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Should I Let My Newborn Sleep All Day? Will They Be Up All Night?

If you’ve been wondering if you should let your newborn sleep all day, let’s break it down here for the why’s and why nots. It’s true, some babies will want to nap the day away, sleeping long stretches and it feels cruel to wake up a sleeping baby. So should you do it anyway? Read on.

Go with the flow. Let baby lead. Enjoy this time. Nap when baby naps. Babies don’t keep.

These are things you hear and feel make sense… except when rubber meets the road with your newborn it can be hard to figure out what to do. So let’s get to it…

Should I let my newborn sleep all day?

No. No, you definitely should not. Babies will have strong sleep needs and strong drive to sleep in those early days. Sometimes they’ll try and nap for 4 to 5 hours even. During the middle of the day!

As a certified sleep consultant and mother of 5, take it from me… if they sleep long stretches during they day they will not sleep long stretches at night.

Longer sleep stretches should be at night, not during the day

See my newborn sleep schedule here for sample daily routines for your newborn but to quickly get to the point: we want baby to sleep their longest stretches at night.

If they’re taking super long daytime naps and awake half the night, they’re experiencing day night confusion. And the more you let them take their “night sleep” during the day, the longer this confusion will exist.

Well actually they aren’t confused, they are simply sleeping and eating in reverse to the adult world. Which will be a problem since you are an adult and plan on sleeping your longest stretches at night.

Read: How to Stop Contact Naps (Peacefully)- and What to Do Instead

How long should newborns nap for?

Because newborns have tiny tummies and need to feed frequently (full feeds, however, full feeds, mama) they will feed every 2 to 3 hours around the clock for a while. So if your baby is wanting to nap for 4 or 5 hours, they’re essentially taking that longest gap during the day.

Instead, you want to make sure you are feeding your baby every 2 to 3 hours during the DAY, and then allowing them to sleep however long they want at NIGHT.

If a newborn has gone longer than 3 hours since the last feed, wake them up and feed them.

Read: Cocooning a Newborn & 7 Reasons Why it Can Be Good For The Family

Read: The Nap Trap – How To Deal With It & Not Resist It

Create two separate routines for day and night sleep

If your baby is trying to nap all day and then stay awake all night, you want to help expose baby to light during the day as part of their routine.

Adopting a basic feed, play, sleep routine goes a long way.

Open curtains, take your baby outside, make sure baby isn’t in a dark room all day and night. This will help set the scene for establishing some good routines with baby that go with our natural human circadian rhythms.

At night, lights down low, no bright night lights, nothing that’ll cause baby to think it’s Play Time.

How sleepy is too sleepy for a newborn?

If baby will not wake up for feeds throughout the day or night and is extremely lethargic, of course contact your pediatrician.

If your baby is simply wanting to rest and nap during the day and still be out like a light at night… this is totally normal. If you’re nursing then baby is getting all those sleepy happy hormones from you.

Babies will wake up hungry, feed for a while, then try and fall asleep before the feed is over. Some babies, many actually, will still nap for 2 hours after that and only wake up to get more milk. And then they’ll repeat it all over again .

Only to wake up for slightly more time around the witching hours… and then go right back to bed at night. If baby is having enough wet diapers, dirty diapers, and is otherwise healthy, then consider yourself a lucky, mama.

Get all the info you need for your newborn on my wildly popular (and highly bookmarked) post: ultimate newborn sleep schedule: week by week

Read These While You’re At It

When Should I Start A Sleep Schedule For My Newborn?

Why Should You Never Wake A Sleeping Baby?

Should I Wake Baby Up To Change Their Diaper?

How Do You Sleep Train A Newborn?

Evening Routines for Moms That Erase Stress and Give Peace

One of the most important times of day… night! These evening routines for moms will help you relax, unwind, and sleep well.

I used to have this horrible dread and doom that came when the sun started going down.

As soon as 5 pm rolled around during the winter, or 7 pm during the summer, I started to feel anxious.

Upset.

Worried.

I would pick anything ole random thing to worry about it seemed like. It was really awful, actually. My husband worked nights for a long time and I really struggled with unwinding, relaxing, and refreshing.

Mom reading as part of an evening routine for moms.

