I think I’m lazy.
Okay, maybe not lazy-lazy… but I’m definitely not waking up before the sun with a cozy cup of coffee, a list of intentions for the day, and a finished 30-minute workout (before hubby goes to work).
That was my dream version of being a stay-at-home mom.
When I was a working mom, traveling to events, sitting in a cubicle, meeting hard deadlines, I would visualize how life would be once I left my 9-5. A house kept clean, kids all fed, and happy!
The reality? I wake up at 10 AM.
On weekdays.
On homeschool days.
Basically… all the days.
And not from the I feel refreshed kind of sleep.
I was wrong about how you can wing it as a SAHM! It’s not glamorous. When I do wake up, it’s usually to the sound of a toddler (yes, we still co-sleep while dad rests for work) screaming, “Mommmmyyyy! Where is sister?” It’s sweet but also chaotic in a way… but Mama just wants a few more minutes of sleep or maybe 20.
Not to mention, I’m still breastfeeding, so I have 30 lbs of toddler smothering me all night.
Look, we think of the perks of being a SAHM as setting our own schedule, right? Sleeping in, doing things whenever we feel like it, and letting the day happen naturally. But, after three years at home, I’ve learned something humbling:
My kids need a routine. And apparently… so do I.
Because when my schedule is off, everything goes off the rails.
Homeschooling doesn’t start until 1 PM.
My toddler turns into a full-time emotional support koala. Clinging to my leg for dear life.
There are late meals and skipped naps, which I pay for greatly later.
And I end the day feeling like I failed, even though I was technically here the whole time.
I’m the parent. I’m the one in charge of setting the tone.
They look to me for structure, not for perfection, and some consistency. And sanity.
Which… I only have about an ounce left on some days. 🙂
This post isn’t about guilt. It’s not even a cry for help. It’s more of a realization post. A moment of self-accountability.
I owe this accountability to my kids, the ones who rely on me for their morning breakfast, their homeschool structure, and just general life navigation, to show up with something resembling intention. Even if it’s imperfect. Even if it’s late.
So no, I’m not suddenly going to start waking up at 6 AM and hustling until 10 PM. The truth is, while I can wing a lot of things as a mama, I’ve learned we all need rest. And it’s okay to get it.
So maybe I’ll aim for 7 AM.
Or maybe 9 AM.
Okay, okay… 9:30 AM. Baby steps first! 🙂
Mamas get tired. Whether you’re a working mom clocking a 9-5 or a stay-at-home mom, wiping noses and homeschooling from the dining room table, you’re not lazy. And you’re not alone.
It’s okay to slightly change the rhythm to make life easier for the whole house.
Skip a few morning lessons to give the kiddos a chance to play at the park or playground. You’ll be surprised how many SAHMs (and working moms taking a break) you’ll find. Don’t forget to say hi! 🛝
Place activities (chalkboard, whiteboard, paint) around the house that will keep them busy while you get chores done. 🎨
Put on an educational show. We don’t do much personal screen time (we took away tablets last year), but some TV time can help with sanity. We had it when we were young, and we survived! 📺
Choose easier dinner options and make them earlier in the day. 🍽️Now, I’ve got to get back to finishing my daughter’s homeschool assignments.
(It’s currently 7:30 PM.) 🤭
