A Working Mom’s Real-Life Journey to Making Learning Fun at Home
Hi, I’m Zara — a full-time working mom, coffee-dependent human, and proud mom to a spirited five-year-old boy who seems to have more energy than a power plant. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself Googling “fun math activities for kids” at 9:30 p.m. while cleaning up Legos with one hand and sipping reheated coffee with the other. I see you, mama.
I want to share our math journey — the messy, imperfect, and surprisingly heartwarming process of teaching my son numbers in a way that didn’t make either of us cry (well, at least not every time). Let’s be honest: as working moms, we wear more hats than a costume shop. And squeezing in meaningful learning moments feels like threading a needle in a hurricane. But with a bit of planning, a lot of grace, and the right mindset, it’s totally possible to turn math into fun — even on a Tuesday night after a long workday.
Our Struggles with Early Math Learning
I used to think learning numbers would just… happen. After all, kids are sponges, right? But I quickly realized that my son needed a bit more structure — and I needed to make time for that structure without turning our evenings into a classroom bootcamp.
Between meetings, deadlines, grocery runs, and bedtime routines, I was stretched thin. And to be honest, guilt crept in often. I’d wonder: Am I doing enough? Is screen time taking over learning time? But here’s what I learned — it’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing something consistently and with love.
Simple and Fun Math Activities That Actually Worked
Here are some of our favorite math activities — low-prep, screen-free, and toddler-approved:
1. Counting with Snacks
Snack time became math time! We’d count grapes, group crackers into sets of five, and compare sizes of apple slices. “Which pile is bigger?” I’d ask. It sounds simple, but this type of hands-on learning makes numbers real.
2. Number Treasure Hunt
I’d write numbers on sticky notes and hide them around the living room. My son would hunt for them and yell out each number as he found it. Sometimes we’d sort them in order or match them to a set of blocks. It’s like cardio meets math — for both of us!
3. Dice Games
I found an old board game with dice, and instead of playing by the rules, we made up our own. Roll a die and jump that many times. Roll two and add them together. The possibilities were endless — and it kept him active and engaged.
4. Number Songs and Rhymes
On days when I was too tired to get off the couch, we’d sing “Five Little Monkeys” or “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.” He thought we were just having fun, but his number recognition grew faster than I expected.
5. Toy Sorting and Patterns
Lego bricks, toy cars, colored buttons — we sorted by color, size, number of wheels, you name it. We made patterns and even charted how many of each we had. He thought it was a game. I knew it was learning.
Balancing Work and Learning: The Time Management Juggle
Finding time for these activities didn’t come easily. I had to let go of the idea that “learning” had to look a certain way. It didn’t need to be an hour-long sit-down session. Sometimes it was 10 minutes during dinner prep. Other times it was a 5-minute car ride game of “I Spy a Number.”
What helped most?
- Creating a weekly activity plan: Just a sticky note on the fridge with 3–4 simple ideas. It kept us on track without overwhelming me.
- Making math part of routine: We’d count socks while folding laundry or steps as we walked to the car. No extra time needed — just a shift in mindset.
- Accepting that not every day would be a success: Some days were chaotic, and math just didn’t happen. That’s okay. Tomorrow is another chance.
Self-Care: Because Burnout Isn’t Part of the Curriculum
I learned the hard way that I can’t pour from an empty cup. When I pushed myself too hard — trying to be the perfect employee and the perfect mom and the perfect at-home teacher — I ended up snapping at my son over a misplaced crayon. That wasn’t fair to either of us.
Now I carve out little pockets of self-care, even if it’s just:
- 10 minutes of quiet coffee before everyone wakes up
- A quick walk after dinner
- Listening to an audiobook while doing dishes
Self-care doesn’t need to be spa days. Sometimes it’s just saying no to unrealistic expectations and yes to rest.
Overcoming Mom Guilt
Oh, the guilt. It sneaks in like an uninvited guest — when I miss a school event, when dinner is frozen pizza again, when I say “not now” to my son’s request to play.
But I’ve learned to talk back to that voice.
Here’s what I remind myself:
- My presence matters more than perfection.
- Love is shown in moments, not milestones.
- Kids don’t need a perfect mom — just a happy, present one.
And you know what? When my son giggles during our dice game or counts the crackers on his plate with pride, I know he feels loved — and that’s what counts most.
Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance isn’t a fixed state — it’s more like a see-saw. Some days work wins. Other days, my son wins. The key is being flexible and forgiving.
Here’s what’s helped me find more balance:
- Setting boundaries: I no longer check work emails after 6:30 p.m. That’s our family time.
- Using tech wisely: We limit screen time, but I also let my son use educational math apps when I really need to finish a task. It’s all about balance.
- Asking for help: I stopped trying to do it all alone. Whether it’s asking my partner to do bedtime or letting grandparents help with math play, leaning on others is a strength — not a weakness.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
To every mom out there trying to juggle it all — I see you. I am you. The guilt, the exhaustion, the joy, the tiny wins — they’re all part of this beautiful chaos we call motherhood.
Teaching my son math didn’t just help him grow — it helped me grow. I learned patience, creativity, and that progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes it looks like dancing to “Five Little Ducks” in the kitchen or counting Cheerios on the couch.
You don’t need to be a math whiz or a Pinterest mom. You just need to show up, love hard, and try again tomorrow.
Mama, you’re doing your best — and that’s more than enough.
With love and solidarity,
Zara
A working mom learning numbers — and lessons — one day at a time.
