Hi, my name is Anna, and I had {{three}} kids in three years. Then I quit my job, bought a minivan and started wearing mom jeans.

I blog about it all at My Life and Kids.

And earlier this year, I wrote an eBook called 25 Ways to Have More Fun At Home.

I never thought I would be a stay-at-home mom, but it was the best decision our family has ever made (you can read more about that decision here.)

I Love Staying Home – Most of the Time

And even though I love staying home with my kids – I also find it to be exhausting, stressful and downright not fun sometimes.

Have you ever heard the saying, If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?

Well, I don’t know if I fully agree with that or not. But there is something that I know to be true. If Mama Is Happy – EVERYONE is Happy!

Have you ever found that if you are fun and excited and happy – then your kids are too? That everything seems to work in harmony when YOU’RE in harmony?

Me too.

And I’ve never felt that more than when I started staying home with my kids. They soak up my energy and my emotions like little sponges.

When I’m at my worst, they are too.

And I need to try even harder than usual to be happier, peppier, more excited and more energetic.

It’s not always easy. Sometimes I have to try REALLY, REALLY hard. Sometimes I have to fake it. And that’s okay.

On the days when I’m really struggling, I pull out my handy eBook and do one of the 25 activities. It works like a charm.

Five Ways to Have More Fun at Home

#1 – Just Say YES
This is one of the greatest mothering tips that I’ve ever received – and something that I need to constantly remind myself.

I can say no over and over again to my kids’ requests. Until I stop myself and think – WHY is the answer no? Is it because it’s dangerous or inappropriate?

Or is it because I don’t feel like getting something out or making a mess or actually playing with my kids?

Just Say Yes!

Yes – we can stay in our pajamas until noon or drive the car (without keys), or help me unload the groceries…

Just a few Yes’s can make a huge difference in our day!

#2 – Have a Reading Party
Everything is more fun when you call it a party.

I put the call out for a Reading Party, and we all meet on the couch with our books of choice.

Sometimes we even put on party hats.

Most of the time I do the reading, but I love it when my kids read me the books they’ve memorized.

#3 – Dress Up
Not them.

You.

One Saturday morning, I had the rare opportunity to sleep in. As I woke up, I could hear the yelling, fighting and shrieking coming from downstairs.

I did not want to go downstairs and face any of that. It was not how I wanted to start my day.

So I got out of bed, tossed on an old prom dress, waltzed down the stairs and introduced myself as Princess Anna.

I held a magic wand and worked my magic on them for better behavior.

It worked.

The next hour was spent playing with dress-up clothes and taking pictures of ourselves. They didn’t care that I hadn’t brushed my hair yet or put on makeup. They loved Princess Anna – and it changed our day before it even got started.

#4 – Make Farting Noises

This is my all-time favorite party trick, and your kids will probably love it too.

Stick a drinking straw in your armpit and start blowing.

It takes a few tries to get the hang of it (and it works best if you’re a little sweaty), but the results are so worth it.

Click here for a full video tutorial.

#5 – Just Play
Your kids want your attention. Your undivided attention.

Put down the basket of laundry. Stop cleaning the kitchen. Walk away from the blog – and stop pinning great activities on Pinterest that you can do with your children.

And just play with them.

Cuddle them. Snuggle with them. Kiss them. Listen to them. Talk to them.

Do these fun activities. Or just play whatever they want to play.

If you’re really present with your kids – it won’t matter a single bit what you’re doing. They’ll be happy as can be.

Want More?

For 20 more ways to have more fun at home, you can download my ebook for FREE. Just “like” the My Life and Kids Facebook page and download your free copy.

I really hope that you like what you read! And I would love for you to share it with your friends and family. All I ask is that you send them to my Facebook page to grab their copy, rather than sending them yours. Thanks!