Are you a stay-at-home mom struggling with your daily schedule? Don’t worry, you’re definitely not alone in this.
Research actually shows that breaking your day into routines can be super beneficial for both you and your kids though! Studies have found that having structured routines can boost productivity, reduce stress, and even strengthen the bond between moms and their little ones.
And you know what?
I’ve personally experienced the positive impact of these routines. They’ve been absolute game-changers in managing my day more effectively.
How about I share my experience? It might inspire you to give mini routines a try for yourself!
Main Points
Let’s talk about how to set up these mini routines momma. Trust me, they’ll save your day!
Key points that changed the game for me:
- I divided my day into mini routines to boost productivity and lessen overwhelm.
- These routines kept me organized and created a structured yet comforting environment for my boys, positively supporting their development.
- Mini routines meant more quality time with my kids, strengthening our bond.
- This method promoted personal growth and improved daily management for me, as a stay-at-home mom!
The aim is to establish a flexible framework that enhances your day and your relationship with your kids, not a strict schedule.
How I Discovered the Secret to a Great SAHM Daily Schedule
My journey as a stay-at-home mom started when my first child was born. I stayed home with him and took up distance learning for my college classes.
Despite the initial joy, the repetitive days soon left me craving something more, so I started an in-home daycare. Eventually, my classes became more involved and I had to head back to campus.
Fast forward 16 years, one career, and five kids later, the last of which were twins! And the cost of daycare versus my salary made staying at home the only logical choice.
Yet, the fear of facing those long, uneventful days again haunted me!
But with three kids under three, life was far from boring! It was chaotic, overwhelming, and I was barely keeping it together.
That was until my husband suggested I run our home like a daycare!! (Yes, after I had myself a good freakout session… 🙄)
I transformed our daily routine by modeling it after a preschool (I once worked in a preschool classroom as a paraprofessional)! This created a more manageable and fulfilling day for both me and the kiddos.
I wasn’t just a mom; I was their teacher, and our days were filled with learning, play, and laughter. This shift not only brought joy and purpose back into our lives but also made me feel like a great mom again!
We built strong bonds and created lasting memories, all while having the magical, fun days at home I had always wanted. 💕
How to Create a Daily Routine for a Stay at Home Mom
Ready to create your perfect stay-at-home mom routine? Want to add structure to your day, say goodbye to chaos, and create precious memories with your little ones?
Daycares and preschools follow a structured routine because kids thrive on knowing what comes next. Their days are predictable, making transitions smoother and rules easier to follow.
The specifics of your day – whether it’s story time, free play, or crafts – doesn’t matter as much as doing these activities in the same order every day. That’s the real beauty of it!
Here’s how:
1. Create a Morning Routine
Start by creating a consistent morning routine. What do you want your mornings to look like?
Will you get up before the kids? Wake up snuggling in bed together?
What will happen right away in the day? When will breakfast be? What activities follow breakfast?
Really spend some time thinking about what an ideal day would look like for you.
For me, I get up before my kiddos so that I can get some work done and have a couple of (HOT!) cups of coffee.
When it was time to get them up, we’d snuggle on the rocking chair. Snuggling on that chair is how we started off every single day.
2. Create Set Meal Times
Break up the morning with breakfast. Create a routine before breakfast and a routine for after breakfast.
And create a routine around breakfast. Meals are a natural transition point in your day.
We eat breakfast in shifts during the week at my house, because everyone wakes up at different times.
Some of the boys eat at school and some eat at home. So breakfast is informal and involves cereal, a Pop Tart, toast or an Egg McMuffin.
The weekend is more structured, however, as my husband and I cook in the kitchen together. We prepare a big breakfast and the whole family eats together.
Break up your afternoon with lunch, and your evening with supper, and build a routine around each one as well.
Then, plan a routine for before lunch and for after lunch, and a routine for before supper and for after supper.
Our lunch routine was very informal, since it was just me and the twins at home. We ate something quick, easy and simple.
The boys and I would quietly visit while we ate lunch. (The TV is never on, for any meal.)
Our supper routine is far more involved. I cook a home-cooked meal almost every night.
Oftentimes, my husband will cook with me. Creating the meal, eating the meal, and cleaning up after the meal can take up the majority of our evening.
