When we think about motherhood, we know how heavy the load can be, but most of us still underestimate it. Or, should I say, we are not as prepared as we would like to be, and it takes some time to adjust. Today, I want to share some tips I’ve used to keep my mom life more organized, especially as we approach the back-to-school frenzy!
Digital Planning
I know this is a touchy subject. Some moms just can’t live without their paper and pen, and I totally get it. I used to be her! However, the planner became a bit bulky while carrying a diaper bag and baby carrier. And once I started losing or forgetting my planner, I decided that I needed to consider a change.
I began to read up on digital planners and fell in love! I started watching YouTube tutorials from the ladies who were doing it well and decided to download the GoodNotes app and purchased a digital planner on Etsy.
The ultimate tip to remember about planning, whether it is digital or on paper, is CONSISTENCY. Refer to the planner often! Having a digital planner allows me to always have access to it when I need it—because I have access to it on my phone and tablet. If you’re considering giving it a try, I suggest visiting Flourish Planner for all the best tips and tricks.
Meal Prep
We’ve all heard people talk about meal prep, and it seems like such a daunting task. After I had my first baby, I knew that meal prep was no longer an option for me; it would be mandatory for my family. We love to eat, and I’m usually the one who cooks. However, we all know that after giving birth, your hands are consistently tied and you’re always tired (this trend never ends apparently). I had never meal prepped before, so I took some tips from other mom friends (and single friends who are ahead of the game).
In our family, Sunday is meal prep day. We do all of our grocery shopping on Friday and Saturday, then we’re in the kitchen most of the day on Sunday prepping breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner for the week.
Related Reading:
Meal Planning :: My Approach to Healthy School Night Dinners
The Busy Mom’s Guide to Stress-Free Meal Planning
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries in your life will help you not overcommit, which often leads to anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. I remember trying to keep up with the same lifestyle I had before children and quickly realizing that my life now has to look totally different. Sometimes it’s necessary to say no for your sanity. Your family is your top priority, and when the week has been long and the children aren’t sleeping through the night, it’s ok to cancel or reschedule plans. You deserve the opportunity to do what is best for you and your children, because if you don’t take care of yourself first, it will become difficult to take care of those you love the most. So set boundaries and do not overcommit to things that will leave you depleted.
Family Meetings
Another tactic my husband and I use is to hold family meetings often. At one point we were doing them weekly, but now we just try to commit to doing them “regularly.” This is a time where we discuss our finances, our calendars, the menu for the week, etc. Our children are included, but their presence isn’t mandatory (they are only 5 & 2). We intentionally do not have this meeting in private because we want our children to grow up in an environment where this is normal. Eventually, we’d love to have them engage in these family meetings and give input!
This practice has helped to not only keep us organized but keep our marriage in sync so that we each know what each other is doing.
Establishing Rhythms
We also establish rhythms instead of routines. Rhythms allow flexibility because life can get a bit crazy. Although we’d love to have our children in bed by 7:30pm, we understand that sometimes they may not make it to bed until 9pm.
Systems are still in place, but having a rhythm allows for changes without feeling like you’re missing the mark. We communicate the changes to everyone involved so there is still a level of expectation and predictability. This also helps me as a mom by lowering the anxiety that comes from wanting everything to go a certain way.
I am not perfect by any means, and sometimes things do not go as planned. However, having these systems in place has helped me gather my mom life and piece it together so that I don’t lose myself trying to make it all come together. We juggle so many things at the same time. Let’s make mom life a little easier on ourselves by committing to at least one thing that will help ease the daily grind.
