Hobbies For Moms And Homemakers: 8 Simple Ideas Worth Picking Up

I had stopped working before my pregnancy and as my daughter was born I had lost touch with my work front. I had become a full-time mother by then. Though I love being with my baby as much as possible, there are times when the whole thing gets monotonous and tedious. I needed to find a hobby. I have not been such a huge fan of cooking and I detest the whole cycle of cooking and cleaning. As such there would be days where I would complain to my husband that I needed to do something and yet when the time came I would not do a thing.  My husband suggested me to pick up a hobby that will kill my boredom. I started wondering what would be good hobbies for a stay-at-home-mom like me.

So I thought of things I am passionate about. We got a dog that virtually rescued me from a low point in life and here I am writing my blog today. 

Why do Moms & Homemakers need to pick up a hobby?

We as mothers and homemakers spend a considerable amount of time at home and as such, it is important to do something which not only makes us happy but also keeps us engaged. By definition, a hobby is something you love doing, which interests you and which brings out the best in you. A hobby should not just include spending your spare time doing something. Most homemakers are so busy at home that they can’t even manage time for taking care of themselves. Despite being busy, they feel very lonely often due to a lack of community. Can a stay home mom be happy? Things sometimes get so low that our self-esteem gets down and we tend to question our own worth.

If you can find a hobby, you find a niche of your own beyond your daily household chores. We all need a little bit of ‘me time’ for ourselves. This works wonders in rediscovering your true self and maintaining a healthy state of mind. It also nourishes your self-esteem and instills a sense of pride. For some of us, it may help reclaim our identity, which one may sometimes feel slipping out of our hand fast. You may also be asking, how can a stay home mom be successful? There are some lucky people who can earn from their hobbies and turn it into a viable business. Even if you cannot get there, for all these reasons, it is very important for you to find a hobby.

Some hobbies for stay at home moms worth pursuing

What can moms do for fun? Let us try to find out what are some hobbies to do at home and how each one can help not only to nurture our creativity but also to enhance our skills. I have tried to make a list of 8 fulfilling hobbies for moms and homemakers and tried to discuss how we can incorporate them into our lives.

1. Cooking:

Let us start with the conventional one. Everybody needs to cook, but not everybody is fond of cooking. If you are an avid food lover and like to experiment in the kitchen with spices and condiments, cooking can become a very good and fulfilling hobby for you. It could be a great hobby to pick up for Moms and homemakers. Cooking does not mean feeding your family during mealtimes, but there are a lot of things that you can do with it. In fact, the whole process can be quite therapeutic. If you are good at cooking, then you can cook your way and create dishes and cuisines from different countries.

You don’t need to be an expert

You don’t need to be an expert cook. A beginner will also make a good cook provided you have the knack for it. Just cook for your friends and family and even if you fail, you can introspect and correct what went wrong. Work on it to make it better for the next time. As you keep on cooking you tend to get better with time.

Enjoy the appreciation

It is true that not all cooking enthusiasts make it big and become great chefs. As a homemaker, your first priority is to cook for your family and friends. To start with, if you cook well then the appreciation you get from your family and friends is more of a morale booster. Being confident and getting appreciated for your work is also a great reward. You are not scared to invite people over for dinner and this helps you better at socializing. As you get better, you can cook dishes for many other parties or any potluck functions.  

Grow and expand!

As people go on appreciating your culinary skills, you know that you are getting better. Your name starts spreading by word of mouth. Now,  you can think about taking orders for any small parties or any events.  You can take some cooking classes to hone your skills or be a self-taught chef with so much of a resource available on youtube and the net. As you get better with your cooking skills, you can start expanding and making it into a small-time business. But start from something small before venturing into something big. If you are into baking you can bake cakes for your friend’s birthday parties or you can take orders for any functions in your locality. Start by taking things into your local arena and as you feel confident and with time things may widen for the better.

Once you are a pro, if you are good at writing or are good in front of the camera, you can even write blogs on cooking or start a youtube channel for your cooking. 

2. Gardening:

People with a green thumb should definitely try this hobby out. It could be a good hobby for moms and homemakers. If you do not have any knowledge about gardening, you can still try out this hobby. One need not be an expert in the area to take up this pastime. Gardening is not only a relaxing recreation but there are a lot of benefits associated with it.