Eventually, I came to see that my own moods and feelings in the evenings were actually kind of controllable. If I organized my evenings well WITHOUT thinking about efficiency or productivity, but instead thinking about life-giving habits… it made a world of difference.

Remember, it’s the small, repeatable, inexpensive daily habits that keep our moods high. And when we feel good in the evenings, it’ll carry over into the mornings.

Things to consider when creating an evening routine…

First, there are obvious seasons of life.

If you have a newborn, you may need to go to bed earlier to account for night wakings.

If you are working from home temporarily and can’t focus during the day (because, duh, of course you can’t with little ones!) then, you may have to stay up later at night.

Your evening routine should always take into account your season of life. And it will change as the months go by and things are different.

➡️ The biggest key is not to force something because you think you *should* do it when, in reality, you know you won’t do it.

Evening Routine Ideas for Moms

So… there are a few things you can put into your evening routine. Pick and choose what works for you and, most importantly, what helps you feel relaxed, peaceful, and ready to drift off into a nice sleep.

Remember, the evening is a perfect time for your self-care routines.

Hygiene and Body Care

Maybe you like being pampered? Including a special hygiene or body care regimen in your evening routine can be a fun way to de-stress and re-vitalize after a long day.

The act of taking care of your body may have been something you let go. I know I did. I barely got the kids bathed, much less gave myself a sugar scrub. When I make time for it, somehow someway, I end up feeling better.

Epsom salt baths| These help prevent fluid retention – why oh why do I retain fluid – and are a good source of magnesium. I like to stock up on these and take a nice hot bath at the end of a long day.
Infused Showers| Did you know you could infuse your shower with some sleepy time lavender and chamomile?
Wash your face| Scrub, massage, or just get your makeup off. Wash slowly and thoroughly. A clean soft face will make you feel a little better about the bags under your eyes ?.
Lotion & more lotion| It feels nice to hydrate your skin at the end of a busy day. I love putting lotion on my feet and then throwing on some soft socks at the end of the day.
Toes & fingers | There are so many online options right now for doing pedicures and manicures. Remember when you used to paint your fingernails to match your outfit? Not saying that’s in the cards, but it’s nice to see pretty fingers throughout the day.
A massage| I’m not talking about making an appointment, I’m suggesting you get a back and neck massager. I’ve purchased 2 of these so far. The first time I actually forgot to put my hair up and the motor sucked all my hair inside it so… maybe avoid that.
Detox| If you enjoy detoxing, the Ionic Foot Detoxing System can help eliminate unhealthy toxins and renew your energy at the end of the day. I did this at a spa once and was both shocked and amazed at the result.

Read: My “Daily Escape” to a Quiet Place & Why It’s Necessary

Prep for the Next Day

If you are the type who likes to do a little now to get ahead later, then these will help you do that. The key is not to overly fill your evenings or you are just spreading out the stress.

Don’t think you need to do every single thing for the next day and then use up all that time. Use one or two of the things that cause you the most stress, and get those done instead.

Pack Kid’s Lunches| One sure way to have a stressed morning is to wait until morning on this one. Or better yet, have your kids pack their own lunches.
Set out breakfast| This feels good, especially for planners. If you’re like me, planning helps with feeding my kids healthy foods.
Make a to-do list for the next day| I have read how some mom’s totally de-clutter their brains before bed by jotting down a list for the next day. If you struggle to clear your mind at bedtime, try this.
Lay out clothes| Laying out clothes can be a fun way to prep for the next day. This is true especially if you have multiple children.
Set coffee/tea on a timer| Do you love waking up to the small of hot tea or yummy coffee? Most coffee makers now have timers, and this could be something nice to look forward to.
Pick up surfaces| I recommend doing an evening sweep as part of any evening routine for moms because it’s so so satisfying.
Check over plans| Today, many stay at home moms are also homeschooling. So, if you’re a planner, look over those plans.
Shop online| Need groceries? Go ahead and schedule your pick-up the night before to ease the stress of the next day.

Relaxation Routines

Be honest… doesn’t a relaxation routine sound nice? Maybe it’s because you’ve been having a hard time falling asleep. Or… maybe it’s because as humans we are built to need wind down and relaxation.

