Let me set the scene: it’s 6:30 a.m., the house is still quiet… for about five more minutes. My coffee is brewing, my brain is starting to boot up, and I’m savoring the calm before the beautiful chaos begins. But here’s the thing – working from home as a mom? It’s not all pretty desks and filtered Instagram moments. It’s snack requests and client emails, homeschool lessons and laundry piles, and a whole lot of figuring it out as I go.
I’ve been working from home for over a decade, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. There’s been a lot of trial and error, a lot of spilled coffee and missed deadlines, and a lot of growth… both for me and my kids. Our current routine? It’s what works right now (emphasis on “right now”), but trust me, it’s been through many iterations over the years.
Mornings: The Calm Before the Storm
Our day kicks off around 6:30 a.m. because, in our house, we raise early risers. (I haven’t figured out to get them to sleep past 7). The coffee gets poured, the little ones start stirring, and by 7:00, we’re in full swing. Breakfast happens somewhere between pancakes and chaos, and by 8:00, my husband heads to his barn office for work. Yes, he has a sanctuary of peace out there while I hold down the fort inside.
My older two kids, 16 and 12, head upstairs to the homeschool room to dive into their lessons. They’ve reached that beautiful age where they’re largely independent, but the little ones? My 4- and 5-year-olds are my shadow. My little sidekicks. They’re in the magnet tile phase right now (bless those colorful little lifesavers), so I’ll tidy up the house while they build elaborate towers that… inevitably collapse.
I’ve learned a little trick: starting the day with a clean slate makes everything feel lighter. Beds made, laundry started, counters wiped down. I’d love to sit down with my coffee first thing in the morning, but trust me, having a tidy house sets the tone for a better day.
Mid-Mornings: Controlled Chaos
By mid-morning, we’re usually knee-deep in all the things. The little ones might be helping me collect eggs from the chickens (a favorite task) or chopping veggies for lunch. Is it faster if I do it myself? Sure. But seeing their little faces light up when they’re “helping” makes the extra time worth it.
Around 10:30, I’ll try to sneak in a little work. Keyword: try. Whether it’s answering emails, writing, or planning projects, it’s usually done in five-minute increments between snack requests and sibling disputes. But that’s just part of it. The workday looks different when you’re a mom, and that’s okay.
Lunch Breaks and Reset Moments
We pause for lunch at 12:00, and by then, the older kids are finishing up their homeschool work and getting ready to head to the horse farm. It’s their happy place, and honestly, I’m grateful they have it. The house quiets down for a bit, and I take the chance to reset – clean up the kitchen (again), play with the little ones, and maybe even sit down for a moment.
Afternoons are when I get the bulk of my work done. I’ll set up at the dining room table with my laptop while the little ones play or nap. It’s never uninterrupted, but it’s my most productive stretch of the day. Deadlines are met in between building block towers and making yet another round of snacks. This is the season I’m in, and I’ve learned to embrace the ebb and flow.
Evenings: Family Time and Fitness
By 4:00, we start prepping dinner together. The little ones love to help, so I’ll hand them simple tasks like stirring or setting the table. One of their favorite things to play is that we’re running a restaurant, so I try to give it my best shot at running my very own Hell’s Kitchen.
My husband wraps up his workday by 5:00, the older kids return from the farm, and we all sit down for dinner. It’s my favorite part of the day – a chance to connect, laugh, and hear about everyone’s day.
Our evenings usually end at the gym. It’s a non-negotiable for us as a family. The kids’ play area is a dream for the little ones, and my husband and I get time to focus on fitness and unwind. We’ll squeeze in a treadmill run and end the night relaxing in the hot tub. By the time we’re back home, it’s 8:00, and bedtime for the little ones is in full swing.
The Truth Behind the Instagram Grid
Here’s the thing: working from home as a mom isn’t glamorous. My days don’t look like an Instagram highlight reel, and I’ve come to accept that. Most days, I’m juggling too much, feeling stretched thin, and wondering if I’m doing enough. But then, there are moments… the quiet bedtime snuggles, the impromptu dance parties, the “I love you, Mom” that makes everything worth it.
I remind myself often: this is a season. One day, the little ones won’t need me every minute. One day, the house will stay clean. One day, there will be uninterrupted hours for work. But today, I’ll take the chaos, the noise, and the beautiful mess because I know I’ll miss it when it’s gone.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: give yourself a little grace. Every family’s rhythm is different, and what works for me might not work for you. That’s okay. The beauty of working from home is the freedom to create a life that fits your values, your passions, and your family’s needs.
So, to my fellow moms juggling work, kids, and life: you’re doing enough. Give yourself credit for the big wins and the small ones, and remember that the messy moments are often the most meaningful. And if you’re still figuring it out? Welcome to the club. We all are.