Teaches ownership and responsibility

Gardening is a great way to learn about ownership and responsibility. When you own a garden, you are responsible for its maintenance- your garden will demand your attention to watering, harvesting, and weeding. If you have some area in your backyard or a piece of land, then you can grow your own fruits and vegetables. If space is a constraint then you may take up terrace gardening. There is nothing more fulfilling and satisfying than to watch your harvest yield fruits. You may also grow flowers and ornamental foliages in your front yard or in containers.

Saves you money

Gardening not only allows you to grow your own fruits or vegetables but in the long run, it helps you save money. And ‘money saved is money earned, right?  The produce from your garden decreases the reliance on purchasing vegetables from the market. Plus you will have fresh and chemical-free food too. Just grow some coriander or a bunch of mint leaves in your backyard and you will always have them in times of need. You can also grow pumpkins, squash, beans, okra, lettuce, tomatoes easily and without much effort.

Brings you closer to nature

Gardening not only helps bring you closer to nature but the joy of watching your plants grow each and every day is worth all the effort. Gardening is also a great way to teach children the names and colors of various fruits and vegetables.

Helps you burn calories

Another reason why gardening is such a good pastime is because it helps you to burn calories. It will help you keep fit and healthy. Gardening not just helps in physical health, but it also makes you fit mentally. So all in all a good hobby worth pursuing.

3. Photography

Another interesting hobby for homemakers can be the art of taking pictures or photography. If you have a creative and artistic bent of mind then try giving photography a shot.

Use smartphones, to begin with

A professional camera can cost a lot. But don’t let this daunt your spirit.  In today’s modern times, everybody can become an amateur photographer, thanks to the advent of smartphones. If you like to take pictures then you can use your smartphones to smart-click pictures. Learn the basics of framing and composition and capture stunning perspectives on your smartphones.

Take great day-to-day pictures and get appreciated

Take great mobile pictures and share them on Facebook or other places for your friends to see and appreciate. If you have friends who share the same hobby then you can get good feedback too. If you are good at taking pictures then you can start by clicking your family’s picture. Though it will not give you any financial help, you can preserve the beautiful memories of your child growing up and capture your family’s pictures across various ups and downs. Photography allows you to share your life’s experiences in a much more creative and beautiful manner, that is through the use of images. Remember the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words!”

Learn more and grow from here

If you think that you can sustain your passion for photography and want to learn the nitty-gritty of it, then a DSLR will give you more liberty and allow more creativity. It will allow you to play with aperture, shutter speed, iso, and manual focusing to create great pictures. A true photographer does not just click a picture but rather he makes the picture beautiful by all the techniques he uses to click a photo. So there is a lot to learn in order to be a good photographer. Start by clicking your day-to-day objects and get better day by day.

4. Sewing, Stitching, and Embroidery

Some people have a knack for creating something beautiful with their hands. If you are among those who love to weave magic with your hands then this is the right hobby for you. Sewing and stitching are becoming a dying art with the advent of commercialization. However, it is also a very relaxing and rewarding hobby as you can create and repair something beautiful from scratch. You can choose from a wide range of sewing options and they all serve their own unique purpose.

Boosts your creativity and saves money

Sewing and stitching not only help save money, but it also allows your creativity to reflect from your work. Besides, you can create your own wardrobe if you know this great art. Sewing can be done in two ways-plain or fancy. If you are new to this, then starting with the basic type will help you learn more about it. Sewing a simple blanket or your kid’s clothes not only makes you feel good but making your kids hand-sewn clothes makes the whole thing more emotional. Remember all the clothes which are parents made during old times. We still like to keep those old hand-embroidered cushion covers and use them till now. We still cling on to those things very dearly. I know I do.

Sewing can be done by hand or by machine. The purchase of sewing machines is a one-time investment. Threads and needles do not cost a fortune if you can afford the initial cost.

Start it for your baby and go beyond

You can start off by making clothes for your baby or repair clothes. As you learn to maneuver the sewing machine more and more you will feel confident in stitching more intricate patterns and designs. Turn your imagination into making beautiful dresses for your baby or your family members. You can stitch quilts or blankets for your little one and these things are priceless. With time, you can even make things for your relatives if they like your work and you can take your hobby to a next level. You can even learn to do embroidery and make your own personal napkins cushion covers, tablecloths, bedsheets, and so on. Needles and threads do not cost much or you can even purchase embroidery kits which are perfect for beginners.

