Being a stay-at-home mom can feel like you’re the CEO of a bustling household. Meal prep, school runs, and keeping the peace among siblings—this’s what a typical day in the life of a stay-at-home mom looks like.
I have first-hand experience that amidst the boatload of daily chores and demands, taking out a moment for yourself seems almost like a fantasy.
My chaotic routine was robbing me of the joy of motherhood as a new mama until I decided to reset it. I was trying to find my toddler’s favorite toy that went missing one morning when it hit me: there had to be a better way to structure my stay at home mom schedule. That day, I decided to become an organized mom who does things with a plan, and it made my life a lot easier.
Every day you put the little ones’ needs and routines before yours, which means you end up with no time to unwind. Argh. But what if I told you a well-thought-out routine can be the straw to save you from drowning?
Yes, sticking to a plan when you have kids in tow is not always manageable. But roughly structuring your days can take a lot of stress out of the question.
I have put together this practical guide to help you be a more organized stay-at-home mom without sacrificing your ‘me time.’ This is my tried and tested stay at home mom schedule that’ll make chores easier so you can afford to rest and do your thing without any stress.
My Stay at Home Mom Schedule: A Complete Checklist
A thorough checklist of the things to tackle in a day means you do everything on time and don’t forget anything important. Because otherwise, tasks pile up and you’re always stressed about ticking them off your list.
Since we love routines, here are my things to do as a stay-at-home mom on any given day:
- 6:30 am – 7:30 am: Wake up and have quiet time before kids wake up
- 7:30 am – 9:00 am: Morning routine with kids
- 9:00 am – 12:00 am: Household errands and personal projects
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Quiet time/nap
- 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Afternoon play or crafts
- 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: Family dinner and evening routine
- 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Bedtime for kids and ‘Me’ time for mom
Wake Up and Quiet Time (6:30 am – 7:30 am)
I typically wake up at around 6:00 am or 6:30 am. Before the storm of the day begins, I cherish these quiet moments. I sip my coffee, exercise, sometimes meditate, and enjoy the silence before the kids stir. This small window sets a positive tone for my whole day and helps me start off in a good mood.
Morning Routine with Kids (7:30 am – 9:30 am)
Breakfast is our first touchpoint of the day. After getting everyone out of bed typically at 7:30 am, I involve the kids in simple preparations, like setting the table or stirring oatmeal. It teaches them responsibility and teamwork. We also use this time to discuss what each of us has planned for the day—this shared moment strengthens our connection.
Here’s what we do in this morning routine:
- Potty time/freshen-up
- Getting dressed
- Breakfast
- Random play or gossip
- Making bed
- Doing dishes and cleaning up the dining area
On days, my kids are going to school, this time is used to get them dressed and pack their bags.
Household Errands and Personal Projects (9:00 am to 12:00 am)
9:00 am to 11:00 am every morning is reserved for completing errands and my hobbies. I do laundry, cleaning, and organizing.
On days when kids have school, I dedicate this time block to my hobbies along with the daily errands. I usually enjoy gardening, and sometimes, crafting.
If kids are home, I set engaging activities for them like a mini obstacle course or a craft project which helps develop their motor skills and creativity.
We also use this time to go out at least once a week—we go to the playground or for a short walk or grocery.
Lunch (12:00 pm – 1:00 pm)
Since the break is usually light, 12:00 pm is our lunchtime. I aim for healthy and easy options that fuel the body and mind. I often prepare meals that can be made in advance to save time.
This is also time for changing diapers and cleaning up after lunch.
Quiet Time/Nap (1:00 pm -3:00 pm)
While the kids nap or engage with books or puzzles, I focus on tasks that require concentration, like budgeting, work calls, or planning. This time is for my productivity and helps me handle complex tasks without interruptions.
Since the mama cannot let go of her career aspirations, I strive to maintain the balance between my family and work life by utilizing any free moment that I can catch. My blog also takes up around 3 hours of my day, so this is the main window I catch for that.
If you aren’t a working stay-at-home mom, dedicate this time to self-care or a peaceful nap.
Afternoon Play or Crafts (3:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
In this time block, we try to do new crafts or experiment with DIY science projects. Since these activities are educational, they spark my kids’ curiosity and learning. I take this block as a hands-on time that encourages exploration.
Family Dinner and Evening Routine (5:30 pm to 8:00 pm)
I make a homemade meal for dinner on most weekdays since eating healthy is one of our main goals for this year and ahead.