At its best, a relaxation routine is designed to prepare you for sleep and welcome you to a place of rest (mentally, emotionally, and physically).

Take time to connect with your spouse| Watch some TV together, play a card game, or just spend some quality time together.
Read| Reading has been a lifesaver to my tired mind over the years. It puts me right out…
Journal| Jotting down the events of each day are a proven way to vent or release built up emotions that can interrupt a peaceful sleep. New to journaling? Try Present, Not Perfect- A Journal for Slowing Down.
Playing some relaxing music| You’ll be surprised how much it helps to have calming sounds in the background. By the way, music therapy has been proven to put people in a peaceful mindset and help prepare them for a relaxed state.
Do a crossword| An age old tradition. My husband and I often pick up a crossword to do together.
Diffusing Essential Oils| Aromatherapy…. ahhhh! Pick some relaxing oils such as lavender or chamomile and put them in a diffuser. Many have relaxing light settings as well.

Pre-Sleep Routines

This likely bleeds over into the other areas, but I think it’s super important that bedtime feels welcoming. Bedtime should be something you WANT to do, not something you fight.

These simple things help with wind down and sleep because they make you feel a bit more special. Anything that makes normal life feel slightly more luxurious is a win!

Up your pajama game| It may seem silly at first, but ditching those old worn out rags for something classy & comfy can be the ticket to mentally staring your wind down.
Get good sheets| With so many options for soft, hypoallergenic, synthetic free, luscious silk, or satin sheets out there… it’s time for an upgrade.
An eye mask| I feel like I’m in a spa when I wear my eye masks. This is also helpful if your spouse likes to read in bed.
Get a cozy comforter| If you have sleep anxiety, I highly recommend trying the Quilted Weighted Blanket. It’s feels like your comforter now has the ability to give you a hug. A nice snuggly blanket will help you relax.
Stop with the devices| Yes, your phone has blue light. Yes, it does cause your eyes to wig out… especially before bedtime. I plug my phone in another room. I also set my alarm early and refuse to look at it during my “wind down” time.

And two more for the road.

If you really struggle to wind down or calm down in the evenings, then I suggest these two things.

Breathing exercises

Unless your a classical singer, you probably have no idea what I’m talking about. It’s not very hard… don’t worry. First, Breathe in your nose until you feel your belly button push up. Then, hold your breath for 8-9 seconds. Lastly, release your breath as slow as you can. REPEAT to completely relax. You’re welcome!

Pray

If I am feeling worried or anxious, I will pray through it all and more often than not, I fall asleep mid-prayer. Maybe that’s good or maybe it’s not, but it shows how relaxing it is.

Sources:

How can I make time for an evening routine when I am tired at the end of the day?

The idea is to be able to look forward to your evening routine so that you can relax, enjoy, and recharge. If your evening routine sounds too daunting, try tweaking it to include some activities you really enjoy or some self-care activities.

How do I handle disruptions to my nightly routine, such as late work hours or children waking up?

The more you do a nightly routine and are being refreshed regularly, these disruptions won’t seem as big of a deal because you can carry on after you’ve taken care of things or pick it up the next night. If this is happening a lot, it might be time to look at changing some boundaries or expectations.

Could I include hobbies into my nightly routine?

Yes! If a hobby is restful and relaxing to you, then by all means add it in! If you find that a certain hobby gets you excited and feeling more awake, you may want to save it for another time so you are able to sleep well.

Meal Planning Routines That Are Easy To Keep

Meal planning doesn’t have to be stressful and time consuming. In fact, establishing a simple routine can really take a load off your stress and allow more time for things you love.

I am of the opinion that any type of home or life change that feels TOO DRASTIC if often hard to keep.

Run 3 miles a day? YES, I’LL DO THAT.

Once.

Cook only paleo meals 5 nights a week? Easy peasy.

For a week or two.

Routines are my schtick so – believe me when I tell you – easy and simple is the way to go. Start by taking the things you already do, or tend to do naturally, and make them into more of a purposeful routine.

We’ve all been there

4:00 p.m. hits and it dawns on you. What’s for dinner? You think… I wish I would have planned something sooner.

