Let’s be honest: if you’re a mom, you’ve probably found yourself in a hilarious—and a bit terrifying—situation where your kid looks at you with total confusion and asks, “What do you do all day?” It’s a question that can leave even the most seasoned multitasker feeling a bit like a magician who just got called out for using smoke and mirrors. Spoiler alert: it’s not nothing. But for many kids, the daily grind of mom life is shrouded in mystery. And let’s face it, sometimes it feels like we’re living in a parallel universe where our kids have no clue what actually goes down in the world of motherhood.
Recently, a group of moms decided to spill the beans on what their kids think they’re up to while they’re busy juggling laundry, cooking, and the endless cycle of “Mom, where’s my…?” The results were both eye-opening and downright hilarious. One mom, Sarah, shared a story about her five-year-old who genuinely believed she spent her days “talking to the dog and making cookies.” If only it were that simple! While Sarah does enjoy her fair share of dog chats, there’s a whole lot more on her plate.
What Do Kids Think Moms Actually Do?
Kids have some wild imaginations, and it turns out that many of their ideas about what moms do all day are a mix of adorable and absurd. A survey of moms revealed that a significant number of kids think their mothers spend most of their time “doing nothing” or “napping.” Yes, napping! Can you imagine? Meanwhile, we know that the laundry doesn’t fold itself, and that dinner won’t cook itself, either—unless we’re living in some sort of magical reality!
One mom, Lisa, said her son believes she’s “just sitting around waiting for him to come home.” As sweet as that sounds, Lisa is usually knee-deep in grocery lists, work emails, and cleaning up the cereal explosion from breakfast. But from a kid’s perspective, it’s easy to see why they might think that. After all, they only see snippets of our day, and those snippets often don’t include the 20 other tasks we’re juggling simultaneously.
The Reality Check
For many moms, the reality is a whirlwind of activity that often goes unnoticed. The day starts with a chaotic breakfast routine, followed by a mad dash to get everyone where they need to be. Then, there’s the grocery shopping, meal prep, and, of course, the ever-present laundry mountain that seems to grow taller by the minute. And let’s not forget the emotional labor of managing feelings, friendships, and the occasional crisis over a lost toy. It’s a full-time gig that often leaves us questioning if we’ve even accomplished anything at all.
When we asked moms how they felt about their kids’ perceptions, the responses were a mix of laughter and resignation. “It’s like I’m a ghost in my own house,” one mom joked. “They don’t see the work I do, but they definitely notice when I’m not around!” It’s true—our kids might not see the behind-the-scenes hustle, but they certainly notice when dinner isn’t on the table or when clean clothes are in short supply.
Bridging the Gap
So, how do we bridge this gap between what kids think we do and what we actually do? Communication is key. Many moms suggest involving kids in the daily tasks. Not only does it help them understand the effort that goes into running a household, but it can also be a great bonding experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a little mini-chef helping out in the kitchen or a tiny laundry assistant sorting socks?
Another fun approach is to have a “Mom’s Day” where you share a glimpse of your daily routine. Maybe it’s a quick montage of you tackling the dishes or a live demonstration of the infamous “Mom Dash.” This could make for some great family bonding time—and provide a few good giggles along the way. Plus, it’ll give them a better appreciation for the chaos that is your everyday life.
Finding the Humor
At the end of the day, it’s essential to find the humor in these misunderstandings. Kids are naturally self-centered (it’s just part of being a kid), so they might not realize the extensive work that goes into keeping the household running smoothly. Instead of feeling frustrated, we can laugh about it and use it as a teaching moment. After all, if they think we’re just sitting around waiting for them to serve them, it’s a perfect chance to show them responsibility, teamwork, and a little patience—all while keeping the mood light and playful.
More from Decluttering Mom: