A Day in the Life of a Stay at Home Mom

When you think of a stay at home mom what are the images that pass through your mind? Do you see bon-bons and day time soaps, or perhaps you envision sparkling clean floors and home cooked meals? For many these are the common stereotypes associated with mothers who choose to pass up the career track and opt to stay home with their children. In order to dispel some of the stereotypes allow me to share with you a typical day in the life of a stay at home mother of two, bon-bons optional.

7:00 A.M. - Rise and shine sleepy head. While both boys are still snoring I attempt a little time to read the paper and sneak a much sought after caffeine fix. I love mornings like this, when the house is still quiet and there is nothing so important that I can't sit down for a few minutes.

8:00 A.M. - By now the house is in full swing. PBS blasts from the living room as my son ignores me for his cartoons. Oatmeal is cooking on the stovetop as I try to slice an apple with a teething infant on my hip. I can usually tell how the day will go based on how the morning begins, this one will be hectic.

9:00 A.M. - Breakfast done, the boys are dressed and ready to play. Normally we would head out on a morning walk but snow and ice are keeping us inside instead. I set out the crayons and some blank paper for the toddler, set up the baby in his bouncy toy where he can watch, then attempt some cleaning. If I can get dishes washed, one load of laundry in the machine, and run the vacuum in one room I'll be satisfied. Of course I do all this with frequent breaks to sweet talk the baby or draw a requested alligator for the toddler.

10:00 A.M. - The test of any mother, going out in public with her children and not wanting to die from embarrassment. It seems simple enough: mail a package at the post office, return books to the library, and stop at the grocery store to pick up some milk. Bundled up in their snowsuits we load up in the car and venture forth. The boys are wound up from being stuck inside from the weather but we back it back without me offering the boys for sale to any roaming gypsies.