My days of masquerading as a stay-at-home mom have come to an end.

For months, for one weekday, I have been able to frequent the haunts of stay-at-home moms: Parks, indoor playgrounds, children's museums, water parks.

I marveled at their ability to call a girlfriend in the middle of the day and talk for long stretches. (What luxury to have a friend available!)

I marveled at their firm bodies. (Who has time to work out?)

I marveled at their expertise. (No, I didn't know there was an indoor playground four miles from my house.)

My time spent with the moms reinforced three things about parenting:

Be prepared. I'd see the mom with the jogger stroller and exercise clothes and think: brilliant idea. Darting from swing to slide is exercise, right?

Have a support system. Many of the moms came in twos and swapped tales and advice on carving out personal time and the latest oddity their child exhibited.

Diversity is the spice of life. In talking with some of the moms, I found that their routines didn't break away from the cycle of park, library, nap time, museum. I was able to share tips for places and restaurants that didn't scream kids but would satisfy both parties. Kids need exposure to things that aren't tailored to a T for them, too.