The Misunderstood Life of a Stay-at-Home Parent
As we prepare to send the kids back to school, I’ve been reflecting on how fast time flies during the day when you’re a stay-at-home parent. It’s a whirlwind of dropping the kids off, tackling the housework, running errands, and trying to squeeze in a moment to breathe before pick up time. And yet, at the end of it all, it’s easy to feel like you haven’t really achieved anything.
Last year, I made the decision to take some time off work to spend more time with my family. My work had become my life, and as a result, there was very little time left for the people who mattered most. I realised that I had an opportunity to make a change, to be more present with my family, and I decided to take it.
Since then, I’ve come to understand just how relentless and demanding this role is. The hours disappear in a blur, and even though you’ve been on your feet the entire time, the to-do list never seems to get any shorter. It’s a far cry from the assumptions I used to make, questions like, “What have you been doing all day?” now feel almost laughable.
The truth is, being a stay-at-home parent is anything but simple. It requires organisation, adaptability, and no small amount of patience. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of planning. Without structure, it’s easy for the day to get away from you. Prioritising what really needs to get done, whether it’s tackling the laundry or setting aside time for yourself, makes all the difference.
But even with the best-laid plans, it’s a cycle that can feel thankless. And honestly, I’ve come to the conclusion that getting a “normal” job again might be the easier option! (At least there’s lunch breaks and fewer Lego-related injuries.)
So, to all the stay-at-home parents out there: I see you. I understand how much effort it takes to keep things running smoothly, and I have so much respect for the work you do. It’s not easy, and it’s often underappreciated, but it truly matters.
As we send the kids back to school and fall into new routines, let’s take a moment to give credit where it’s due. And maybe, just maybe, we can stop asking, “What have you been doing all day?” because the answer might just be: everything.
