Life can be pretty chaotic with kids in tow, am I right? As a busy mom, whether you’re balancing work hours, managing the household, or keeping up with the demands of little ones, finding an effective daily routine can feel like chasing an ever-moving target.
Luckily, you don’t need a rigid schedule with strict time slots to be productive. Instead, focusing on rhythms, habit stacking, and a much more flexible block schedule can help you flow through your day with ease while retaining as much of your sanity as possible. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, there’s a way to make this work for you, with just a little finessing.
This guide offers practical strategies that work for both working moms and stay-at-home moms, no matter where you’re at in life or how old your children are. Let’s dive into the best way to create a daily routine that leaves room for both productivity and quality time with your loved ones.
Morning Rhythms: Start Your Day Right
Your morning routine (or lack thereof) sets the tone for your entire day. Whether your busy day starts early with a baby’s cry or you’re up before the sun prepping for work hours, having a consistent rhythm helps you start each new day on the right foot.
Wake Up with Purpose
- Working Moms: Use your time first thing in the morning to mentally prepare for your day. Before checking social media or diving into daily tasks, take five minutes for quiet time to breathe, journal, or set intentions. This is so crucial if your days are filled with deadlines and time stamps – utilize that small window in the morning to indulge your senses in a cup of coffee from your favorite mug and really be present with your own thoughts for a bit.
- Stay-at-Home Moms: If possible, wake up at least 20 minutes before your kids to enjoy a few moments of solitude. This could be sipping coffee in the living room or reading something uplifting to start the day off right. If the weather is pleasant, take this time outdoors whenever possible! That fresh morning air will be invigorating to your soul; there’s truly nothing like it!
Habit Stacking in the Morning
Habit stacking involves pairing a new habit with an existing one and is a crucial skill to maintain as a busy mom. A habit would be anything you currently do without having to consciously decide to do it. A few examples of habit stacking:
- While brushing your teeth (habit 1), pick out what you’ll be wearing that day (habit stack).
- As you prepare breakfast (habit 1), mentally review your top 3 priorities for the day ahead (habit stack).
- As soon as breakfast is over, everyone deposits their own dishes into the dishwasher (habit 1)- then it’s time to get dressed – kids too! (habit stack).
You can stack habits onto literally anything that is already on autopilot in your day. Think about the things that absolutely need to be done each morning in your household and make a list of those things. Then to the side, make a note of the things that are already habits (on autopilot) brushing teeth, going to the bathroom as soon as you’re out of bed, etc. Next, make another note of the important things that are a constant battle in the morning but must be done before your day can move forward – dressing the kids, packing bags, feeding the pets, etc.
Pick a current habit that is already on autopilot and attach one of the more difficult tasks to that thing. With a little time, it will all become second nature and much less of a struggle! Small changes like these can add up to create a productive and peaceful start to your day.
Daily Schedules for Different Seasons of Life
Every mom’s daily life can look very different depending on her circumstances. The mom with 1 child has a completely different morning routine than the mom with 4. A SAHM will likely have a weekly cleaning schedule that varies greatly from the working mother. Meal planning will look quite different depending on how many meals you eat at home on a typical day, etc.
Here’s how you can adapt your routines to suit your unique situation:
Stay-at-Home Moms
Your day likely revolves around your kids’ needs. Block scheduling can help you manage your time while giving you the flexibility you NEED. Having littles around you constantly and pulling your attention in every direction imaginable is no easy feat! Your home life is likely filled with many different tasks and (contrary to popular belief) not a lot of time in which to accomplish them. Organizing and adding a tiny bit of structure to your day with a simple block schedule can be a total game changer for the SAHM!
Morning Block:
Focus on daily tasks like starting the laundry, simple meal prep to help things move more smoothly later in the day, and set aside some time for intentional play with your kids after breakfast or before nap time. I also like to get outside for at least an hour in the morning to let the littles explore and get some fresh air and sunshine to start the day off right! I will take this time to read or work on simple outdoor projects while they play.
Midday Block:
Use nap time or quiet time for your own personal pursuits. This could be working on a hobby, tackling a to-do list, or simply resting. I know how tempting it can be to clean and work on your to do list during this down time but remember that this may be the only bit of your day where you can actually sit still and do something for yourself. Don’t waste this precious time folding laundry! Instead, do something to fill your cup.
