TrieBios Baby & Mama

If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in the chaos of motherhood—running around, constantly behind on everything, and just wishing for a little more peace—you’re not alone. I used to be there, too, and to be honest I am still like that sometimes.

Before kids, I didn’t have any routine or plan. I was someone who went with the flow, lived according to my “rhythm,” and frankly, I loved it. It felt freeing and easy. But then, motherhood hit, and suddenly my “rhythm” was no match for the demands of taking care of little one, managing a household, and juggling all the things. Without a plan in place, everything felt chaotic. I was constantly forgetting things, feeling like I was running in circles, and my husband and I couldn’t get on the same page. It was a struggle. We were both trying to keep things afloat, but our efforts were unbalanced, and honestly, I was overwhelmed. For the first two years after becoming a mom, I was completely out of my element.

At some point, I realized I needed to change. I couldn’t keep living like this—there had to be a way to find balance while still allowing room for flexibility. Over time, I started adopting small habits that helped me transition from feeling like a chaotic, overwhelmed mom to someone who has her act together. These weren’t massive shifts, but simple, easy changes that made a big impact.

These aren’t complicated routines or impossible standards; they’re just small, easy changes that made my life as a mom way smoother. And the best part? They helped me create more space for myself, too. So, if you’re ready to feel more organized and in control without the overwhelm, these 7 habits might be just what you need.

1. Meal Planning: Because “What’s for Dinner?” Shouldn’t Be a Daily Crisis

If you’re anything like me, figuring out what to make for dinner every single day can be a real pain. I used to scramble around every evening, trying to come up with something last-minute—and it never ended well. So, I decided to start meal planning, and honestly, it was a total game-changer.

How I Make It Work:

• Plan Weekly: Every Sunday, I sit down and map out our meals for the week. Knowing exactly what I’m making for dinner takes so much pressure off.
• Stick to Simple: I keep it easy with some tried-and-true family favorites, but I’ll mix in a new recipe or two for fun.
• Grocery List: I make a grocery list based on my meal plan, so I’m not running out of ingredients halfway through the week.

This one habit saved me so much mental energy. No more wondering what I’m making last minute, and no more endless trips to the grocery store.

2. Create a Routine: Getting Up 30 Minutes Early Made a Huge Difference

I used to wake up late, rush through breakfast, scramble to get my toddler dressed, and basically start the day feeling behind. That was my routine, and it was exhausting. Eventually, I realized that a solid routine was the key to getting a handle on my mornings—and it didn’t even have to be super rigid.

How I Make It Work:

• Morning Routine: I wake up 30 minutes earlier than my kids to have some quiet time to myself (even if it’s just for a coffee and a few minutes of peace). Then I get the kids ready in an organized way rather than rushing through it.
• Prepare Breakfast: I now make sure I prepare breakfast and lay everything out on the table before waking up my child. This gives me a smoother start to the day, and when my little one wakes up, breakfast is already ready to go.

Having a routine might sound boring, but honestly, it’s been a life-saver. I feel more in control, and mornings have become way less stressful.

3. Prep the Night Before: The 15-Minute Habit That Changed My Mornings

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the morning and realizing you forgot to pack your son’s cuddle tiger for his daycare nap, get clothes ready, or make any kind of plan for the day. To save myself from that panic, I started prepping the night before.

How I Make It Work:

• Clothes for Everyone: I lay out my kids’ clothes and my own the night before. This simple step has made mornings smoother.
• To-Do List: I write down a quick to-do list for the next day. It’s a small step, but it clears up the fog of what’s coming.
• Daycare Essentials Ready to Go: I prepare everything my son needs for daycare the night before, so in the morning, all we have to do is grab it after putting on shoes and jackets.

By taking just 15-20 minutes to prepare, I’m already ahead when the morning rolls around. No more running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

4. Digital Planning: Syncing Everything in One Place

Before I adopted any kind of structured planning, I just relied on what was in my head—planning on the fly and using the notes in my mind to keep track of everything. I didn’t even have a planner; I’d scribble down quick reminders or use the to-do list app on my phone whenever something popped into my head. It worked… sort of. But I still felt overwhelmed, especially when I couldn’t keep track of everything at once.

Then, I discovered digital planning—and let me tell you, it was a game changer. A huge turning point for me was using Family Wall, an app that truly transformed the way I manage family life and stay organized.

How I Make It Work:

• Shared Family Calendar: Family Wall lets us add and sync appointments, school events, and family activities. It’s so helpful when everyone knows what’s coming up, and there’s no more “did you remember the dentist appointment?” chaos.
• To-Do Lists: The to-do list feature is a lifesaver. I can create tasks for the whole family and assign them to different members. Everyone checks off their items as they go, which helps keep everything running smoothly.