Well, I want to give you some hope… meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated or overly time consuming.

In fact, it can simplify your life and help you have more time to spend doing the things that you love (like cleaning house and running after the kids…).

But seriously, let’s stop throwing our hands up and ordering take out. Start with a simple plan and then use the resources below to help.

You’ve got this!

I’ve talked at length about family routines, self-care routines, and evening routines. So now?

Meal Planning Routines For Moms

Whether you keep a master schedule of your week or just fly by it day-to-day, a simple meal planning routine is key to getting some food freedom and healthy meal options.

Establish a time (and maybe a place to write down your meal plan)

Maybe you like to sit down on Sunday evening and plan for the week ahead?
Or what about early Monday morning?
Maybe choose what day is most convenient to shop/pick up groceries and plan the evening before or morning of that day of the week
Maybe it’s as simple as keeping an ongoing memo on your phone
A dry erase magnet board on the refrigerator or command center may also work
A meal planning notepad or sheets near your cookbooks or common area where you can keep a running tally of things you need

Whatever routine works for you, having that same routine from week-to-week will keep you consistent. It will also get easier as time goes on if you keep your planning routine simple and regular.

Read These While You’re At It

5 Daily Habits For Kids That Makes Your Life Easier

Evening Routines for Moms That Erase Stress and Give Peace

Mom Morning Routines: Bring Order & Sanity To Your Day

Simple Self-Care Routines Moms Can Do Daily

The Stay At Home Mom Schedule That’ll Keep You Sane

Meal Planning Options

There is no right or wrong option here. The ticket is to find what works for your time and personality.

Fully scheduled

Assign a specific meal for each day of the week. (For example: Monday: breakfast- pancakes & fruit, Lunch- Cold cut sandwiches & chips, Dinner- Chicken fried rice). You will take a chart or a sheet of paper or digital planning tool and assign food for every meal.

And then put those ingredients onto your shopping list.

Loosely scheduled

Plan specific meals but don’t assign them to days. Have the ingredients ready to cook what your family feels like that day- or what your schedule allows.

For me, this looks like choosing 4 or 5 dinners I will cook. Another is pizza for movie night, leftovers one night, then a wild card where we can eat out.

Monthly Meal Plan

This plan cuts shopping time down and some people love that it’s all planned out in advance. Instead of planning for one week, you’ll plan out an entire month.

If you like shopping once a month for all the pantry and freezer items, this is a great plan.

Themed Day Food Plan

Assign a type of food to each day. (For example: Monday- beef, Tuesday- chicken, Wednesday- Vegetarian, etc.). This is a whole Taco Tuesday type of thing.

This will help you silo meals. Also, if you choose 3 or 4 meals for each category then essentially you’ll have the same 20 or so meals a month, but only repeated once a month.

Batch Cooking

Extra busy mom’s love this plan because there’s always meals prepared in the freezer and ready to go. With this plan, you can cook one night and put 5 or more meals away in the freezer for later.

Or you can double meals you cook. Cook a lot of meat at once, separate it out. etc. That type of thing.

Crockpot Rescue

It is entirely possible to make complete meals with simply a crockpot. If you are aiming to eliminate dishes and prep earlier in the day, this may be the way to go for you.

I like to have quite a few options available. If you choose a few crock pot meals always available in your pantry then you have some options if you don’t want to spend money on take out. Or if you live too far out to drive to town quickly.

Grocery Shopping Routine

A working grocery shopping routine is essential to any meal planning success. I mean… it’s hard to plan and cook without the food you need at home.

So let’s talk about how to get the food into the house.

Tips for a successful shopping trip:

Choose one day of the week that you always go shopping or pick up groceries. This will feel like a personal deadline.
Set a reminder on your phone so you remember to schedule your shopping if you do pickup or delivery.
If you don’t love in person grocery shopping (some people do!) then using an app will save you tons of time. Both in meal planning and shopping.
Keep a running list of things you don’t necessarily buy each trip but have run out of (Examples: spices, condiments, soups).
Make sure your meal plan accounts for what you still have in stock at home.
If you shop IN the store, create your grocery list that is separated by categories (produce, dairy, snacks/pantry, froze, meats, bread, household).