But we do it because eating healthy is important to us and because spending time together as a family is even more important.
3. Create Routine Snack Times
Next, break up your afternoon with a set snack time. At our house, it’s 3:00.
No snacks before, no snacks after. You may choose to serve a mid-morning snack as well, at your own house. Depends on your kids and their ages.
Your snack time routine can be as formal or informal as you’d like. A daycare, will, of course, have a very formal snack-time routine.
At my house, we do not. I offer them a couple of different options, they choose what they’d like, and, depending on what they are eating, they choose where to eat it.
They make take popcorn to their bedroom and watch a movie or they may have yogurt at the table. Sometimes cartoons are on, or they play on their Kindle Fires while they snack.
4. Create a Regular Nap and Bedtime Routine
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how important bedtime and nap time are! Creating a routine around these times will make the whole process go so much more smoothly.
I actually liked to keep my nap time and bedtime routines fairly similar. That way the baby’s body gets “trained” for sleep.
For us, nap time came after I had lunch cleaned up. We started off with stories and snuggles and then had a little ritual for how they got tucked into bed. We’d also play a lullaby while they slept.
As they got older, we eliminated naps and just had rest time. They’d lay in their beds with a book to read for an hour. We still snuggled and read stories before the nap, and they still listened to music while they rested.
Your nap time routine can look any way you want it to. Just be consistent about what happens and when it happens.
The same goes for your bedtime routine. Keep it the same every night. Do the same activities to prepare for bed and put the kids down for bed, in the same way, every night.
If you read a story, give three kisses on the nose, and sing a song, then do that every night.
Creating a routine simply means doing the same thing, in the same order, every night.
Don’t make it harder than it has to be momma!
5. Create an Afternoon Routine
Your afternoon routine may involve playtime, learning time, or structured activities. It can vary from day to day, meaning maybe you have a science experiment every Monday, craft time every Tuesday, and a field trip on Wednesdays. Or it can be unstructured daily free time.
Whatever you choose to do in the afternoon is up to you. Even if your afternoon activity is different every day, keeping what happens before the afternoon begins and what happens after the afternoon has ended the same every day will create a routine.
For example, your afternoon may start with waking up from rest time. It may have a scheduled mid-afternoon snack, and it may end right before supper.
What you do in the middle of that time won’t matter, as long as what you do at the beginning of that time and the end of that time remains the same.
This is good because it can give you a little leeway to add variety to your days.
6. Create an Evening Routine
Use the same structure to create your evening routine. The evening typically falls after supper time.
This time is a great time to set aside family time.
You could do a variety of activities that are designed to build that bond between parents and child. Just as in the afternoon, the activities can be anything you value, as long as the same order of activities is followed every day.
For example, maybe you eat, clean up, and have a bath, every night. After that, maybe it’s a fun family activity, then a bedtime snack, teeth brushing, stories, and prayers. And off to bed.
Whatever fun family activity you choose is irrelevant. The core routine remains the same every night.
Tips for Creating Your Sahm Daily Schedule
All right, now that we’ve covered the importance of a routine and how to create one that suits your family’s needs, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty.
1. Use a Routine Instead of a Schedule
Now, don’t get me wrong, schedules are useful, but for us stay-at-home moms, routines are the real winners.
Schedules are tied to specific times – they’re rigid and strict, hardly leaving space for the unpredictable moments that come with raising kids.
Routines, on the other hand, are about establishing a pattern rather than sticking to a strict timeline. They offer a flexible flow to our day, adapting even when things don’t go as planned – like when the baby won’t nap, the laundry piles up, or you’re constantly cleaning spills.
With routines, we follow a sequence of events without the pressure of exact times, creating a rhythm that guides our day.
2. Understand Your Core Family Values
Before you start creating your routine, let’s figure out what matters most to you and your family.
Knowing your core family values acts like a compass, guiding your daily decisions and helping you focus your time and energy.
It’s easy to fall for the Instagram-perfect image of a “good” mom – baking cookies, crafting, running a home business, all in a spotless house. 🤣😂 But let’s be honest, that’s not realistic or even wanted by everyone.
Motherhood doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all. What’s important is doing what’s right for YOU and YOUR family.