On most days, my husband and I cook together while the kids relax in the lounge with a book or activity board, and it gives us some time to chat in peace.
Post-dinner, we start our evening routine with light music, which includes clean-up time that involves everyone. After we finish dinner, this is time for kids to bathe.
On days I have ample time after doing everything, I dedicate the extra time to my blog. I usually schedule content, prepare graphics, and analyze metrics.
Bedtime for Kids and Personal Time for Mom (8:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Having a stay-at-home mom routine helps you the most when it’s for the kids to sleep. If they go to bed around the same time daily, they sleep easily and you do not exert yourself at this stage too. And once they’re off to bed around 8:00 pm, and hopefully, asleep by 8:30 pm, that’s my ‘me time.’
First, my husband and I together quickly clean the kitchen and do dishes. Doing dishes or running the dishwasher every night means I can have a night of stress-free sleep. We also prepare coffee and school lunches, fold laundry (when needed), and do any other quick tasks as needed. This takes us around 30 to 40 minutes.
Between 9 and 10 pm, it’s my time to relax with my favorite book, sometimes do skincare, or simply doom scroll when I don’t have the constant little demands bothering me. Other nights, I draw a warm bath, add some lavender oil for its calming properties, and let the stress of the day melt away.
I’m off to bed by 10 or 10:30 pm and wake up at 6 or 6:30 pm the next morning after a sound night’s sleep.
Stay at Home Mom Cleaning Schedule Template
The usual routine aside, your patience gets tested big time when there are endless things to do for a stay-at-home mom.
Instead of doing everything at once and feeling burnt out, I spread my chores over the week so there’s mostly one big thing to do on a given day. This routine means that I can stick to my daily routine for stay at home wife better.
Here’s My Weekly Cleaning Schedule Template
- Monday: Clean bathrooms
- Tuesday: Dust and vacuum
- Wednesday: Wash bedding
- Thursday: Mop floors
- Friday: Declutter common areas
- Saturday: Laundry day
- Sunday: Rest and reset for the week
Below are some easy-to-use daily cleaning templates you can use to have organized cleaning activities:
What Do Stay-at-Home Moms Do With Toddlers All Day
What do stay at home moms do with toddlers all day? They try to keep them away from sockets, commodes, and drawers!!!
As a stay-at-home mom, engaging toddlers all day is a demanding task, and that too when you’re trying to minimize their screen time.
The trick here is balancing educational activities with fun so their minds and bodies are active without causing burnout—for them or for you.
A well-planned, adaptable daily routine helps you cut through the chaos and cultivate a supportive space where your toddler can flourish.
Here’s What My SAHM Toddler Daily Routine Looks Like
- 7:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and morning routine
- 9:00 am – 10:30 pm: Learning time (puzzles, reading)
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Outdoor play or walk
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Nap or quiet time
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Free play
- 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Snack Time
- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Crafts or Interactive Play
- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Dinner
- 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Bath Time
- 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Story Time
- 8:00 pm: Bedtime
Toddler Activities for a Structured Day
- Engage in reading or puzzles in the morning when your toddler’s energy and focus are at their peak.
- Break up indoor routines with some time outside, whether it’s a walk, a visit to the park, or simple backyard play.
- Let your child choose their activities as it fosters creativity and encourages independent decision-making.
- Set aside time after lunch for quiet activities or a nap to rejuvenate both of you for the afternoon.
- Introduce simple crafts that help develop fine motor skills and give them an outlet for their creative side.
- Spend time dancing or playing with musical instruments to develop rhythm and physical coordination.
- Pick interactive books that involve touch, sounds, or flaps to lift, as it makes reading a more engaging and educational experience.
Also Read: 17 Versatile Pregnancy Capsule Wardrobe
Daily Routine for Stay at Home Wife
Even if you don’t have kids, a structured daily routine can help you in more than one way. For instance, if you’re on a personal glow-up journey (like I am), a routine will get you out of bed at a set time, eat healthy meals, move your body, and spend some quality time relaxing.
Here’s a Structured Routine for a Stay at Home Wife
- 7:00 am – 8:00 am: Morning routine. Have your coffee, exercise, meditate, or bathe.
- 8:00 am – 9:00 am: Prepare breakfast and enjoy some quality time with your husband.
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Tidy up, do laundry, run the dishwasher, and plan meals for the day.
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Do your personal/professional activities. If you blog, give this time to your blog. If you are doing work from home or working on any personal interests, dedicate this time to them.
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Prepare and eat lunch.
