At thirty-one-years old, I find that some days I'm no different than my middle school self. Finding your niche as a stay-at-home mom is a lot like finding your niche in middle school. Will the other moms like me? What groups am I going to join? Why wasn't I invited to the mom gathering? Is there a world outside of my own problems?

I have been reading a book called The Drama Years by Haley Kilpatrick. It's all about the topsy-turvy middle school years. It was written by a girl who started a foundation when she was fifteen called Girl Talk. Ten years later, it is still going strong. It is a mentoring program for middle school girls that allows the girls to talk in a safe environment about all the ups and downs of middle school. The author offers up three ideas to help "downplay the drama" during those years.

1.) An anchor activity--getting involved in an activity that she chooses and is good at helps her build self-confidence and allows her to release some stress. Examples are dance, sports, music, art, etc.
2.) A Helping Hand--volunteering on a regular basis allows her to see the world outside of her circle and help those in need.
3.) An Adopted Older Sister--Someone who has just been through those years will be able to listen and offer advice in a way that parents often can't.

So, as my girls head toward those middle school years, I am going to keep those ideas in mind. And then I started thinking that as a stay-at-home mom, I need these three things in place, too! It is so easy to be focused on my husband and kids and forget to take care of myself. Right now, I have two of the three ideas in place in my life, but they happen very sporadically. How would I feel if they were happening on a regular basis? I think I would be a lot more content.

My Anchor Activity--Writing. I absolutely love to write stories, poems, letters, and blog posts. I often don't set aside the time to do it.
A Helping Hand--I am still thinking about what this could be for me. Having a baby at home and no set babysitter, it is hard to leave the house by myself. Maybe joining the Prayer Ministry at church would be a good option. I am also going to join the PTO at Gracie's new school.
An Adopted Older Sister--I have a great mentor that I meet with.

Future Ideas
starting a Bible study for middle school girls
having a mother-daughter book club at our house during the summer
teaching Sunday School

As I navigate the world of being a stay-at-home mom, I am going to keep referring back to these three ideas. If I have them all in place, I think I will be a lot happier woman!