Learn more and fly high

If you know a little about sewing and stitching then you can try your hands on a more advanced stage.  This type of sewing can involve more difficult stitches and patterns which can be a little difficult to comprehend. So learning these new tips and techniques such as embroidery, smocking, shirring, and quilting can make you do things in a broader sense. You can also enroll in a sewing class nearby if there are any.

Keep Creating!

Whip up your imagination and start creating something beautiful today.  There is nothing like sewing, stitching, and embroidery to help you regain motivation when you are feeling low.  When you focus on something different, it not only keeps you occupied but is also a great way of de-stressing.

5. Writing

It is a wrong conception to think that only authors can be great writers. A writer does not necessarily have to write novels or poems. In today’s world, anything and everything constitutes writing. You just need to write something which makes sense. If you have a flair for writing then take up this hobby.

Put your free time to good use

As a homemaker, you have ample time to devote to writing. It is not important that you write a novel or any other piece of literature. Start by jotting down your everyday details. If you are interested in writing stories, then start penning down ideas that come to your mind. You can also write articles about news for papers or magazines, fictional stories, book summaries, book critiques, essays, website reviews, blogs, articles for web pages, and so on. Jot everything which comes to your mind and does not erase or delete anything. While many of these ideas and thoughts may not amount to anything, sometimes you may come across something much valuable like an article or a poem, or a short story.

Paper or computer: anything will do

So keep on writing because it is very likely that you may not remember something when you sit down to write.  If you prefer writing with pen and paper then make a diary where you can note down everything. If you are more of a tech-savvy person and are more comfortable using your laptop, your smartphone or your I pad, then type anything which comes to your mind. Remember today’s trash can be tomorrow’s treasure.

Learn to observe and narrate

Another thing that writers should keep in mind is to observe and listen to others. Great writers are also good observers. It is their keen sense of observation that allows them to weave magic from the commonest of things.  When we observe and listen to others we learn about many new things which can inspire us to create our own masterpiece. If you think writing is your hobby, then give it a shot. It is not necessary that everything you write will yield you some income. The joy of penning down your ideas is also a great motivation, but writing for yourself may seem pointless at times. Writing a few beautiful creative lines in your Facebook post or WhatsApp messages will attract more attention and may give you the initial motivation to go on.

You may also want to read: Storytelling for Kids: A Complete Guide for Parents

Maintain a dairy

Maintaining a diary and jotting your day-to-day experiences also counts as writing. Not everyone can make a living out of writing. But if you think you write well and have something to tell, then write your stories or articles in your local newspapers or magazines. If things click you can become a full-time writer, writing columns for some magazines, newspapers, or journals. Blogging can also be a great way to get an audience for your writings. You can know about free blogs here.

6. Painting:

Another hobby homemakers can try out is the one involving a paintbrush and a canvas. Yes, painting can also be taken up by homemakers if you have an interest in drawing and sketching. Even if you are not great at it, there is always room to learn something new.

Create magic with colors

Women have an innate sense of satisfaction when they paint. Painting is as versatile as a woman. Women have a keen sense of imagination and creativity. When this imagination is mixed with the hues of different colors, it is sure to create a beautiful masterpiece. Painting as a hobby allows you to relax, enjoy and learn at the same time. It allows you to express your emotions and feelings in a more intense manner. You just need to use your imagination from anything to everything and your brush will pour your thoughts onto the canvas.

Doesn’t need much investment and teaches patience

While a professional painter may require some money, as a beginner it is not too expensive a hobby to work with. You may try out the painting kits available in the markets which are not too expensive. Another thing painting helps us develop is the habit of patience. Painting takes a lot of time. So it is a good practice to inculcate patience and perseverance as a virtue. Painting can be done in many ways. You can choose from your taste of preferences- if you are into acrylic colors, oil paintings, glass paintings or poster colors. There is no dearth of options to choose from and one can learn a lot in the process.

