During a spontaneous video lunch meeting with my team, the conversation turned to the latest books and TV shows. I found myself completely silent. Why? Well, it’s simple: I haven’t had the luxury of indulging in any leisure reading or binge-watching. My time is consumed by countless unfinished knitting projects and a never-ending list of household tasks.
As a lawyer, I’m adept at managing my time, so here’s a glimpse into my typical day juggling work and three kids from home during the pandemic.
5:45 a.m.
Rise and shine! I exchange quick hellos and goodbyes with my husband as he heads off to teach high school. My mom sends a text at 6:00 a.m. asking for Christmas gift ideas for the kids.
6:15 a.m.
Time for my workout. I check emails while warming up on the treadmill and hit a personal record on my deadlift—185 pounds!
7:25 a.m.
Home sweet home! I check my emails and ensure my 16-year-old daughter has packed her lunch before sending her off to school at 7:40 a.m. I set dinner in the crock pot, a meal I planned earlier in the week, and receive another text from Mom about gift ideas.
7:50 a.m.
I urge my 13-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son to have breakfast while I squeeze in a quick shower.
8:30 a.m.
I remember to send a birthday card to a friend. After making coffee, I settle down to work at the dining table, where I attempt to keep my 9-year-old focused and remind my 13-year-old not to get distracted during her Zoom classes. My son, however, keeps interrupting with various questions and requests for attention.
9:50 a.m.
My 13-year-old starts warming up for gym class in the living room. The dog begins barking, signaling that he needs to go out. I argue with the kids over who will take him out, and remind my son about his asynchronous gym class that he wants to do with a friend. I text the friend’s mom to arrange a socially-distanced playdate.
10:55 a.m.
I realize the laundry I set to wash overnight is done. I transfer it to the dryer, throw a frozen pizza in the oven for lunch, and send emails while juggling a call with a paralegal.
12:30 p.m.
After a brief respite of quiet, I make tea only to find the sink overflowing with dirty dishes. I unload the dishwasher, reload it, and eat lunch while catching up on emails.
2:45 p.m.
My 16-year-old comes home, disrupting the peace. We chat about her day and the latest election news.
3:00 p.m.
I try to focus again on work but am interrupted by my 9-year-old and then my 13-year-old returning home. I remind my older daughter about her sports class and encourage the kids to enjoy the warm weather outside, but they choose to stay in and play video games instead.
4:00 p.m.
I pour myself a late afternoon coffee and retreat to my upstairs office, cherishing the small moment of solitude.
5:05 p.m.
My husband returns, and we briefly discuss our schedules before I return to work.
7:00 p.m.
I take a break for dinner with my 16-year-old and 9-year-old, grateful for the ease of a crock pot meal. After dinner, we clean up, walk the dog, and I resume work while they catch up on their activities.
9:25 p.m.
Finally, the 9-year-old emerges from the shower after several reminders. We read a chapter from A Series of Unfortunate Events before I tuck him in. Meanwhile, my 13-year-old manages her own bedtime.
11:30 p.m.
I struggle to stay awake while working alongside my 16-year-old. I realize I forgot to respond to my mom’s text about gifts, and with bleary eyes, I finally send her my suggestions. I collapse into bed, mentally processing the day.
Today’s time sheet:
- 1.5 hours cooking;
- 0.5 hour managing the kids;
- 0.75 hour household chores;
- 0.5 hour family conversations;
- 1.5 hours working out;
- 0.75 hour getting ready;
- 2 hours of interruptions;
- plus all those billable hours…
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Summary
This article offers a candid look at a typical day for a mother balancing her career as a lawyer with the challenges of homeschooling three children during the pandemic. It highlights the complexities of time management, household responsibilities, and the emotional toll of juggling work and family life.