Afternoon Block:
Dedicate this time to engaging with your kids, running errands, or prepping for dinner. We’ll do an afternoon craft some days, get outside again if the weather is cooperating, do puzzles or simple board games or whatever their little hearts desire. I do allow screen time after 4pm each day so I can prep dinner in peace and they can wind down a bit and relax with a movie or tv show. After dinner, screens are off! It’s more relaxed family time with dad, we go for a walk sometimes or will read books, bath time, back outside if the weather permits, etc. Do what works best for your family!
More tips for scheduling your day as a SAHM here: The BEST Schedule for Stay at Home Moms | and How to Create Your Own
Working Moms
Balancing work hours with home responsibilities can feel overwhelming, I know! Having a clear routine can help maintain work-life balance and keep you and your kids in sync. I worked outside of the home until my oldest was 7 years old and we had our routine down like clockwork. It made all the difference in the world to know exactly what to expect each day and made for a much smoother day for all of us.
Before Work:
Use 20-30 minutes for planning your day and connecting with your family. Try waking earlier to get ready so that you can move a bit slower with the kids instead of rushing through every task just to get out the door. No one likes feeling frazzled first thing in the morning, your kids included! Running a brush through their hair while you’re flinging a backpack onto another kid as you all run out the door is not fun for anyone. Give yourself the time you need for a calm morning to set everyone’s day off on the right foot.
During Work Hours:
Focus on your job, but schedule short breaks to check in with yourself. Stretch, drink water, or take a quick walk around your building. Working in front of a screen all day or even in warehouse and retail environments can be so harsh on your eyes so take the time to get away from it whenever possible. Get some fresh air or even sit in your car with an audiobook and the windows down and rest your eyes for a bit.
After Work:
Transition out of work mode by first changing clothes, tidying a small area (like the living room), and spending this quality time with your family. Prioritize the kids when you first get home, have them help with dinner or play in the kitchen with you while you prepare the meal. Ask them questions about their day to encourage connection. Focus your energy on them during this precious time before the bedtime routines begin. After bedtime, then you can focus on your spouse or your own desires.
Utilizing Simple Rhythms to Get Through Your Day
Go with the Flow
I know this can be easier said than done, but strive to really embrace the natural flow of your day, instead of feeling tied to rigid schedules. This is especially helpful when you’re juggling the unpredictable needs of young kids. For example, if nap time comes earlier or later than expected, shift your tasks around rather than feeling like the day is derailed. By focusing on rhythms rather than exact times, you’ll feel more in control and less stressed when things don’t go perfectly.
See Tips for Romanticizing Your Life as a Stay at Home Mom here!
Simplify Your To Do List
A long to-do list can feel overwhelming and honestly, pretty disheartening. Having so many things on your plate each day is simply not realistic and can really get you down when the impossible list of tasks you’ve set for yourself inevitably doesn’t get completed. Instead, try these tips:
- Create an ongoing or weekly to-do list as a brain dump of sorts to help you feel more organized. This is NOT your everyday to do list, but all things that need to be completed within the next week or so. I.e. return library books, change sheets on kids’ beds, mulch for garden, etc.
- Prioritize three tasks each day. ONLY 3! These should be your “must-dos” for each individual day and will be pulled from the master list I mentioned above. If you can get to more, great! But 3 is the most realistic number based on all of the time constraints that come with being a busy mama.
- Group similar tasks together (e.g., all errands or cleaning tasks). Try to do all errands on the same day if possible so you don’t have to take trips into town more often than necessary. If you plan to be in town anyway, go ahead and swing by the library with those overdue books.
- Plan your next day’s top tasks the evening before. This will save you precious headspace the next day and is a great thing to add to your evening routine to stay organized.
Incorporating Self-Care Into Your Routine
Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for all moms. READ THAT AGAIN! Whether you’re a working mom or stay-at-home mom, finding enough time for yourself can seem impossible. However, some small changes can make a big difference.
Quiet Time and Mental Health
Make quiet time a non-negotiable part of your day. Even 10 minutes can help you recharge. Use this time to:
- Meditate or practice deep breathing.
- Journal about your thoughts and feelings.
- Simply sit in silence with a warm mug of coffee or tea and enjoy the moment.
- Sit on the porch swing and listen to the sounds of nature or watch the birds. Maybe my age is showing here but bird watching can truly be such a calming experience. I find it quite enjoyable!
