinx us for putting that out there.) And I’m able to either sleep in or get up an hour or so before him to get some things done.

And it will be so nice not having to rush around to get myself ready while also trying to catch a school bus.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #14: Focus on Kids and Husband

Once you decide to pack away your career for stay-at-home mom life, your focus really is all about your kids, husband, and home. And for me, that was great! I hated being at work worrying about what I was going to make for dinner, how I was going to spend enough time with my baby before bedtime, and how to reconnect with my husband all before faceplanting into bed.

My thoughts still go to what’s for dinner during the day. But there’s also time to think about should we color or build Legos. And I don’t have to squeeze 8 hours of play into 2 hours before bed. I also don’t mind doing dishes or folding laundry while my son is playing cause I know I have all day to enjoy him.

Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #15: More Sleep

It’s true, I just don’t sleep as well as I did before becoming a mom. But a huge stay-at-home mom benefit that I enjoy is being able to get more sleep. I don’t have that morning rush to get out the door, I can take a nap when my son naps, and I can get to bed at a decent hour without having to get my work stuff ready for the next day.

Granted I don’t always get the sleep I need every day. There are days when I stay up far too late or my son wakes earlier than I was expecting. But at least I have the ability to juggle my day around my sleep needs. And I don’t have to worry about falling asleep during my commute.

What are the disadvantages of being a stay-at-home parent?

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #1: Not being financially independent

One of the biggest drawbacks I’ve personally experienced as a stay-at-home mom is the loss of my financial freedom. There are ways to reduce these frustrations. You could always work from home part time, become a local sitter, or even start your own blog.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #2: Loss of identity

When I got married, I became Mrs. NEW LAST NAME. When I had a baby, I became MOM. And when I became a stay-at-home mom, I left my career behind. The last thing that was completely mine was gone. And while I wouldn’t trade a day at home to go back into an office, it was difficult figuring out just who I am now.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #3: Less downtime

My stay-at-home mom schedule is a busy one. We are on the go from 7:30am to 7:30pm (minus a midday nap). Sneak in time for dinner, bath and a bedtime routine in the evening and it’s closer to 8:30 before I’m kid-free.

If I don’t get up an hour before my son in the morning, I don’t have much time to get things done for myself.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #4: Loneliness

Stay-at-home mom life can get lonely, especially when your kids are super tiny. That’s why it’s so important to have a mom tribe. Join a mommy and me class in your area or join a local Facebook group to find some moms with kids the same age as yours. Or even read some mom blogs (or start your own) to connect with mothers going through the same things as you.

Once your kids are a little older, make play dates and interact with people your own age.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #5: Depression

Loneliness and isolation can quickly lead to depression if it’s not handled well. If you’re a new momma, there is a possibility you could be suffering from postpartum depression up to 18 months after giving birth (or longer if there are other factors at play) (source). And being exhausted from caring for kids all day long can wear you down just as easily.

Be sure to rely on support from your family and friends (or make some new mom friends). And seek professional help if you need it.

Related: Why Self-Care is So Important for SAHMs

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #6: Being overworked

Between caring for a little one and taking on the bulk of the household responsibilities, there is a lot to do in a day. And at the end of most days, I am mentally and physically exhausted. Do your best to get a handle on life at home. Come up with a stay-at-home mom schedule that works for you. And don’t worry about getting everything done in one day.

Some days the laundry piles up, other days it’s the dishes, and I rarely pick up toys throughout the day. And if you need to take a nap when your kid does, do it! (Don’t forget Stay-at-Home Mom Benefit #15 – More Sleep.)

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #7: No sick days

Ok, this isn’t necessarily just a drawback of being a stay-at-home mom, but pretty much a mom in general. When you’re a child-free working woman, you can call in sick whenever you like and stay in bed with some noodle soup and a warm blanket. But when you’re a mom and have other people who depend on you, sick days are a thing of the past.

If you are a working mom, you more than likely have childcare options, so you might get some rest. But for stay-at-home moms, sick days are few and far between.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #8: Negative feelings

All of this can easily lead to harboring negative feelings towards your husband (for not doing his share around the house), your kids (for clinging to you even when dad is home), and even yourself (for feeling like you don’t contribute enough). Did I give you enough reasons right there to not want to stay at home with your kids?

It’s okay. Just realize that negative feelings may come up. It’s how you handle them that matters. Maybe that means checking in with your partner weekly or monthly to discuss your situation. Maybe that means taking a night off each week to hang out with your girlfriends. Maybe it even means speaking with a therapist to find the best way to deal with your feelings. Just remember not to drown in those feelings and get help if you need it.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #9: Disciplinarian

Remember one of the stay-at-home mom benefits I mentioned is that you are the one who gets to make the rules. Well that also means you have to enforce the rules and dish out the discipline when the time comes.

I personally don’t mind being the disciplinarian. But if we’re having an especially rowdy day, it can really take a toll on me. I don’t like always having to be the bad guy.

Fortunately, being at home every day with my son, we both get a fresh start tomorrow.

Stay-at-Home Mom Drawback #10: Becoming the go-to parent

As the stay-at-home parent, most of the responsibility will fall to you. Kissing boo-boos, handling tantrums, doctor appointments and school meetings. And the more you are available and the more you do, the more you become the parent everyone turns to: doctors, teachers and kids included.

Need to run to the bathroom but your kiddo wants a snack? Of course, it falls to mom, no matter how close or capable dad is. Mostly because you’re the one doing it all day long.

That is why it is so important to take time for yourself and make some clear boundaries. If you need a half-hour to an hour every day to recharge, make your feelings known and take the time you need to come back refreshed.

Related: How to Care for Yourself in Just 30 Minutes a Day

Conclusion

There you have it: 15 stay-at-home mom benefits and some of the drawbacks. It’s a big decision when choosing to become a stay-at-home mom. I hope I was able to give you some clarity about what lies ahead.

Looking to become a stay-at-home mom but still have questions? I’m here to help. Throw your questions in the comments, and I’ll give you more insight into what SAHM life looks like.

Related Articles for Stay-At-Home Mom Benefits:

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• Everything to Do in Your First Trimester
• 5 Minute Self-Care Ideas for a SAHM

15 Stay-at-Home Mom Benefits That Will Make You Quit Your Day Job