Tips for the Christian Homemaker to Love Motherhood

Christian mamas, one of the greatest threats to Satan is a Christian mother raising strong men and women of God.

So, we persevere… through the fiery trials, and the attacks from the enemy. 

We are triumphant and keep our eyes on Christ. We stick together and support one another. And we understand that we serve a God who loves us, wants the best for us, and has our backs. He allows trials for the sake of sanctification and He will always win.

If you were over here for a play date right now, I would offer you a cup of coffee or tea and a warm slice of sourdough bread.We would talk in broken conversations while our children play in the background and we would swap home making tips.Since you can’t be here,  I hope you are comfortable in your home getting a chance to relax as I give you some of my tips.

As I said in the intro, Satan is intimidated by a good Christian mother. One who is reading Bible stories to her young children, discipling them, training them up in the nurture and admonition of the lord.

Because of that, there are often trials. And motherhood doesn’t always come naturally to us women. But I’m here to tell you that you were literally made for this and God has equipped you for such a time as this in your motherhood journey. And the best part, You’re being sanctified in the process.

Have you heard the term matrescence? 

Matrescence is the physical, emotional, hormonal and social transition to becoming a mother.

The length of time matrescense lasts depends on the woman, but typically it can last from 3 -10 years. So, at minimum, if your eldest is 3 or under, you’re for sure still going through these physical, emotional, hormonal and social  changes. And I’ll take a wild guess that you can feel it, right?

So it takes time to really come into motherhood and to adjust to the changes that come from that.

I want you to love your calling of motherhood so I’ve gathered some tips on what has helped me along the way. Some are very practical, and some are big picture. Just a few things I’ve picked up along the way.

Work on projects you’re excited about

There are seasons for this. Sometimes I take multiple months off from working on this blog because I simply do not have the bandwidth – however, it’s a passion of mine to help homemakers love their calling and when I’m able to pour into you, I have so much more joy throughout the day! I look forward to the times of rest and creativity when I get to do this.

So what’s your passion project? Maybe it’s art, or writing, or cooking – whatever it is, make it for you and something you truly enjoy. And just because you may not be in a season where you can pour into that passion right now, doesn’t mean you won’t be able to in a month, or even a week!

Understand that you can still do things you love with your children (it just might look a little different)

When I first became a mother I stopped everything that I loved because simply being a mother was enough for me in that season. And that’s ok! I give myself grace in that time of my life.

But as I’ve matured in motherhood I’ve realized that I actually can do things I love with my children. Not everything, of course, and it definitely won’t look the same as doing it alone but it can actually be so much more fun!

For example, since college I’ve been a runner. Love running and it makes me feel so free and invigorated. So I got a jogging stroller started running with my kids! This looks different depending on the season of life, and my runs aren’t what they used to be, but that’s ok! We all get outside in the fresh air, and I get to do something I love.

So what are some things you love that you stopped doing when you became a mother? Think about how you can include your children in those activities even if it look different than before.

Have things to look forward to throughout your week

Aside from the above things I mentioned, it can be such a blessing to have Bible studies, fellowship with other moms, and other activities for you and the children to look forward to.

We do Bible Study Fellowship which has world class programs for the children as well as adults. Highly recommend seeing if you have one in your area. This has been so helpful for my own bible study and helping me to deeply connect to the word.

I also host a summer play group either weekly or monthly depending on the year and how busy life is. Additionally, I try to schedule play dates once a week to connect with other mamas and for the kids to play with friends. It fills their cup and mine so it’s a win win!

So think about what you can carve into your week that you and your children can look forward to.

Have a mentor and fellow Christian mom friends

These are people in your life who invest in you, care about you and your family, and you do the same for them. If you don’t have a solid community of friends and mentors your best bet is to pray for them. My community is an answer to my prayers and a reminder everyday of how the lord loves to bless us!

The next step once these people are in your life is to invest in them too. Just like any relationship, sometimes it takes effort to nourish, so do this! It can be so helpful to have people outside of your children to pour into.