Whether it’s cooking healthy meals, enjoying quality time together, fostering a love for learning, or just making sure your kids feel loved and secure.
Identify your family values, write them down, and let them guide your routine. That’s the key to a meaningful, fulfilling daily life that fits your unique family.
3. Use Natural Transition Points
Mealtimes and bedtimes are perfect moments to organize your daily routine, acting as stable anchors that add predictability. For example, breakfast can kick off the day, focusing on learning and creativity until lunch.
After lunch might be time for rest or solo play, leading to a family activity before dinner. Evening should be about calming down, preparing for bedtime.
The goal isn’t to cram in countless activities but to create a day with a balanced flow of activity and rest. Use these natural breaks as the foundation of your daily rhythm to make building a routine that maintains everyone’s peace of mind easier! 😊
4. Embrace Rituals and Create Mini Routines
Rituals are more than repeated actions; they’re special traditions with emotional importance. Incorporating them into daily life gives children a sense of security and identity.
Simple rituals like singing during bath time or sharing gratitude at dinner is comforting to your kids, and makes them feel loved and a part of something bigger. It gives them an identity and a sense of belonging.
Mini routines are sequences of actions for specific times, offering structure and reducing anxiety. Morning mini routines might involve dressing, brushing teeth, and breakfast, while afternoon and evening mini routines could include playtime, creative activities, and bedtime stories.
Rituals and mini routines add regularity to life but serve different purposes. Rituals connect emotionally, supporting a child’s sense of self and belonging.
Mini routines are practical, managing tasks and providing structure. A balance of both creates a harmonious daily rhythm.
5. Use Filler Activities
Filler activities are fun tasks that fit perfectly into the spare moments of our day, like after lunch or before dinner. They’re not just to entertain kids (though they excel at that!), but also to spark learning and creativity.
Think of them as the sprinkles on your day’s sundae: small, yet they add a special shine! Whether it’s educational games, reading, or arts and crafts, these activities can range from making play-doh sculptures to mini science experiments.
Even a simple coloring book can help kids practice fine motor skills. The goal is to keep things low-key and enjoyable.
6. Consider A Pre-Morning Routine
Ah, the early morning silence. Whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, there’s something special about the quiet before the house wakes.
It’s the perfect time for some ‘me-time’. I like to grab a coffee, enjoy the peace, do a quick workout, and some bible study!
Use this time for something that fills your soul. Starting your day with self-care not only energizes your spirit but also prepares you for the day ahead.
7. End the Day with an After-Bedtime Evening Routine
When the kids are asleep and the house is quiet, it’s time for dad and I to enjoy some alone time! The evening hours after bedtime are perfect for reconnecting and unwinding.
Whether it’s watching a movie together or enjoying a late-night dessert in the kitchen, cherish these moments, momma. 💕 They’re good for your relationship and wellbeing.
Parenting can be overwhelming, making it easy to forget about taking care of ourselves and each other. These routines serve as reminders to practice self-care and appreciate your journey together.
Grab your free stay at home mom schedule template!
So, ready to make your days at home a tad bit more organized and a whole lot more enjoyable?
Click the button below to download our customizable stay at home mom schedule template totally free! It’s designed to give a structure to your day, ensuring you get those precious personal moments while managing the mayhem of mom life.
Start your journey towards a balanced life right now, because you totally deserve it!
Sahm FAQs
I know you might have some questions. That’s totally fine, we’ve all been there!
Below are some commonly asked questions about being a stay-at-home mom and handling the hustle and bustle.
Dive in, and hopefully, you’ll find the answers you’re looking for!
How do I create a daily routine for a stay-at-home mom?
Creating a daily routine as a stay-at-home mom can be challenging, but it’s about finding a rhythm that suits you and your kids.
Start by ranking tasks by necessity and urgency.
Divide your day into blocks – morning, afternoon, and evening, and plan activities for each. Include breaks for yourself and fun activities for your kids.
Flexibility is key; it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. Aim for a structure that organizes your day but allows for unexpected moments!
What do stay-at-home moms do all day?
The daily life of a stay-at-home mom varies, depending on the kids’ ages and numbers, but it’s always packed with tasks.
