If you’ve ever tried annotating for a model while your children are fighting for who would be in charge of a particular toy (even when there are lots more), then welcome—you’re in the right place.
I’m a work-from-home mom to two energetic boys, ages three and four.
Every day is a mix of productivity, chaos, laughter, and learning how to adapt.
Early Morning Routine (When It Happens)
5:00 AM Alarm rings. (I don’t trust myself to wake up on my own)😊
On a good day, I wake up before my kids.
This is my quiet time to reset, whether studying the word of God, scanning through my plans for the day (which I already planned last night), or simply sitting in silence.
On some days, though, one of my boys is already awake, asking, “Mommy, is it morning?”
5:30 AM – Off to the kitchen to make breakfast and pack their lunch for school
6:30AM – I wake them up; do a little mother-son bonding before serving them a light breakfast.
Something to hold their tummy before lunch break in school.
Breakfast is quick and simple: eggs, toast, tea, or cereal. Nothing fancy, just practical.
Meanwhile:
- Someone doesn’t like their spoon
- Someone spills tea
- Someone doesn’t want to eat
7:00 AM – Potty time and Morning Chaos
I always ensure that they use the potty around this time.
This has really helped me, even in days when they don’t go to school.
Their system is already used to it, and I don’t have to start looking for where they can poop up on days when we are out.
Once they empty their bowels before leaving home, the journey becomes more peaceful, with only one or two requests to pee.
7:45AM – School runs.
I know by this time, a lot of children are already in school as early as 6:30 AM.
But one thing that can relieve you as a mother/parent is to find a good school closer to your home to make your morning less stressful, and the kids would not have to wake too early just to prepare for school.
8:00 AM — Back from school runs (only on a few days when their dad does not take them to school).
Then we have our couple prayer time.🥰
8:30 AM – Starting Work (Without Interruptions)
I open my laptop and get started.
I work optimally, making sure I’m highly productive before I go pick them up by 3:30PM.
But with toddlers at home, interruptions are constant:
- “Mommy, he took my toy!”
- “Mommy, watch this!”
- “Mommy, I need a snack!”
I’ve learned that time blocking for moms doesn’t always work as traditionally expected.
Instead, I focus on short bursts of productivity.
For any stay-at-home working mom, this strategy can make a big difference.
1:00 PM – Lunch and Midday Reset
I make this very snappy to return to work. Productivity is the goal!
3:30 PM – School runs.
This takes about 20 minutes.
As I mentioned, having their school closer to home is a life-saving hack.
When they are back home, I know I have about two more hours to officially close out for the day, so I allow them to do things their own way for that period of time.
Trying as much as possible to take my eyes off whatever mess or chaos they are creating.
5:30 PM – I clock out at work, switch to lighter work tasks, or pause completely to be present.
I clean up whatever mess they might have created, then attend to their homework.
This period can be so much fun depending on the number of petty gist they’ve got from school 😆
After this, the kids are recharged and ready to play. We might:
- Go outside
- Play games
- Do simple activities
This is one of the biggest lessons of being a work-from-home mom with toddlers: flexibility matters more than perfection.
6:30 PM – Dinner Prep with Kids
Cooking with toddlers isn’t efficient—but it’s meaningful.
Yes, it’s messy. Yes, it takes longer. But it’s part of our routine and a chance to bond.
7:00 PM – Bedtime Routine
Bath time, pajamas, storybooks, and the usual “just one more hug.”
This is one of my favorite parts of the day- calm, quiet, and full of connection.
8:30 PM – Finishing Work at Night
Once the kids are asleep (hopefully ), I return to work to complete anything left unfinished.
Most importantly, I make sure the kitchen sink is cleared, and everything is in order.
I like to wake up to a clean and clear space.
This sets a good tune and mood for my day.
I also plan the following day ahead.
This second shift isn’t always ideal, but it helps me stay on track as a remote working mom.
10:30 PM – Wind Down
By the end of the day, I’m exhausted – but fulfilled.
I take about 15 minutes of self-care after a bath.
Clean my face and apply basic facial and body treatments before going to sleep.
We must not look like what we are going through. 😂
Some days are productive.
Some are chaotic.
Most are a mix of both.
Tips for Work-From-Home Moms (with Toddlers)
If you’re navigating this season, here are a few practical tips:
- Work in short bursts: Don’t wait for perfect conditions
- Use structured play: Keep kids engaged while you work
- Let go of perfection: Progress is enough
- Take advantage of naps: Use that time wisely
- Most importantly, plan your day the night before.
- Give yourself grace: Every day won’t go as planned
Being a work-from-home mom of toddlers is challenging – but also incredibly rewarding.
You’re building a career while raising little humans who depend on you for everything.
That’s no small task.
If your days feel messy and unpredictable, you’re not alone.
And you’re doing better than you think.
Big hugs from Victoria
🥰🤗🫂
This is so insightful
I enjoyed reading through this piece
Well done mama 🙌
Glad you found this insightful. Thank you
You have really done well. More of God’s grace to move forward.
Thank you, momma
So beautiful to read. 💕💕 Well done ma.
Thank you, DDA
you are a strong woman, kudos to you
Thank you, Oluwatoyin