Before I became a mom, I had a plethora of notions about what parenting would entail. Fast forward nearly a decade, and I find many of those ideas quite amusing. The same goes for my preconceptions about being a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). You know, the classic image of a woman lounging on the couch with a box of bonbons and a daytime soap opera? Yeah, laughable.
As a stay-at-home mom to little ones, my assumptions about what life would be like with school-aged children were way off. When people ask me, “What do you do all day?” I can tell they’re genuinely curious. After all, we SAHMs can seem like a mystery to those who work outside the home. What could we possibly be doing from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.?
Well, let me enlighten you.
Many of us are hustling at home to juggle a job that helps pay the bills (or at least a portion of them). That woman you see tending to her garden or walking her dog during the day? She could be juggling client meetings between school drop-offs and playdates. She might be answering emails while waiting in the carpool line or working on her laptop after the kids are tucked in for the night.
Others among us are busy coordinating medical appointments, dealing with insurance companies, and making sure our kids are healthy and happy. We’re washing mountains of laundry, running countless errands, and ensuring we have enough snacks for the playdates we host.
We’re also helping our aging parents navigate technology or taking them to appointments, driving long distances to pick up essential items, volunteering at our kids’ schools, and planning family vacations. Yes, sometimes we even take a few minutes to listen to our friends vent about their own parenting struggles.
And let’s be real: once the errands are done, we do find time for ourselves. We might meet a friend for lunch to reconnect, treat ourselves to a pedicure, or simply enjoy a long, hot shower—because after years of quick showers and dry shampoo, we absolutely deserve it.
Just because our kids are in school for seven hours doesn’t mean we’re lounging around doing nothing. We’re busy with important tasks, mundane chores, and everything in between. My previous notions about being a SAHM have been thoroughly challenged. Now, as my kids thrive in their school routines, I’m diving into freelance work, running errands with greater ease, and even rediscovering how to cook beyond mac and cheese and dinosaur nuggets.
I’m also nurturing relationships that took a backseat during the chaotic early years of motherhood. And, yes, I might indulge in some self-care from time to time, like grabbing a coffee or getting a manicure. But contrary to popular belief, I’m not just idling away my days.
It’s not all soaps and snacks, folks—it’s about balance and making the most of our time.
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In summary, being a stay-at-home mom with school-aged kids is far from a leisurely existence. It’s a dynamic role filled with responsibilities, personal growth, and the occasional indulgence. So, the next time you wonder what we do all day, remember: we’re doing a lot more than you might think!