With everything in my phone, I never have to worry about missing anything, and I can make quick changes if things pop up.

5. Cooperating with My Partner: Building a Teamwork Mindset

When I first became a mom, I thought I had to do it all myself. I was overwhelmed, and we were both trying to manage the chaos in our own ways. The problem was, we weren’t really communicating or working together as a team. It was a constant struggle of misunderstandings, feeling unsupported, and trying to do everything on our own.

What helped shift this was realizing that it wasn’t about me doing everything alone or expecting my partner to just “pick up the slack.” It was about cooperating—learning to work together, communicate better, and share the load more equally.

How I Make It Work:

• Clear Communication: We started having regular check-ins about the day’s plans, the kids’ schedules, and what needed to get done around the house. Instead of assuming things, we openly talk about what we need from each other.
• Shared Family Calendar: Using a shared family calendar, like the one in the Family Wall app, helps us both stay on the same page. We add important events, meetings, and even small reminders to ensure that no one is left in the dark.
• Respecting Each Other’s Time: We’ve learned to respect each other’s time and space. If one of us needs a break or time to focus on something, we make sure to adjust the schedule accordingly. This also helps me carve out “me time” without guilt.
• Support, Not Supervision: Instead of feeling like I need to oversee everything, I’ve learned to trust my partner’s contributions. We’ve both grown to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and support each other in areas where we might struggle.
• Commitment to Our Responsibilities: We’ve made a pact to follow through on what’s assigned to us. If something is on my plate, I take ownership and make sure it gets done—no excuses. The same goes for my partner, and we both respect each other’s commitments to the household.

By cooperating better, we’ve made our household run more smoothly. It’s not about equal labor every minute of the day, but about being there for each other, supporting one another, and creating a flow that works for both of us.

6. Scheduled “Me Time”: Because Self-Care Isn’t Optional

As a mom, it’s easy to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. But over time, I realized that if I don’t take care of me, I won’t be able to take care of anyone else. Scheduling “me time” has been a complete game-changer.

How I Make It Work:

• Non-Negotiable Breaks: I block off time in my schedule for me to relax—whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or just enjoying some quiet time alone.
• Incorporating Self-Care into Daily Routine: Even small acts of self-care, like drinking my coffee without interruption or doing a quick stretching session, help recharge my energy and clear my mind.
• Scheduling Fun Activities: I’ve started scheduling fun activities I enjoy, whether it’s a hobby or something new I’ve been wanting to try. Having these plans in my calendar keeps me motivated to take time for myself.

Taking even just 30 minutes for myself gives me the energy and mindset to be a better mom, partner, and person. No guilt.

7. Set Achievable Goals: Small Wins Add Up

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything I should be doing, I started setting small, realistic goals. It helps me stay focused and gives me a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day.

How I Make It Work:

• Daily Goals: Every morning, I pick 3 things I want to achieve. They’re usually simple things—like answering emails, playing with the kids, or organizing a drawer.
• Breaking Big Tasks Into Small Steps: I’ve learned to break down larger tasks into manageable steps. This way, even big projects don’t feel as daunting, and I can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
• Prioritizing Tasks: I focus on the most important or time-sensitive goals first. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I’m addressing the critical things without getting sidetracked.
• Flexible Goals: I allow room for flexibility. If something unexpected comes up, I adjust my goals for the day without feeling guilty. Life happens, and I don’t let setbacks stop my momentum.
• Progress Over Perfection: I remind myself that it’s not about doing everything perfectly. Progress, no matter how small, is what counts. This mindset shift has helped reduce pressure and foster a healthier approach to productivity.
• Reflecting on the Day: At the end of the day, I take a moment to reflect on what I accomplished. This helps me acknowledge my efforts and refocus for the next day. It’s also a time for me to evaluate what worked well and what I could improve.

These small wins remind me that I’m not just surviving; I’m making progress. It’s a great confidence booster.

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Final thoughts

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding roles, but it can also feel like a constant whirlwind of activity. By adding just a few of these habits into your routine, you can go from feeling chaotic to actually having it together. It’s all about being intentional with your time, creating routines that work for you, and giving yourself permission to take care of yourself.

You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom. By making small adjustments and creating space for self-care, you’ll find that balance, productivity, and peace of mind are well within your reach.

So, if you’re ready to stop running on autopilot and start feeling more in control of your life, start with one or two of these habits today. Consistency in these small steps is what will build lasting change. Trust me, you’ve got this!