I am very active on social media and I share several pictures of my family on Instagram throughout the week. Sometimes we’re running around the backyard, sometimes we’re cooking or crafting, and other times I just want to capture a sweet moment between me and my girls. To me, posting these pictures is a fun way to connect with other mommies and hopefully inspire them with new ways to engage their little ones.
After seeing one of our pictures, a curious, well-meaning mom randomly messaged me with an interesting question. She asked me,
“Does your family get dressed EVERY day? Even though you’re not going anywhere?”
I hadn’t given it much thought, but yes, I suppose we do. Most mornings, my family wakes up, eats breakfast, brushes our teeth, and gets dressed. Even though we’ve been sheltering in place for several months, it’s still part of our daily routine.
I can’t speak for everyone, but I learned long ago that the way I dress impacts how I feel and behave. Pajamas mean that it’s time to rest or relax, and “daytime clothes” mean that it’s time to move around and be active. Basic hygiene aside, getting dressed sends a signal to our brains that it’s time to wake up and get going. It’s an easy way to energize your mindset!
I know there may be some confusion since we aren’t actually going anywhere, but being in our house doesn’t mean that we’re sitting on the couch all day watching TV. My husband works from home so he is obligated to be productive. He has deadlines and conferences, and wearing khakis and a Henley helps him to focus.
As a stay-at-home mom, I’m responsible for engaging my children and taking care of household tasks (like cooking and cleaning). I could easily stay in lounge-wear all day because that would mean less laundry, but wearing “real” clothes makes me feel better. I’m not talking a full face of makeup and stilettos, just a casual top or flowy tank dress. It’s the same reason that I put on athletic leggings and a sports bra when I’m ready to exercise. Your outfit sets the tone for your activities.
Getting dressed is especially important for my daughters! They are five and three, and if they don’t exert enough energy throughout the day, putting them to sleep at night can be a struggle. Their clothes tell them to run around and play during the day and to slow down at night. Kids need structure and predictability and changing clothes is a clear indication of how they’re expected to behave.
On the rare days that we do stay in pajamas, we’re definitely more inclined to be lazy. Although it feels great to escape our routine every now and then, you can definitely plan on seeing plenty more pictures of us when we’re dressed!