See How to Prioritize Time for Yourself as a Stay At Home Mom for more tips on self care practices!
Physical Self-Care
- Lay out your workout clothes the night before to make exercising easier! Just a 20 minute workout will help you wake up and get your day started off right.
- Have a skin care routine at the beginning and end of your day – we cannot neglect our skincare! Make it a spa like routine so it’s something to look forward to instead of dreading that extra step on the to do list.
- Include movement in your daily routine, whether it’s a yoga session, a walk with the kids, or a quick dance party in the living room. Great for all who are involved!
- If you need to distract the kids while you get your quick workout in, try a program like Yoga for Kids on YouTube or GoNoodle for fun brain and physical activity games to keep them engaged. You could also take that yoga mat outside and let the kids run loose while you get in a quick session in the fresh air.
Social Media Boundaries
While social media can be a great way to connect, it’s also a MAJOR time drain. If you ever feel like there is just not enough time in the day – delete your social media apps. You will be amazed how much time you get back in your day, even if you feel like you’re not online much. I’ve done this a number of times in the past few years as a reset of sorts when I feel like I need it. I’m always pleasantly surprised at just how much of a mental burden is lifted when those distractions are removed from my day.
We were never meant to bare the burdens of the entire world on our shoulders. It is more suffocating than you realize until you take action and lift the veil. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Other ways to set healthy boundaries around social media use can include:
- Limiting scrolling to specific times of the day.
- Using apps to track and reduce screen time.
- Only allow yourself to access those platforms via your computer or tablet. This will make it much more intentional and you’ll be less likely to be caught doom scrolling for half an hour when you were supposed to be prepping dinner.
Making the Most of Family Time
Quality time with family members is one of the most important aspects of a mom’s day. You have to harbor and protect those connections with your kids to create a sense of security for them. It’s important for your mental health as well mama. Here are some simple ways to create meaningful connections:
- During Meals: Make dinner a device-free zone to encourage conversation. Also, eat each and every meal around the table! It doesn’t seem like this would matter so much but, turns out our elders were onto something. Meals become a frazzled and stressful experience when we’re all grabbing plates and going in different directions with our food. Instead, make this a natural part of your day and instill in your kids that meals are eaten at the table. This really does help to encourage strong conversation and connections with your family members each day.
- Game Nights: Dedicate one evening a week to playing games or watching a family movie together. Pop some popcorn or gather some healthy snacks and let the kids stay up 10 minutes later on game nights so it’s really something that feels special to them. Plus, games encourage camaraderie, teamwork and critical thinking skills, all beneficial life skills to encourage for your kids!
- One-on-One Time: Spend individual time with each child, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
Evening Rhythms: Winding Down
The end of the day is the time for you to decompress from anything that felt heavy in your day and a time to reset your home and mind for tomorrow. Here’s how to create a calming evening routine:
- Tidy Up: Spend 10 minutes straightening up the living room or kitchen. You can have the kids help with this before they go to bed if they’re older or you and your spouse can tackle this together if your littles are still toddlers and younger. If older kids are in the home, assign each child an area they are responsible for that’s age appropriate. Set a timer or create a fun cleaning playlist to make it feel more enjoyable. Waking up to a tidy space will make the next day feel less overwhelming. Never leave dirty dishes in the sink!
- Prepare for Tomorrow: Lay out clothes, prep lunches, or review your to-do list. Double check your appointment calendar to ensure you aren’t forgetting anything.
- Relax: Take a bath, read a book, or enjoy quiet time with your partner. Watch a show together if that’s your thing but try to be conscious of turning off the tv at least 30 minutes before bed to get the best night’s sleep.
Final Thoughts on Time Management and Productivity
Being a mom is a full-time job, whether you’re working outside the home or managing everything as a stay-at-home mom. The best way to approach your daily schedule is with flexibility, grace, and a focus on small changes that add up over time.
Remember, productivity isn’t about doing as much as possible in a day. It’s about prioritizing and doing what matters most. By embracing natural daily rhythms, habit stacking, and utilizing a simple block schedule, you can create a routine that works for you and your family—leaving enough time for joy, rest, and the most important thing – connection with your loved ones. So, here’s to finding balance, making the most of each moment, and thriving as the amazing mom you are this year!
Until next time friend,
Olivia
