Being a mom comes with a giant daily to-do list that most people can’t even fathom. Between dropping your kids off at school, grocery runs, sports practices, managing tantrums, and trying to get some downtime, schedules are the only way to bring peace to the chaos. But even the best schedule can get derailed by unexpected disruptions. Being prepared for some of the most common (but often overlooked) interruptions can make all the difference. 

Let’s dive into some potential surprises, so if they happen, you’re not left scrambling.

Woman talking on the phone in her house.

1. A car accident

Whether it’s a serious accident or just a fender-bender, it’s crucial to be prepared for a potential car accident. Hopefully it won’t happen, but if it does, you’ll need a plan.

You probably already know you’ll need to exchange information with the other driver(s), gather witness contact information, contact your insurance company, and possibly file a police report. These actions alone can steal hours of your day. If you’re headed to work, it probably won’t be a big deal, but if you’re on your way to pick up your child, it can cause a big disruption. And if your child is in the car with you, it can be traumatizing for them.

It’s important to have a plan for all possibilities. You don’t have to make it complicated. Just note who you’ll call under each circumstance, and remind yourself to stay calm so your child doesn’t become anxious and stressed.

Keep a copy of your insurance information easily accessible, a small first-aid kit, some snacks, and a few activities for your kids in case you need to keep them busy. It can also help to find a lawyer ahead of time and add them as a contact in your phone. If you experience a serious accident, you’ll be glad to have a car accident attorney you can call with just a few taps.

2. A sick child at school

Even if you expect your child to get sick at some point, it always happens when you least expect it, like when you’re just getting settled into a big work day with major deadlines. If your school requires you to pick up your child immediately, you’ll need to drop everything to pick them up. However, it helps to have someone you can call when you can’t step away from work on no notice. At the very least, have a plan for calling a babysitter who won’t mind caring for a sick child.

3. A home appliance breakdown

It may sound silly, but if your dishwasher breaks down the day before you’ll be hosting a dinner party, you’ll wish you had a backup plan. Gather a list of emergency repair technicians who can fix home appliances on short or no notice. Create an emergency fund specifically for appliance repairs. Whether it’s your HVAC system, refrigerator, washing machine, or garbage disposal, a breakdown will disrupt your life, but being prepared will make it short-lived.

4. Last-minute school project shopping

School projects are daunting, so don’t be surprised if your child tells you at 7:00 p.m. that they have a project due the next day. You might need to run to the store to get poster boards, sugar cubes, glue sticks, markers, or glitter. Prepare for this possibility by creating a “homework emergency kit” that has just about every supply your child might ever need.

5. Technology failures

If your child relies on an iPad or laptop to do their schoolwork, at some point, you’ll experience a technical breakdown. Whether it’s a problem with the Wi-Fi or their device, you need a backup plan. Keep a spare laptop available for your child and know how to use your phone as a hotspot so they can get online if needed.

6. Unexpected visitors

You might already expect certain friends or family to pop over to your house without calling ahead, but your child might invite friends over without asking for permission first. Be prepared to come home to a house full of teenagers devouring the leftovers you planned to serve for dinner.

Even welcome guests add pressure when you’re not prepared to host. To make this situation easier, create a stash of snacks, frozen meals, and beverages – and don’t tell your kids! Make sure it’s available when you need it most.

Expect the unexpected

When you have kids, disruptions are part of the deal. That’s why it’s crucial to plan ahead for surprises, whether it’s a fender-bender, a sick day, or a last minute science project. Planning won’t help you avoid the chaos, but it will make it easier to breathe while you navigate the situation.