Inside: This Stay at Home Mom Daily Schedule will help you break out of the mom fog and structure your days for more productivity and happiness as a stay at home mom.
Productivity and Happiness?
Those are two *big* things to deliver on, right?
But we’re not about empty promises around here. We’re about practical solutions for everyday momlife and that’s what I plan to deliver today.
Whether you chose to be a stay at home mom or not, his daily schedule or routine will help you get things on track.
Productivity & Happiness as a Stay at Home Mom
Is it possible? With the right mindset and structure, yes I believe it is.
Of course we ALL have our days where we just can’t and the kids are driving us nuts and even ordering a pizza sounds too difficult and we find ourselves questioning every single life decision…
That’s totally normal.
However, if you find yourself having more days like this (and less happy & productive days) implementing a regular schedule can be exactly what you need to turn it around.
Here’s the truth: being a stay at home mom can be an isolating, overwhelming experience. It can feel aimless, with no tangible goal or reward, especially if you are used to a full-time job.
However, over the last 6 six years, I have learned that having a game plan for the day, whether you’re home with a 6 month old or 3 kids of various ages, makes all the difference.
As full-time moms, we have SO many things on our plates at once:
- Home upkeep: cleaning, organizing, decluttering, etc.
- Cooking, meal planning, and food prep
- Appointments: making them, cancelling or rescheduling them
- Kids activities, schedules, school requirements and doctor appointments
- Husband or partner’s work schedule, meetings, and trips
Related: Simple Home Management Systems Every Mom Needs
The term “stay at home mom” is a little silly though, right? I hardly ever find myself at home. Instead, over the last 6 years, I’ve learned to think of myself as our family’s coordinator.
It’s my job to keep all the balls rolling, and this daily schedule is how I do it.
And in case you haven’t guessed – “keeping the balls rolling” is what makes me feel productive and happy.
- Keep in mind, this is not a daily routine for kids (for that see our extensive daily routine archives). This is a daily flow or schedule for you.
- These are the various things happening alongside or simultaneous to your child’s day.
- Before establishing a daily schedule or routine for yourself, one thing to consider is what “stage” of motherhood you are in.
For example: Do you have a newborn and a toddler? An 18 month old? A toddler who takes 2 naps, or no nap at all?
These are all factors that will influence your schedule. And remember, what works for me, may not translate exactly for you. My goal is to provide solutions and ideas to help structure your day.
If you’re in the newborn stage, you probably don’t want to wake up early to exercise, but a morning stroller walk may work for you.
My point is, adjust these ideas as needed to fit the stage of motherhood you’re currently in. And as always, DM me on Instagram with questions – always happy to help!
My Stay at Home Mom Daily Schedule
6:00 – 7:00 AM – Wake Up Routine
- Get dressed in workout clothes
- Coffee and snack
- Let dogs out
- Get 5 year old’s stuff together for Kindergarten (lunchbox, backpack, etc.)
- Make breakfast for 5 year old
My husband empties the dishwasher in the morning before he leaves for work so we always start the day with an empty dishwasher! It helps a lot to split household tasks. If you’re wondering how to do this or need more help with Home Management, I have a knockout resource for you, here.
7:00 – 9:00 AM – Morning Routine
My husband & 5 year old usually leave by 7 AM, then my 3 year old starts her day.
- Get 3 year old snack & drink
- Morning TV for 3 year old & my 20 minute workout time
- Set up morning basket
- Breakfast
- Get dressed & ready for the day
9:00-12:00 PM – Morning Block
Thinking of your day in terms of blocks or “chunks” can help make the mountain seem less overwhelming to climb. It also helps you structure appointments and balance your family’s various schedules.
Since every day is different, and 2 days a week my 3 year old attends a morning preschool, I’ve listed several ideas here for what might happen during this morning block.
- Important phone calls or appointments
- Grocery shopping or various errands
- Outside time: stroller walk, park, outdoor exercise, etc.
- Activities: playground, library, children’s museum, etc.
12:00-2:00 PM – Early Afternoon Block
- Lunch
- Quick kitchen clean-up (load up dishes, wipe down, etc.)
- 3 year old’s quiet time (during this time I’ll make any important calls I couldn’t get to in the morning, work on the business, put away laundry, do a quick pick up of toys, prep dinner, etc.)
Related: The Ultimate Stay at Home Mom Course
2:00-5:00 PM – Late Afternoon Block
- Pick up 5 year old from school
- Empty her backpack and lunchbox
- Clean out car (trash, sweaters, loose shoes, etc.)
- Make dinner
After school my kids will usually play together in the backyard, take a bath, and then watch TV together while I get dinner ready.
5:00-7:00 PM – Bedtime Routine
- Eat dinner
- Do dishes & run dishwasher
- Clean up main living area (as a family)
- Load up laundry and run machine
- Put kids to bed
Note: My preference is to start a load of laundry at bedtime. The way I see it is that everything is done being stained for the day at this point. I run the wash and then load the dryer. Then I’ll put the laundry away the next day.
Read: My Nightly Reset Routine
7:00-9:00 PM – Nighttime Routine
After the kids are in bed I always wash off my makeup and change my clothes. I also never skip ice cream! It’s important to do little things for yourself – even something as simple as washing off your makeup.
- Pack 5 year old’s lunch for next day
- Update weekly planner / write down tasks for next day
- Respond to emails, various work things, etc.
- Watch TV & relax!
It’s worth noting again that your daily schedule really depends on the ages of your kids and how many kids you have.
That being said, there should be two non-negotiables in every mom’s day:
- Time for exercise (with kids or without)
- Downtime (during nap, quiet time, independent play, or while kids are at school)
I’ve also listed more resources for you below to help with your day-to-day life as a stay at home mom.
More Helpful Momlife Resources
- Getting Back into a Routine with Toddlers
- How to do Preschool at Home
- Managing a Baby and Toddler as a Stay at Home Mom
- How to Afford to Be a Stay at Home Mom
- Life-Changing Meal Planning Hacks