They manage meal prep, help with homework, do household chores, plan fun activities, handle appointments, and take care of bedtime routines. Oh – and they also make time for their own interests and hobbies.
It’s a demanding full-time job that needs multitasking, creativity, resilience, and lots of love.
How do stay-at-home moms stay organized?
Staying organized as a stay-at-home mom involves finding and sticking to systems that work. This can mean using planners or apps for scheduling, setting reminders for key tasks, regularly decluttering, and keeping everything in its place.
It also involves teaching your kids to use these systems, such as putting away toys after playing. Most importantly, it’s about giving yourself a break, understanding that some days may be messier than others, and that’s okay!
What is a good stay-at-home mom routine?
A good stay-at-home mom routine balances structure and flexibility.
Begin by waking up before the kids for personal time, plan meals, and prep for the day. Divide the day into blocks for learning, chores, meals, rest, and play, allowing breaks for relaxation and surprises.
Wind down with a calming bedtime routine. The best routine fits your family’s needs, not just what looks good on paper!
How do stay-at-home moms make a schedule?
Creating a schedule as a stay-at-home mom means listing daily key tasks and setting specific times for each. It’s about prioritizing by importance and urgency, while aligning with the family’s natural flow.
Factor in meal times, naps, school runs, work, and extracurricular activities, but also allow for downtime and unexpected changes. Digital tools or a physical planner can aid in this.
The goal is a routine that adds structure and predictability yet is flexible enough for family life dynamics.
For a great sample schedule, check out my post: Wanna Create the Best Ever Stay at Home Mom Schedule? Here’s How!
How many hours a day does a SAHM work?
The hours a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) works can greatly depend on her family’s needs, often equating to a full-time job. A SAHM’s duties include childcare, housework, meal prep, and errands.
Typically, these tasks can total 10-12 hours daily, not including night duties like caring for a sick child or a baby. It’s crucial to recognize that a SAHM’s work is diverse and extends beyond regular “working hours.”
What are realistic expectations for a SAHM?
Realistic expectations for stay-at-home moms should acknowledge they’re human, not supermachines.
A SAHM can maintain an organized home, care for the kids, and handle household duties.
But not every day will be perfect. Some tasks may remain undone, some days may be tougher, and that’s fine. Self-care and rest are crucial for a SAHM, as they’re vital for the family’s overall well-being.
How many hours should a stay-at-home mom clean?
The time a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) spends on cleaning depends on her home’s size, family size, and lifestyle. Roughly, a couple of hours daily could cover tidying, dishes, laundry, and deep cleaning.
It’s important to balance cleaning with enjoying family time. Involving other family members can spread responsibility and promote teamwork, easing the SAHM’s burden.
Do kids with stay at home moms have better outcomes?
Yes and no. It depends on many factors since every family and situation is unique. Research shows kids with stay-at-home moms can develop strong emotional bonds and receive consistent care.
However, kids of working moms may learn independence and social skills early on, and be inspired by their mom’s work ethic. The key is a loving, supportive environment, regardless of whether a mom stays at home or works.
How do stay at home moms plan their week?
Stay-at-home moms often plan their week by setting up a routine that balances personal tasks, kids’ activities, and household chores, using tools like planners, calendars, or apps for organization. The plan should be flexible to allow for surprises.
Assigning specific days for tasks like laundry or grocery shopping helps streamline the week. It’s also important to include time for self-care, relaxation, and family activities to keep a healthy, happy lifestyle.
At the End of the Day…
And the secret to a great stay-at-home mom daily schedule is…
… to set yourself up like a daycare!!
Daycares and preschools follow a day-to-day routine. They use natural transition breaks, such as lunchtime and recess, to break up their day.
And then they start and end each chunk of their day in the same way.
So, it doesn’t matter what goes into your daily stay-at-home mom schedule; what matters is that each chunk of your day – the morning, the afternoon, and the evening – all start and end the same way.
It also helps to have rituals around your transition periods, such as meal times, bedtimes, and bath time. 😉
You got this momma!!
More on Sahm Schedules
Tips to Stick to Your Stay at Home Mom Schedule
Scheduling Techniques for Your Sahm Schedule
The Secret to Mastering Your Stay at Home Mom Schedule
