Pretty Simple Ideas

| Simplifying Homemaking

  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Life
    • DIY & Natural Beauty
    • Home & Garden
    • Pretty & Simple Style
  • Love
    • Wedding Planning
    • Relationships
    • Health & Fitness
  • Pursuit of Happiness
    • Travel Tips
    • Women At Work
    • Women of Faith

A Day In The Life of a Work-At-Home Mom

September 9, 2018 by Sarah 24 Comments

Ever want to take a sneak peek into other people’s lives?  Lately, I’ve been curious about what a work-at-home mom schedule should look like since I currently am one. Do other moms follow a similar schedule to mine? What do we all do the same? What do we do differently? While I figure out the answers to my questions about what other moms do, I thought I’d give a little glimpse of what life is like working at home with a new baby for me. That way, maybe more of us can share our stories and find new tips to make it all work.

A Day In The Life of a Work-At-Home Mom

A Day in the Life of a Work At Home Mom

*this is a sponsored post*

2am – The Day Begins, Sort of

This is when I get up to pump. Penny has been a finicky nurser so I pump to give her bottles and keep my supply up. While getting up at this hour is not fun, I’ve gotten used to it and view it as the official start of my day.

Instead of checking social media or doing any other mindless task I use it to do my daily devotion. I will either read through a devotion on my Bible app or simply read through a chapter of the Bible I am working through. It really helps set the tone of my day. Afterwards, I go back to bed.

6:00am – 7:00am

Somewhere in this hour, Penny wakes up. I feed her, burp her and then keep her awake to teach her that it is daytime now and not night. After she is fed and/or I pump, I will make myself breakfast. It is usually a spinach omelet with cheddar cheese, a banana, peanut butter, and spinach smoothie, or carrot pancakes.

If Penny is still wide awake I will do some “tummy time” with her or just play with her and some toys on the floor. When she gets sleepy I put her down for a nap and then either start checking my work email or if she got up several times in the night, I will lay down for a quick nap myself.

Girl, Wash Your Face

Before she wakes up though, I wash my face, brush my teeth and change out of my pajamas. I like how Emily Ley in her book a “Simplified Life” talks about it:

“When I was a kid, my dad used to tell me to put my shoes on every morning – even on the weekend. Socks, then shoes, strings tied in a bow, double knotted. He said that if I had my shoes on, I’d be ready to say yes to any invitation that came my way. Now, as a busy working mom, I still follow his guideline. I wake up (usually before my little ones), shower, put on my makeup, do my hair, and get dressed. Lastly, but certainly not least, I put on my shoes – ready for the day ahead. In the early days of my work-from-home career, it was easy to skip a few of these essential steps and wear my pajamas all day (barefoot, of course). But I’ve found that pulling myself together and preparing for the day gives me the confidence to tackle whatever lies ahead.”

Say Yes to Any Invitation

Many times I change into leggings and a t-shirt. But lately, I am trying to step up my game and take Emily’s advice by being ready to say yes to any invitation that comes my way. Even if that invitation is just a pediatrician appointment, going into the office, or having a friend stop by. I recently decluttered my wardrobe so I love all my clothes and putting together an outfit is effortless. I am also in love with dresses lately.

RELATED: How to Create Your First Capsule Wardrobe 

8:00am -9:00am

Penny wakes up. I change her and feed her. I will pump again (story of my life!) and then hold her upright so she doesn’t spit up while I check emails. It’s a glamorous life but someone has to live it.

A day in the life of a work at home mom

9:00am – 10:00am

I put Penny down for a nap and while she is fussing I usually get a quick chore done around the house, like throwing in a load of laundry or quickly cleaning the bathroom. While she sleeps I get back to work.

11:00am – 12:00pm

Penny wakes up. I feed her, pump and hold her upright. (You’re getting the drill now…) I will usually set her in a chair in the kitchen and then make myself lunch. It’s silly but I explain to her what I’m doing. Hey, if I don’t amount to a good cook maybe my daughter will one day.

Usually, during the lunch hour, I will give my elderly neighbor a call and we go for a quick walk around the block. She has bad knees and can’t go very far and I don’t have a lot of time so we make great walking buddies.

12:30 pm

Penny goes down for a nap. I try to do another quick chore while she fusses, such as folding the laundry. When she is asleep it is back to the computer for work.

2:30 pm

Penny wakes up. Feed. Pump. Hold upright. I have written many press releases with her on my lap, pecking away at the keyboard like a chicken. Once, I even had a press call with Amazon while she was crying in my arms. Fun times.

After some work, I will read her a book, play with her on the floor with her toys, or take her outside in our yard and show her our plants and flowers.

3:30pm/4:00pm

Penny goes down for a nap. I do some work. Maybe get a snack. Move the wash from the washer to the dryer.

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Penny wakes up. You know the drill. This is now the longest stretch of my day because she usually does not like to take a nap after this time. I try to do some work, play with her, etc. I then make dinner and eventually give her a bath when my husband Josh comes home.

work-at-home-mom-schedule

He’ll then feed her while I try to do something little for myself. Maybe a short cat nap, bath, or work on a blog post. When she goes to bed between 7pm-8pm I am usually not that far behind her since I get up with her a few times a night. I tell you, it IS a glamorous life. But I love it.