I have recently fallen in love with the curbside pickup at grocery stores.

Even though I still shop for produce at one store and pantry items at another, I save so much time by ordering online and picking up on my way home from some other commitment.

Meal Prep/Snack Prep To Freeze Or Store For Later

When it comes to meal prepping, I have found that the key is to “not bite off” too much at one time.

Let me explain, preparing four separate full meals (lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, chicken tikka masala, and barbecue chicken) to store away will take hours… if not days.

Instead, I plan one fantastic meal (lasagna) and put away at least 5 full meals in the freezer for later.

If I do this once a week for a few weeks, I’ve got plenty put away for a few months.

Here are a few tips to consider:

Make sure you are using the right freezer safe containers.
Prepare your freezer for how much space you will need ahead of time.
Get your labeling system down.
Taste test a meal on your family before batch making 5 meals to eat later. Check out this website for a bunch of easy meal prep ideas: 40+ Best Meal Prep Recipes

Snack prepping

This is a different beast entirely. It really depends on your family size and age of kids.

I have found that for me, placing “anytime allowed” snacks in particular places help my kids understand their snack limits.

I always include a “snack” section on my grocery list. I’m sure to check what I have before buying/ordering extra and running out of space in my pantry.
Choose healthy snacks (nus, fruit, cheese, carrots, granola, pretzels, yogurt, etc.)
Choose out of reach “treats” as well, and separate when organizing them in the pantry
Organize snacks in baskets (and in the fridge)
Make rules regarding snacks your kids can have if you find them constantly snacking

Resources to Help

If you’re like me, having everything down right in front of you is priceless. That’s why I’ve created this perfect resource to help- the Meal Planning & Pantry Staple Pack. It includes:

Weekly grocery lists
Weekly meal planners
Monthly meal planners
Pantry staple
Top family meal lists

How can I involve my children in meal planning and cooking?

Depending on the age of your kids, they can help from choosing meals, going to the store and putting groceries away, to helping make the meals. Each child could choose one meal per month (or per week if you’re feeling ambitious) and help you plan and cook their meal of choice.

How can I incorporate more variety into our meals without overwhelming myself?

Aim to incorporate one new recipe a month, or some other sustainable way of trying new things without biting off more than you can chew. Getting a new cookbook to have easy, delicious recipes can help you add the ingredients to your shopping list easily and prep quickly.

How can I plan meals that are both kid-friendly and enjoyable for adults?

In our house, the kids eat what the adults eat because I cannot accommodate different meals for each child three times a day. With that said, ask your kids for dinner suggestions, involve them in preparing the meal, or get creative with your themed dinner nights to get them more excited about what is being served.

Sunday Morning Routines To Stop The Before Church Madness

Are Sunday mornings the craziest, unruliest, most unfortunate times in your household? You’re not alone. Here are some tried and true tips to help stop the before church madness:

I’ll never forget our most train wreck of a Sunday morning.

I was stressed out getting all 5 kids ready and myself. Makeup, hair, etc.

And then I see my husband still not ready, after I’d gotten 5 kids and myself ready, and rage came up. I didn’t want to be late.

I grabbed the keys, literally threw them, and said DRIVE YOURSELF TO CHURCH!

It went further downhill after that. But 15 minutes later we laughed and decided, well, that’s not a good way to spend our Sunday mornings.

So let’s dive into how to create a nice Sunday morning routine without the drama.

Plan Ahead for Sunday Mornings

The chaos happens when… it’s Sunday morning and you realize that nobody has clean dress clothes and there’s no food in the house.

Plan Outfits the Night Before

This is especially helpful if you have multiple kids and the mornings can get super chaotic.

Or, if you like to color coordinate the family.

Lay dress clothes over bedroom chair or in a place easily accessible.
Check to make sure clean socks & undies are there.
Set dress shoes out and ready to put on.

Shower the night before in effort to eliminate the extra time it takes for hair drying, etc.

Read: Your Family’s Schedule: 6 Crucial Considerations

Pre-plan and simplify breakfast

Unless it’s your family’s tradition, a full course breakfast spread is probably not the best bet (if you want to get to church on time.)

And, nobody likes coming home from church with a sink full of dishes.

And lunch to make.

