The Working SAHM: Becoming One Overnight
Welcome to another one of my brand‑new blog series — because apparently my brain doesn’t know how to sit still.
The Working SAHM series was born out of my very sudden toss into, you guessed it, being a stay‑at‑home mom. It’s going to be part entrepreneurship, part motherhood, and a whole lot about the messy, real‑life balance between the two. Spoiler: the mom role will always win. Expect stories about stumbles, small wins, and trying to find a routine when life keeps moving the goalposts.
This Wasn’t the Plan
When I was finishing my Health and Wellness Coach certification, I had a clear plan. I’d grow my business, finish my personal training certification, and re‑enter the workforce — all while my kids were happily at daycare this summer.
Then July hit.
Out of nowhere, Garon started struggling at daycare. His behaviors shifted fast, and within days the center decided it would be “best” to remove him rather than work with us.
Even in the middle of all the change, he still finds joy in the little things — like a good sticker activity at home.
That afternoon, we got the email: he couldn’t return until we had an evaluation proving he needed 1:1 support. Which, as any parent knows, is nearly impossible to get in the middle of summer when school offices are closed until mid‑August.
We were left angry, scared, and scrambling. My part‑time job had to go so I could provide him with a stable routine and actual care instead of “babysitter TV” while Dad worked from home. My business and certification plans were suddenly on hold, and my days looked very different from what I imagined.
The Chaos and the Clarity
Those first few days? Rough.
Way too much screen time. Me crying every few minutes. Feeling unsupported and blamed for my child’s struggles.
But after some prayer and soul‑searching, the clarity came: this was happening for a reason.
This was my chance to soak up the last few weeks before Garon starts kindergarten. My priority wasn’t checking off business to‑dos — it was helping him get the tools and support he needs so he could thrive in school, not stumble right out of the gate.
Walking away from my part‑time job was hard. I truly enjoyed it, and it gave my days a sense of purpose. But this new purpose is bigger. Being a present mom, giving my kids the care and stability they need, and leaning into the work God has been calling me toward — supporting women in their health and wellness — just makes more sense right now.
The Moment That Shifted Everything
One Friday, I decided we needed to get out of the house. I threw together a simple photo scavenger hunt at a local park, thinking it would keep him busy for 30 minutes.
Instead, it turned into a full‑blown adventure.
On the hunt for the Frog King — proof that sometimes the best adventures start with a simple printable and a little curiosity.
We went on a quest for the “frog king” while reading plaques on rocks and benches. We wandered through a “spooky forest.” Garon met a chipmunk he named Pecky. He even stepped into a lake for the first time in his life.
Armed with the inexpensive digital camera we’d gotten him for his birthday, he photographed his finds like a little nature reporter. We only missed one item on the list (apparently the geese boycott that lake), but we gained a whole day’s worth of memories.
What I’ve Learned So Far
We’re a couple of weeks into this new chapter, and I’ve already learned so much:
They’re Only Young for So Long
Seeing Garon grow and learn in real time has been eye‑opening. I’ve watched him help make breakfast, explore the outdoors, and do things I never knew he could — like writing his name in sidewalk chalk without help, something he wouldn’t do just a week ago.
You Don’t Need a Curriculum
I used to think having a child home meant lesson plans, structured activities, and constant educational games. But in just two weeks, Garon has learned so much simply by living life with me. Real‑world learning is everywhere.
Kids Just Need Love
They don’t need a packed schedule or fancy toys. They need our presence, our encouragement, our hugs when they’re anxious, and our pride when they show us something new.
This Is Just a Season
It’s not forever. Summer will end, kindergarten will start, and life will shift again. But I’ll never regret saying yes to being fully present during this season.
Closing Encouragement
Life throws curveballs, and sometimes the best thing we can do is stop fighting them and start walking the path they put us on.
If this had happened before I rediscovered my spirituality, I would’ve been lost. Now, I see the signs for what they are — a reminder to slow down, be here, and follow the call God has placed on my heart. Right now, that means having Jorie home too and being a working SAHM to two kids.
It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to reshuffle your priorities. Careers will still be there in the future, but our kids will only be little once.
Snag Your Freebie
We had so much fun on our scavenger hunt that I wanted to share it with you!
Your turn! Download the Park Photo Scavenger Hunt and see what your little explorers can discover.
Memory Makers: Park Photo Scavenger Hunt — a simple, free printable to spark exploration and make memories with your kids.
If you use it, let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear about your family’s discoveries.
XOXO,
Jessica
Slowly figuring out this beautiful mess