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 PM: Leisure Time: Relax or take a quick nap.
- 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Run errands (grocery shopping, appointments) or take care of tasks outside the home.
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Prep for dinner and family time.
- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Afternoon tea or coffee break, or self-care activities like skincare, meditation, or bubble bath.
- 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Prepare dinner, set the table, and enjoy dinner (possibly with your partner if he’s home).
- 7:30 pm – 8:00: Clean up and wind down
- 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm: Spend time on hobbies, watch a serial, or engage in a fun activity with your husband.
- 9:30 pm: Bedtime routine
Feel free to adjust all the schedules above based on your needs and preferences. But whether you’re a SAHM mom, a SAHM wife, or a mom with a toddler, make sure to include self-care in your routine.
Also Read: Fashion for Moms in Their 30s
How to be a More Organized Stay-at-Home Mom
The key to feeling more in control isn’t doing more, it’s organizing more. On a well-planned day, as a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), you strategically manage the tasks instead of feeling pressured into doing them.
Here are my tried and tested tips to be a successful stay at home mom:
- Use a planner or a digital calendar and jot down everything from personal appointments to playdates. Seeing your whole day at a glance can prevent putting things off because everything gets a dedicated time frame.
- Divide your day into time blocks, such as morning, afternoon, and evening (as listed above in my SAHM schedule). Assign specific tasks to each block, such as household chores in the morning and relaxing in the afternoon. It will help maintain a clear and manageable schedule.
- Each night, list the top three tasks for the following day. It will smooth out your mornings and ensure a peaceful night’s sleep as you’ll be prepared for the day ahead.
Here’s an easy planner to organize your daily tasks:
More Tips for Creating a Successful Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule
Here are some tips to make your daily routines for stay-at-home mom more relaxed and manageable.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries, boundaries, and boundaries—this is your path to leading a good adult life.
If you let everyone walk all over you and disrespect your comfort zone, resentment builds inside you. So, be clear about your rules. For instance, sit down with your partner to clearly divide household and parenting duties.
Also, establish firm nap times for kids and set aside specific times for your tasks and breaks to make your life more predictable and less stressful.
Prioritize Tasks
No one is giving you a medal for being a perfectionist, so don’t overfill your plate. Start each day by identifying the tasks that must be done ASAP and get to them first.
Use a simple system or a to-do list to keep track of what needs to be done daily. Doing so ensures you tackle the most important tasks when your energy is highest, and helps prevent small tasks from piling up.
Prioritize Self-Care
A happy mama is a great mama. I know it’s easy to put yourself last on the list, but self-care is a non-negotiable if you want to wade through motherhood.
Carve out time every day for activities that rejuvenate you, like a hobby, exercise, or just quiet time alone. This isn’t selfish—it’s a must-have.
Set Realistic Expectations
You can read up on all the SAHM routines in the world, but only you know what your days look like.
Some days will be less productive, and that’s okay. Accept that disruptions will happen and adapt your plans accordingly.
Learning to be flexible without getting frustrated builds you up for long-term success.
Involve Your Family
Make household tasks a team effort. Assign age-appropriate chores to your children and set certain days for family cleaning efforts, like before a weekend outing. This will lighten your workload and teach responsibility and teamwork.
Invest in a Crockpot
This might sound totally off the hook since we’re talking about routines, but you have to have a crockpot. These tools save time and help you put healthy meals on the table.
A crockpot allows you to prepare meals with minimal active effort and free you up to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
Bring Structure Into Your Life With a Set Schedule
The real trick to nailing your stay-at-home mom daily schedule I have shared above is finding that sweet spot between chaos and order.
When you sketch out a daily plan that gives space for you, the kiddos, and all those endless tasks, you’ll start to feel like you’ve got this mom thing down.
Plus, every family’s different, right? So don’t sweat it if you need to switch things up. Only you know what to do as a stay-at-home mom on a given day and situation, so adjust the plan accordingly.
You know what works best for your crew, so tweak away!
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FAQs
What is the best amount of time to stay home with a baby?
Most child development specialists recommend the parent to stay with the baby for at least 12 months if possible. This time frame supports crucial bonding, breastfeeding, and early developmental milestones.
What age are babies most attached to their mom?
Babies often become most attached to their mother or primary caregiver around the ages of 6 to 12 months.
At what age do babies recognize their parents?
Babies generally start to recognize their parents around 3 to 4 months of age. Their recognition is evident as they begin to smile more often and react differently when they see familiar faces.
