If you had asked me four years ago what my days would look like, I probably would’ve said something about routines, schedules, and a very tidy house.
Spoiler alert: none of that happened.
Being a stay-at-home mom is messy, unpredictable, beautiful, exhausting, and the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done— all at the same time.
What motherhood has taught me, it’s all the “little moments” that make it all so rewarding.
Morning Chaos
Most of my mornings start before the sun even rises. It is nightly wake up call with “mommy I have to go potty” or “mommy I had a night-dream” . Then my alarm goes off and it is time to get the big kids ready for school.
The Middle of the Day: Trying to Do It All
If you’re a stay-at-home mom, you already know the middle of the day is where the chaos happens.
The never- ending laundry that seems to always pile up, the constant ask for snacks before, during and after every meal. Not to mention the hundreds of questions you answer as their little brains are trying to process it all.
As you are just trying to survive the day, a simple “I love you mom” out of nowhere melts your heart. Or they finally did something you have been practicing for weeks. These are the moments that it makes it all worth it.
Evenings: The Part No One Talks About
By 7 p.m., I’m tired. Like really, really tired.
In the short hours before we have scrambled to make dinner, have homework done, baths and showers done and a possible sporting activity done. It all goes by so fast and you try to take little moments just to soak up everything. Again, this can be challenging in the moment but so worth it when you slow down to a, “mom watch this!” or “mom did you see that?”
What I Want Other Moms to Know
If you’re a stay-at-home mom too, here’s what I hope you remember:
- What you do matters. More than people can see.
- You’re allowed to be tired. It doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful.
- You don’t need a perfect home. Your kids won’t remember the pile of laundry.
- You’re building a childhood. One snack, one meltdown, one giggle at a time.
As they grow older you start to miss the days they needed every second of your time. These times really do go by so fast. As they become more independent they still have needs, but the innocence starts to fade.