How do you balance work and home life?

Some people think staying at home means lounging in pajamas, sipping coffee, and maybe folding a shirt or two. The truth? It’s more like being a project manager, personal chef, chauffeur, logistics coordinator, and emotional support human—all rolled into one, without ever clocking out.

I personally take my daughter to and from school every single day. No carpool tag-outs here. And even though we paused after-school activities a few months into the school year because they were just too exhausting for her, the day still feels packed. By the time she’s home, it’s snacks, play, dinner, cleanup, and connection time. Homework? Thankfully not yet. But somehow, there’s always something that needs my attention.

Now let’s talk about the cooking—because that’s an entire job on its own. I cook almost every day. Planning what to eat that won’t bore the family or repeat too soon? Mentally taxing. Actual cooking? Between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on what’s on the menu, including dishes and cleaning. On those drained days when I can’t even think of a meal, my husband will lovingly suggest takeout—or we go for our new Trader Joe’s quick favorites. When it’s a fish night, the Ninja Speedi saves the day with minimal cleanup and speedy cooking.

Cleaning the house? That’s a whole other rhythm. I clean twice a week—about 1–1.5 hours on non-dusting days, and 2–3 hours when dusting is involved. And let’s be honest, with a child whose toys and gadgets have taken over the living room like a tiny, chaotic daycare center, the phrase “fully tidy” is just a dream I wave to in the distance.

People often underestimate the behind-the-scenes work of stay-at-home moms. There’s the laundry, groceries, organizing, and making sure everything that needs to be replenished gets restocked. Then there’s keeping track of your child’s needs for school, your partner’s essentials, the family’s clothes, and other random things that pop up.

I handle all the planning and logistics—birthdays, special occasions, family getaways. Sure, my husband and I brainstorm together, but the research, bookings, and coordination? That’s all me. Then there’s the social calendar: birthday parties, gifts, RSVPs, and making sure our daughter doesn’t show up with the same toy someone else brought.

Doctor’s appointments, unexpected errands, and remembering a hundred little things without a checklist? That’s real. Though, to be fair, I’m working on adding checklists to my routine so my brain doesn’t feel like a 47-tab internet browser that’s about to crash.

And through it all, I still find myself wondering: Am I doing enough? The days are long, the tasks are endless, and breaks? Well, let’s just say they’re “theoretical.”

But despite the overwhelm, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Being able to care for my family, making sure their needs are met, and creating a loving, cozy home—it gives me purpose and joy. It might not come with a paycheck, but the payment comes in tight hugs, heartfelt thank-yous, and the peace of knowing I’m exactly where I need to be.