Stay-at-Home Mama Ministry: Raising Children with Faith and Love

When I became a stay-at-home Mama, there were moments early on when I struggled. I knew from working as an Assistant Director of a daycare how expensive it was and how I had desired my whole life to be a stay-at-home Mama and raise our children. Growing up I was taught to work hard and to do my best at whatever I did. I started working part-time at 15 and went to college. There I attained my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and taught for several years. Being a teacher was very rewarding but I always had the desire to stay home with our children when we had them.  

Once we had our oldest daughter, I continued to work for a year while my husband stayed home with her. After a year, we moved for my husband’s job and I began to stay home with our daughter. 

Initial Struggles and Adjustments 

The first few days as a stay-at-home Mama were difficult, as I tried to figure out the day-to-day. I remember my first day vividly: I was trying to cook breakfast, entertain an 18-month-old, and find a moment to brush my teeth. My daughter was clinging to my leg while I scrambled eggs, and I wondered, “Am I cut out for this? Will I be a good stay-at-home Mama?” 

Creating a Schedule: 

“What would we do all day?” was a constant question on my mind. Although I had experience working in daycare and Pre-K, creating a schedule for one busy 18-month-old was challenging. There were many days spent scrolling through Pinterest, trying to find activities we could do together. Pretty soon we were able to create a schedule that worked for us. The days began to flow easier and we found our groove. 

Dealing with Isolation: 

One of the biggest initial struggles I had as a stay-at-home Mama was not seeing people every day. I missed the daily interactions with colleagues and parents from my previous job. From reading other stay-at-home mom blogs, I knew I needed to get out of the house every day. Even if it was just to walk around the block or grab a coffee, getting out was essential. I remember a particularly tough day when we didn’t leave the house. By mid-afternoon, I felt antsy and easily frustrated. On days like this, simply walking around a nearby park or browsing through a store became a mental health necessity. 

Finding Our Rhythm: 

Over time, I learned to appreciate the small outings and interactions. Visiting the local library became a weekly highlight. My daughter loved the storytime sessions and the music they played. Going to the playground also became a favorite of ours, and the opportunity to run around has helped her get all her energy out! It has been nice finding activities outside of the home and some to do inside the home as well on hot or rainy days. 

Finding our rhythm and creating a schedule has been so helpful for my daughters and myself! I love being able to wake up and not rush around to get out of the house and to work and daycare. It’s these slow mornings that I know that I made the right decision in staying home with our girls. 

Motherhood as Ministry 

I quickly realized that motherhood is my ministry. What I do with my children is building the Kingdom of God. I am raising children with morals, values, and a desire to serve the Lord. I am the first person our children run to when they get hurt during the day. One of my favorite times as a stay-at-home Mama has been waking them up from their nap and being the person they see and snuggle with. 

Teaching Sharing: 

We talk a lot with our three-year-old about sharing and taking turns with toys and play equipment. One day, while at the playground, older children were running around and moving quicker than my daughter. She patiently said, “I will wait my turn,” and soon the other kids saw her waiting and heard what she said. They began to give her some time to get to the slide before them. This is just one example of how teaching morals and values has been helpful in showing me that being a Mama is my ministry. 

Bible and Prayer: 

Having time with my daughter in the mornings for reading the Bible and praying has been so sweet! It has opened doors for conversations about helping others and praying for those who are sick. We also love watching Bible stories on YouTube from Minno. These stories are brought to life for her and have created lots of questions about the Bible stories. While watching an episode on “Jonah,” my daughter asked, “Why did he run?” We were able to talk about why he ran and how we need to follow God. 

Finding Purpose Through Scripture 

Colossians 3:23-24 was a scripture I leaned on during my career, but it has taken on even greater significance since becoming a full-time Mama. 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24) 

In my daily life now, everything I do—from making breakfast and helping with shoes to cleaning dirty diapers—is an opportunity to glorify God and honor Him. These moments may seem small or insignificant, but they are all ways I can demonstrate Christ to my children. Keeping this scripture at the forefront of my mind has been transformative. It helps me pause and reflect before reacting, such as the time I stopped and prayed during my daughter’s tantrum. 

Of course, I’m human, and there are moments I fall short, needing to apologize for impatience or a raised voice. Yet, this scripture gives me purpose. It reminds me that while my role has shifted from teaching large groups to nurturing my own children, my mission remains the same: to teach them to know and honor God. 

Impact on Parenting: 

In practical terms, this means incorporating the values of kindness, patience, and empathy into our daily interactions. Whether answering a million “why” questions or managing tantrums, I strive to respond in a way that reflects Christ’s love. These moments are not just about parenting; they are opportunities to sow seeds of faith and character that will grow with them. 

As I continue on this journey of motherhood, Colossians 3:23-24 serves as a guiding light, reminding me that every moment, no matter how mundane, is a chance to live out my faith and nurture my children spiritually. 

Daily Challenges and Rewards 

Being a Mama is the greatest ministry I’ll ever have, and it is one of the toughest jobs! There is no starting at 9 and clocking out at 5. Being a Mama means being on call all day long and sometimes into the night. But being a stay-at-home Mama is such a great reward! You get more kisses and hugs during the day and understanding when you have a bad day. There are so many times a hug from my daughter is just what I need when I feel like I’m not doing a good job or feel exhausted from being up through the night with her little sister. 

Handling Tantrums: 

Parenting is full of challenges, and some days can be especially tough. One particular challenge I face is managing tantrums. Recently, my oldest daughter was vying for attention while I was talking to her sister. She stood in front of her and wouldn’t move when asked. I placed her on her bed for a break, and she began to cry and have a tantrum. After a few minutes, I returned, and she was calm. We talked about sharing Mama’s attention and playing together. This is just one example of a challenge but also a part of my ministry as a Mama. Even through the challenges, I’m glad I get to help my girls through their tantrums and instill ways to cope with their emotions. 

Heartwarming Rewards: 

Receiving little pieces of paper with drawings from my oldest is such a sweet reward. She loves to draw and once randomly brought me a little note full of scribbles, but getting my first note from her was so special! Another reward has been when my little one scrunches her nose and smiles big at me! Even though she can’t talk yet, I know she loves me through those sweet smiles. 

In the end, becoming a stay-at-home Mama has been both the most challenging and rewarding journey of my life. It has allowed me to witness my children’s growth firsthand, instill important values, and nurture their faith. While the days can be long and sometimes overwhelming, the love and joy I experience make it all worthwhile. Motherhood truly is a ministry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my family in this way every day. Remember, whether you’re navigating the initial struggles or finding your rhythm, you are doing incredible work. Embrace the moments, cherish the small victories, and know that your dedication is making a profound impact on your children’s lives.