A SAHM routine doesn’t have to be wishful thinking, momma.
As a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), your life is already a whirlwind of chaos, coffee, and maybe a few too many cold dinners. But when the kids are finally off to school?
Oh, honey, that’s where the real challenge begins.
Suddenly, you’ve got six to eight hours of precious time to yourself. Before you can even decide where to start, poof—the school bell rings, and your quiet bubble pops.
I get it, and trust me, you’re not alone.
I’m a SAHM too, with a nonverbal 11-year-old son on the spectrum and his sassy eight-year-old sister. Finding the right routine?
Let’s just say it’s been a wild ride.
So, whether you’re looking to get your house in order, dive into personal projects, or just sneak in a shower (hey, it counts as self-care), here’s a guide to structuring your day like a pro while the kids are in school.
Start with the Essentials: A SAHM Morning Routine That Actually Works
Let’s be real: The morning rush can feel like an Olympic event. One kid can’t find their shoes, the other refuses to eat anything but dinosaur-shaped pancakes, and you’re just hoping to leave the house in something that isn’t yesterday’s shirt.
Here’s the deal—once the kids are out the door, take a breath (or chug your coffee, whatever works). Then, give yourself 15-30 minutes to tidy up the breakfast aftermath. Clearing the kitchen counter gives you that small, immediate win. Plus, no one wants to return from the school run to a battlefield of half-eaten toast.
Pro Tip: Make your bed as soon as you get home from drop-off. It’s the simplest way to kick-start productivity.
Set Intentional Time Blocks
With the house quiet (finally), it’s easy to get lost in the endless to-do list. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, break your day into time blocks. Think of it as compartmentalizing the chaos.
Here’s a basic framework (obviously the time windows should vary based on your kid’s pick-up and drop off times):
9:00 – 10:30 AM: Chore Time
Start with housework. Tackle laundry, dishes, or any other nagging chores. But here’s the trick: set a timer. It’s easy to lose hours scrubbing the bathtub, but let’s be real—nobody’s giving you a gold star for pristine grout. Clean what’s necessary, then move on.
10:30 – 12:00 PM: Me-Time (Yes, You Read That Right)
Yes, mama, this block is all yours. Go ahead and guilt-free indulge in something that fills your cup. Whether it’s working out, journaling, reading a book, or even taking a nap—this is your time to recharge. Think of it as putting on your oxygen mask before you dive back into the day.
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch & Light Tasks
Have a quick lunch. Don’t forget to nourish yourself (and no, finishing your kid’s cold sandwich doesn’t count). While you eat, check emails, plan dinner, or even scroll Instagram. Hey, you deserve a break.
3. Afternoon Productivity: Personal Projects & Errands
Once lunch is over, you’ve still got a couple of golden hours to yourself. Time to tackle those personal projects you’ve been putting off—whether it’s working on a blog, starting a side hustle, or organizing the family photos that are five years overdue.
1:00 – 2:30 PM: Deep Dive into Projects
This is the time to dive into something that requires focus. If you’ve been wanting to pick up a hobby, start a new book, or get involved in a passion project, now’s your chance.
2:30 – 3:00 PM: Quick Pick-Me-Up Chores
Before the school day ends, do a quick sweep of the house. I’m not talking about a full-on cleaning spree—just the basics. Think tidying up the living room, fluffing the couch pillows, and prepping snacks for when the kids come home.
Pro Tip: You know that random stack of papers on the kitchen counter? Deal with it now. When the kids get home, it’ll become Mount Everest, and you won’t have the energy to sort through it later.
4. Self-Care Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
I know, I know—self-care sounds like one of those buzzwords that Instagram moms throw around while sipping lattes. But listen, you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you’re running on caffeine fumes, girl.
During school hours, prioritize small self-care rituals. Even if it’s just 10 minutes for a face mask or a long shower, that moment of peace can seriously recharge your batteries. And if you’re feeling ambitious, throw in a little meditation or mindfulness practice to ground yourself before the after-school storm hits.
Pro Tip: Schedule these self-care moments as non-negotiable, just like you would a doctor’s appointment. It’ll help shift your mindset from “I should” to “I must.”
5. Embrace Flexibility, Because Life Happens
No matter how perfectly planned your day is, life happens. Maybe your kid’s school calls because they forgot their lunch (again), or you get an unexpected phone call that throws everything off.
Instead of stressing over what you didn’t accomplish, embrace flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s making the most of the time you have. Trust me, I’ve been there. Some days, my son’s needs completely reroute my plans, and that’s okay. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.
6. Get the Family Involved: After-School Prep
Finally, when the school day ends and the kids come home, don’t let the whole house fall apart. Establish a post-school routine to keep things running smoothly. Have the kids unpack their bags, put away shoes, and even help with setting the table for dinner.
Teaching responsibility helps them and lightens your load. Plus, it gives you a few extra minutes to sip (reheat) your coffee before dinner.
SAHM Routine: You’ve Got This, Supermom
Structuring your day as a stay-at-home mom with school-aged kids is all about finding balance. By breaking your time into manageable blocks, prioritizing self-care, and being flexible, you’ll find that you can conquer both your to-do list and your sanity (well, most of the time). So take a deep breath, grab that coffee, and rock your SAHM routine—you’ve got this!