Realize that it isn’t your job to entertain your children every second of their waking hours

Let them be bored. This is where creativity is born. Don’t numb them with television. This is where creativity dies.

Give yourself a break and let them entertain themselves for a while. There’s a sense of freedom when you realize that you are allowed to get your things done while your children learn to entertain themselves. And you’d be surprised how easily they do so with very few toys to play with.

Better yet, let the children run wild outdoors while you read your little heart out on a blanket outside, or whatever else you find enjoyable.

Understand that the seasons of motherhood are mercifully short. And actually mercilessly short

For example, let’s take my last tip where I mentioned you can let the kids run wild outside while you read. I’m currently in a season where I would hear that tip and laugh because it’s just not possible right now for me. But in a couple months when my baby is easier to nurse on the go, sleep on the go and keep himself entertained, I’ll be back in that season.

The seasons of motherhood are just so short in the grand scheme of life and that’s both a breath of fresh air when you’re in a tough season, as well as gut wrenching when you’re looking your sweet children in the face realizing they will never be this young, look this little, say that word wrong, or have their silly little quirks ever again.

So embrace it all because the seasons of motherhood are short.

Whenever possible let your children join you in what you’re doing

Yes, this will quadruple the time it takes you to finish your task, but they will be learning and connecting with you all the while – that’s a win.

Take care of yourself

This sounds so basic but seriously, think about what you used to do to take care of yourself before having children. Now think about which of those things you’re still doing. If you cut most of them out, how can you incorporate them back into your life? This goes back to tip numbers 1 and 2!

For example, if I made a quick list of things I consistently did to take care of myself it would be running, working out at a fitness studio I love, getting massage and chiropractic on a regular basis, stretching and foam rolling, waxing, just to name a few. After having my first child I cut out literally every single one of those things that made me feel good! Except chiropractic because my dear sweet husband is a chiropractor.

I’ve since figured out how to bring these self-care activities back into my routine.

Learn that your children will be quite alright without you for a period of time

I used to be so grieved to leave my children anywhere or with anyone (including my own family) knowing that what they wanted most was me. And for infants, this is somewhat true and I do bring my little nurslings with me everywhere if I’m going to be gone more than an hour. But by the time they are 6 months, I’m ok leaving my children for a few hours while I go do whatever I need.

Next is being completely reliant on the Lord

Doing daily Bible study because I NEED it – not because it’s another thing to check off the list, or because God needs it. It’s like prayer. Its for me – not God.

Your days will go much smoother if you implement this time of Bible study and prayer daily.

Make transitions fun

Toddlers have a tough time with transitions – even if you’re transitioning to something they enjoy. So make it fun!

For example, transition to bath time was a challenge for us for a while until I started implementing the bathtime song that prepared them for what was to come, and made it fun.

So every night when it was time to head up to the bath I would sing “the ants go marching one by one” song and they loved it! We would all march upstairs. It was hilarious because it got to the point where I would just start singing the song and the children were conditioned to just march upstairs without even being told. They were tickled pink every time mama started singing and they got to chime in and march. My husband always laughs at my little troop marching up to the bath.

So how can you make transitions fun?

Address your dysregulated nervous system

Often, mamas have nervous sytems which are dysregulated which put them into a chronic state of fight or flight.

This was my situation and I was always stressed, in pain, and sick until I addressed it with everything I teach in my course. 

If you feel like you are in a constant state of stress, always triggered, always in pain, always sick – this is not normal. It’s not just “motherhood” and it’s definitely not something you have to live with. So I recommend you checking out my course for more details about how this could help you.

Have a long-term vision with short term actions which support that vision for your family

For example, is your vision for your family to be strong disciples of Jesus? Then you’ll need to take daily action to support that vision such as what activities you do, friends you see, media you consume, etc.

I recommend you and your husband getting together and writing this out.

So let’s open this up to discussion, mamas, what would your tips be? What have you already learned being a new mom? Or perhaps you’re seasoned, what would you tell another mama? Leave it in the comments!