And that is a very realistic look at my day. Weekends are similar as far as her schedule except she might skip a nap if we go somewhere like church or the ever-exciting Home Depot.

Instead of work for my job, I work on my blog, schedule social media posts, and get major chores around the house done.

Are you a work-at-home, stay-at-home, or working mom? What does your day look like?

If you enjoyed this article make sure to sign up for my newsletter and get pretty simple tips sent directly to you.

PIN ME!

RELATED: 12 Tidbits of Wisdom from an Experienced Mom 

Filed Under: Pretty & Simple Style, Women At Work Tagged With: SAHM, stay-at-home-mom, WAHM, work-at-home-mom, working mom, working mom style

Comments

  1. Chelsea says

    September 11, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    Wow, your days sound super busy and you are definitely way more productive than I am! I couldn’t imagine waking up at 2am to start my day!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 11, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      I go back to bed after! Thankfully. haha

      Reply
  2. Mimi says

    September 11, 2018 at 4:09 pm

    You are so organized. I work from home too (although I’m not a mum) and I get dressed too, I don’t wear shoes because it kind of grosses me out XD (bit germophobic) but I never work in my pjs because I need to separate work time from me time. That usually helps (PS: Penny is so cute!) xx

    http://www.blushydarling.com

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 11, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      Thank you, Mimi! Haha the shoes made me laugh, but I can actually totally understand that.

      Reply
  3. Cassie @ Getyourholidayon says

    September 11, 2018 at 8:30 pm

    I can totally relate to your schedule! Your daughter is absolutely adorable!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      It’s tough but worth it, right? And thank you 🙂 🙂

      Reply
  4. Brenda says

    September 12, 2018 at 2:15 am

    Have you tried using a mint wrap or ring sling with her when you’re trying to work at the computer and hold her upright? I’ve done that with mine and it works well and allows both hands free.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      No, I hadn’t yet but that is an excellent idea!!! Thank you Brenda!

      Reply
  5. Nicole Kauffman says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:38 am

    LOVED this inside look! I love your honesty and I REALLY need to work on getting ready – showering/getting dressed/make up on – when I’m working from home! It’s so easy to want to stay comfortable, but getting ready really changes everything. I like your idea of putting shoes on. I think I’m gonna try it 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      The one thing I don’t do is wear makeup at home. Sometimes its hard enough getting dressed 🙂

      Reply
  6. ShootingStarsMag says

    September 12, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Thanks for sharing! I’m not a mom, but I totally applaud moms who work AND raise children at home (and really, all moms, no matter what they do!) I have to take a shower and get dressed when I get up or I just feel crummy, even if I’m staying home and doing blog work, etc.

    -Lauren

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Moms are rockstars!

      Reply
  7. Emily says

    September 12, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    This sounds like a day in my house! Except I usually work in yoga pants lol. I guess I need to up my outfit game, but I’d rather be comfortable while I work.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Oh, I work in yoga pants many days still 🙂

      Reply
  8. adriana says

    September 12, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    Your daughter is so cute! It sounds like you’re doing a great job and handling your busy daily schedule perfectly 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      hank you, Adriana!

      Reply
  9. Amy @ Orison Orchards says

    September 12, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    What a cute dress! I love that you look so put together and are so productive. I usually wear my exercise clothes all day, but hey, at least I’m exercising in the mornings!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 12, 2018 at 5:42 pm

      Yah that’s huge!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    September 13, 2018 at 12:07 am

    What a day! I miss days with little ones, but not the midnight wake ups. Sounds like you have a great rhythm for your days.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 16, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      I can’t wait until the midnight wake ups have passed, too. haha

      Reply
  11. Kelsey says

    September 13, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    I love your dress! I’m trying to be better with staying in clothes that are comfortable but can be worn to look good when I need to run out the door. Great schedule!

    Reply
  12. Lia says

    September 16, 2018 at 1:17 am

    That’s a very busy day!

    Reply
  13. Ryan Biddulph says

    September 23, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    Well done Sarah. Getting a little taste with my 2 year old niece around for 2 days. We watch her frequently.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      September 29, 2018 at 4:38 pm

      Nice! two year olds are so fun 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello! I’m Sarah

Hello! I’m Sarah

Welcome to Pretty Simple Ideas - where together we'll get back to the basics in life, love & the pursuit of happiness - from home,

Connect with Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Reader Favorites

10 Clever Ways to Save Thousands on a Wedding
DIY Charcoal Mask
Five Fresh Ways to Go Green in Your Home
DIY Coffee Filter Flowers
Learning to Surrender My Career to God
DIY Face Lotion for Sensitive Skin

Save

Save

FREE “Beach life” Desktop Wallpaper

FREE “Beach life” Desktop Wallpaper

Categories

DIY & Natural Skin Care
Home & Garden
Home & Garden




Save

Save

Follow on Instagram

© 2019 Pretty Simple Ideas
Design · Privacy Policy · Affiliate Disclosure