Don’t let age be a barrier

There is no age or time frame to learn this colorful hobby. Every professional painter was once like you, an amateur. So start with small sketches, and with time your hands will learn to sketch intricate drawings.  If you are a good painter then you can showcase your paintings in galleries or exhibits. While there is no guarantee that your painting will make you yield any income, yet people may appreciate your work. Appreciation leads to motivation and you may one day find yourself in some famous gallery with your paintings held for auction. If you don’t reach those famous gallery walls, then the walls of your home will always be there.

7. Pets as a hobby

Pets are a great addition to any home. If you are a pet lover and something is holding you back, sort that out. They can have a great rejuvenating influence on your life. Based on your interests, you can keep dogs, cats, rabbits, hamster,s or fish…the list goes on. We have a dog who literally rescued me from depression and changed my life. We have an aquarium too. I am particularly fond of dogs and I may be biased. But don’t let that deter you from getting other pets that you like. But remember it comes with responsibilities.

Dogs are companions for life

Having a dog is a beautiful thing.  Having dogs does not only make your life entertaining but they will remain your friends for as long as they live. Spending time with dogs has a lot of therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that having pets or more so a dog helps you from depression, high blood pressure, and stress. Here you can find more information on benefits of dogs.

Playmates for your kids

Your kids will love having a pet dog around the house. Like kids, dogs are also mischievous. If you have a single child at home, he/she may benefit a lot from having a pet around. You can tell him to consider your pet as a friend or a sibling. Kids who are shy and introverted do well with a dog around. As they do not have many people to share their day-to-day activities with, they can benefit from telling their stories to the dog who will listen to him/ her without any judgments. Your kid will also learn to be responsibly having a pet around. Feeding him, cleaning his bowls, and taking him out for a stroll requires a great deal of responsibility. So you see having pets will instill in them these good qualities.

You may also want to read:

1. Best Dog Breeds For Family And Kids
2. 5 Best Small Dog Breeds for Apartments for Families with Kids

Take up breeding if you are serious

If you are hardcore into pets then you can think of breeding. It is, however, a big responsibility.  This is not so common a hobby but people tend to do it. If you have a dog or a cat at home and have ample space then you may think about breeding your pets. However, good knowledge about breed standards, common health risks of the breed, adequate knowledge of canine obstetrics and care of the newborn is a must when you decide to breed a dog/cat at home. If you are a responsible pet parent than you must take all the care. Don’t end up becoming an unethical backyard breeder.

Consider the challenges

Sometimes your dog/ cat may give birth to a large number of litters. Once your dog or cat have whelped, you may look after the puppies or kittens for a while before selling them to people who are interested in buying them. As such it may be difficult to sell each and every pup or kitten. You may then have to look after the rest of the litter if no prospective buyer comes. This may make things difficult as it will cost a lot on your part to look after a large number. 

If you think if want to make a hobby out of this, then make sure you have adequate knowledge about all the above-mentioned points. Unlike professional breeders, who breed throughout the year, you may breed your dogs or kittens only once a year. You may get some income out of it. But breeding will not be financially lucrative and probably will only recover your investment on your pets. Hobby breeders do not make a living from their endeavors. but it will nonetheless take you through a unique and enriching experience.

8. Teaching:

You may say that this is more of a career choice rather than a hobby. Maybe you are right. But who cares! If are a homemaker mom and you love teaching pick it up as a hobby.  You may take classes or tuition at home for students in your locality and teach them within the four walls of your home. The only criterion required is that you must possess the knowledge to teach and a passion for teaching.

Teaching is a noble profession and there is no age bar to it. As a mother, you are used to teaching your kid/kids their everyday school work. There are many working mothers who do not have the time to sit with their children and finish their homework. If you know someone who is a working mom, you can ask them to send her children over to your place so that you can help them out.

Closing comments

Other hobbies that you can try out as a homemaker include pottery making, reading, knitting, candle making, stamp collection, coin collection, swimming, singing, dancing, and many more. Everybody has different liking and interests. So, find out what drives you and gives you happiness. Once you know your area of interest, it is best to learn about it more so that in the future you can make some side income from it. You can also get some classes or courses near you. Even if you don’t, you can self-teach yourself. There is so much resource online on the net. If you have any hobbies that you would like to share with us and other moms and homemakers, then please let us know in the comments below and share this article if you have liked it.