Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever wondered what stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) get up to all day, you’re not alone. While many may think it’s all about lounging with a cup of coffee, the reality is quite different—especially for this SAHM. I won’t pretend to speak for all moms, but after six years of navigating this wild journey, I’ve fielded my fair share of nosy inquiries and judgmental comments. So let’s clear a few things up.
“Don’t you get bored?” Well, of course, there are moments when boredom creeps in, but it’s usually drowned out by the chaos.
“What will you do when the kids are all in school?” Honestly, I can barely plan for next week, let alone five years down the line!
“Three kids under six? You must have your hands full.” Absolutely! But I always make sure one hand is free by 7 p.m. for my well-deserved glass of wine (priorities, right?).
“I could never stay home all day; I’d go crazy.” You know what drives me crazy? Working a 40-hour week and still being unable to afford anything other than the cheap stuff at the store after paying for daycare.
Alright, for all the curious minds still with me, here’s a glimpse into my daily routine:
- 6:45 a.m.: Eyes open. Quick brush and wash.
- 7:00 a.m.: Wake the kids. Hope the middle child doesn’t swing at me.
- 7:15-8:30 a.m.: First cup of coffee. Feed the kiddos, prep lunch for the kindergartner, and hunt for quarters for the week’s fundraiser. Try to negotiate outfits while the middle child cries over dress options. Get everyone washed and out the door.
- 8:35 a.m.: Drop off kindergartner.
- 9:00 a.m.: Drop off preschooler.
- 9:15-10:00 a.m.: Laundry time. Clean the kitchen post-breakfast. A quick chat with my best friend while the baby naps. Enjoy my second cup of coffee.
- 10:00 a.m.: Playtime with the little one. Attempt to fold laundry while he tosses clean clothes everywhere. Reheat coffee. Get hit in the face by a Pop-Tart box.
- 10:05 a.m.: Firmly say, “No Pop-Tarts.”
- 10:06 a.m.: Give in to the toddler’s screams for a Pop-Tart.
- 10:07 a.m.: Watch him take one bite and give the rest to the dog. Feel a bit defeated.
- 10:15-11:15 a.m.: Pay bills, read, clean, or whatever needs doing.
- 11:30 a.m.: Pick up preschooler.
- 11:45 a.m.: Lunchtime! Reheat coffee and prepare for nap time. Send preschooler upstairs, hoping she’ll actually nap.
- Noon: Clean the kitchen. Stealthily pick up toys while the baby is still asleep.
- 12:30 p.m.: Shovel food into my mouth, enjoying the rare silence. Give up on the reheated coffee.
- 1:00 p.m.: Finish laundry and scrub something that was just cleaned two days ago.
- 1:15 p.m.: Baby wakes. Read books and play. Get hit in the head with NutriGrain bars.
- 2:00 p.m.: Preschooler comes down.
- 2:15 p.m.: Chill time with cartoons and snacks. Check the dinner recipe and realize I forgot a key ingredient.
- 3:00 p.m.: Pick up the house before kindergartner gets home.
- 3:30 p.m.: Leave to get the kindergartner.
- 3:35 p.m.: Stand in the pickup line, trying not to feel awkward during adult conversations.
- 4:00 p.m.: Kindergartner is home.
- 4:10 p.m.: Engage in a craft project that takes 25 minutes to set up but lasts only 10 minutes.
- 5:00 p.m.: Start dinner prep. Kids vanish to the basement because they know better.
- 6:00 p.m.: DADDY’S HOME, THANK GOODNESS!
- 6:15 p.m.: Dinner is served.
- 6:45 p.m.: Collapse on the couch, immediately swarmed by three kids who don’t give good back rubs. Contemplate leaving the kitchen in disarray until morning.
- 7:00 p.m.: Clean the kitchen for what feels like the 42nd time. Family time and wine time. Binge-watch something on TV when the kids retreat with their iPads.
- 9:00 p.m.: Head upstairs. Brush and wash, tuck in the kids, and squeeze their adorable little faces.
- 9:10 p.m.: Remind the kids it’s bedtime.
- 9:20 p.m.: Raise my voice to get them to sleep because if I have to intervene, they’ll regret it.
- 9:30 p.m.: Think about going downstairs for some “me time.” Never do.
- 9:33 p.m.: Pass out.
So, there you have it. And to all the working moms, single moms, and those who juggle travel, you are my heroes. This isn’t a competition about whose day is tougher; we’re all just trying to raise decent humans while waiting for our version of wine o’clock.
If you find yourself doing more than me in a day, you might just be superhuman. If you do less and your kids are still happy, I want to hear your secrets. And if you’re judging me for the Pop-Tarts, just know that the dog gets most of them anyway. If you thought I had it all together, I sincerely apologize for any misconceptions.
Lastly, if you read this and felt a pang of exhaustion, consider turning that pity into something tangible—maybe a bottle of wine and some cheese would be nice?
For more insights into motherhood, check out this article on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination options, Make-A-Mom offers reliable kits. For detailed information on treating infertility, visit ACOG.
Summary:
A humorous and candid look at the bustling life of a stay-at-home mom, this article offers insight into a typical day filled with chaos, chores, and the occasional glass of wine, while also acknowledging the struggles and successes of all types of mothers.