From Zoom Calls to Diaper Calls: My Daily Life as a Remote Working Mom

 

How I try to survive the chaos with kids, a job, and a brain that won’t stop buzzing.

As you probably already know, I’m a single mom working remotely as a marketing assistant for a US-based company. I work nights, take care of my kids during the day, and still manage to show up.

I’m not trying to glamorize the hustle. This is just me, showing up in the mess of it all. I have help, yes. Ta Bel has been a huge blessing. She watches the kids when I sleep and helps out with chores. But even with help, juggling everything can feel like a war zone.

I’m writing this to share what a typical day looks like for me, hoping it might help another mom who's trying to make it work, too.

Why I Keep a Routine (Even if I want to throw the planner out the window)

Routines help me survive. Not because I want to be some “supermom”.

 I’m far from that, but without structure, I crash fast.

• Less mental chaos. A routine gives my brain space to breathe.

• More focus. I know what to do next, even when I’m running on zero sleep.

• Time for me. Sometimes it’s just 5 minutes, but that matters.

• Stability for my kids. They know what to expect, and that keeps things smoother.

• Adaptability. When the unexpected happens, I don’t spiral as much because I have a baseline.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about keeping it together just enough to not fall apart.

What My Day Really Looks Like (A Peek at the Chaos)

Morning Routine (Our Version of “Waking Up”)

We usually get up around 9:00 AM. Sometimes even earlier because Amaury, my youngest, has his own alarm clock inside his body that doesn’t care about mine.

Once I’m up, I spend a bit of time with the kids, especially Amaury. He usually wakes me up by climbing on top of me or tossing random toys in my face. We cuddle, we clean up his trail of destruction, and we wait for Ta Bel to arrive around 9:00.

School Time with Jiro: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

This block is strictly for Jiro. I bring him to school and stay nearby while he attends his classes. I sneak in some light work while waiting. It’s not “free time,” but it gives me a tiny breather from the house routine.

First Sleep Block: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM

As soon as I get home, I crash. This nap is crucial. I’ve probably already been up for 10+ hours, worked a bit, handled mom stuff, and still have my entire night shift ahead. Ta Bel takes care of the kids so I can nap in peace.

Is it quality sleep? Not always. 

But it’s what I have, and it keeps me going.

Dinner, Family Time, and Quick Reset

I usually get up around 7:00 PM and start resetting for the night:  either prepping dinner, feeding the kids, doing a bit of cleaning, or any chores that need attention, and squeezing in some quick quality time with the little ones before another long night kicks in.

We could watch a short cartoon, clean up a little, or goof around. And yes, sometimes I play a game or two, Valorant or something on my phone, just to rest my brain. 

It’s not “me time” in the full sense, but it helps me reset mentally.

Work Shift: 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

Once the kids are down (or at least in their own corners), I start work. I log in, check tasks, attend meetings, study social media and podcast performance, curate content ideas, send reports...

All while trying to keep the house quiet.

My headphones are my best friend during this time. 

So are alarms, timers, and lots of coffee.

Second Sleep Block: 4:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Finally! This is when I get to sleep again. Five full hours if I’m lucky. This is my deeper rest, the kind that actually recharges me.

Sometimes the kids wake up early, sometimes not. Either way, I squeeze in as much sleep as I can here, because it sets the tone for everything else.

Things That Help Me Stay Sane (Even a Little)

• I write everything down. I use a planner because if I don’t, I forget.

• I play games when I can. Just one match or one round, but it clears my head.

• I keep snacks and toys easily accessible for the kids.

• I take breaks with the kids. Even five minutes of sitting with them helps.

• I don’t stress if we have canned food or leftovers. Fed is best.

• I remind myself that screen time is not the end of the world.

A Few More Tips That Actually Help

1. Acknowledge that not everything will go as planned. It makes it easier to adapt and roll with the changes without losing your mind.

2. Forgive yourself. If there are things you didn’t finish today, it’s okay. What matters is that you made it through the day. That alone is worth celebrating.

3. Make your own routine. Don’t compare it to what works for others. Every mom’s situation is different. Do what makes sense for your life and your energy.

So, to every mom out there who's trying to work, raise kids, manage a household, and still be kind to herself...

I see you.

This isn’t about being productive 24/7. This is about surviving each day and doing your best with what you’ve got.

There will be missed alarms, skipped meals, messy rooms, and guilt. But there will also be cuddles, laughter, proud moments, and quiet victories.

You’re not failing. You’re doing your best...

And that already makes you the kind of mother your kids will remember with love, not perfection.

✨ Need help organizing your day? I created a free printable planner based on the actual planner I’m using. You can download it, fill in your own schedule and tasks, and make it work for your daily flow!

📁 The Mom Routine Planner By Ac Villanueva

#SingleMomLife #RemoteWorkMama #MomRoutine #WorkingMom #MomPlanner #RealLifeNotPinterest #YoureDoingGreatMama #MentalHealthAndMotherhood