Keep Sunday morning breakfast simple, yet nutritious.
Fruit, granola bars, cereal, oatmeal.
Teach that part of the routine is to clean up their breakfast materials before leaving.

I allow mine to eat their breakfast on their own (at the counter) or together with a sibling.

Depending on your kid’s age, you may want to feed them before getting them dressed so the meal doesn’t ruin their clothes. This will also stop them from fussing from hunger.

Avoiding Hyper Stimulation or Screens

One of the most difficult things on planet earth to do is to convince a child to put down a device to do something boring like getting dressed.

This is magnified on Sunday mornings. So, we avoid screens and “clear our heart & mind” for worship.

It’s a whole lot easier to get dressed when you’re intentional about doing it.

And, kids tend to be grumpy when they get screens and then have to put the down to get ready for church.

I say, just avoid screen time entirely and focus on what’s important today.

Hyper Stimulation on Sunday Mornings

One sure trick to smoother Sunday mornings is to avoid hyper stimulations.

I’m talking about the nerf gun wars, building forts in the living room, playing tag, running around outside, etc.

Nope… Sunday morning is not the time for it.

Not only will it almost always bring on arguing, but sweaty kids with busted lips isn’t what we’re going for today.

Start Earlier- Way Earlier than What You Think

If it’s going to break, burn, or get caught in the fan it’s going to happen first thing on Sunday mornings. Get ahead of it by rising earlier and planning to be one step up.

Plus, if all of your kids want to snuggle with you before getting out of bed… you want to have the time to do that.

Plan to Start Earlier

This is a tip for those of us who always end up with one-more-thing-to-do before going out the door.

It’s a mom thing… and it’s real.

So, to combat this conundrum, simply start earlier.

If you think you need to get up by 7:30, set your alarm for 7:00.
If you aim to leave the house by 9:30, plan on walking out the door at 9:00.

You may be early, but you won’t be later.

Actually, you’ll probably be right on time.

Read: Sunday Evening Routines That Make The Week Less Stressful

“If You Have Have Nothing Nice to Say”

We all know what comes next.. “then don’t say anything at all.”

But for some reason, Sunday morning is the time for “all the negativity to come out.” Some people think it’s this world and our enemy trying to stop us from going to church.

My husband has memories of his mother saying this on Sunday mornings in their house. So, it’s not just a “this generational” thing.

And, so especially on Sundays, watch that you say.

Teach kids to use positive affirmations and kind words to each other.
Be mindful of the things you speak over yourself while getting dressed, etc.
Have your kids do some calm down time if they aren’t saying kind things. Don’t take it…

It may take some time, but the overall moral of the Sunday mornings will increase with positivity.

Or, by just saying nothing at all.

How can I keep my older kids occupied while I get the younger kids ready for church?

Sunday mornings are a great time for independent play time or reading books quietly while the rest of the family gets ready. If appropriate, have your older kids help get the younger kids ready!

Any advice on avoiding the hangry and tired after-church rage with little kids?

Having a calm and not rushed morning helps with this but there are often lots of needs to take care of as soon as you walk in the door from church – lunch, naps, potty breaks, etc. Consider giving small snacks in the car on the way home and have a game plan that everyone plays a part in when you get home. Child 1 helps unload the diaper bag, child 2 helps prepare lunch, etc. That way everyone plays an active role and things get done faster.

Sunday Evening Routines That Make The Week Less Stressful

Let’s be honest, going into a new week can sometimes be very stressful. Here are some Sunday evening routines for busy moms that will help ease some of the pain:

If there’s one evening that can set the tone for the rest of the week… it’s Sunday evenings.

There’s a thing people like to call the Sunday Scaries.

It’s like… Monday is coming, I’m not interested, but it’s going to show up anyway, and I’m maybe not super prepared.

A great way to avoid the Sunday Scaries and the Monday Moodswings is to do a little bit of prep on Sunday evenings by way of Sunday evening routines.

Meal plan for the week & order groceries.

The week goes so much smoother when food has been planned out. Not only that, but it can be more cost effective as well.

Maybe you jot down the main dinners you’re gong to cook, or maybe you make detailed plans for every day.

Whatever your method is, adding food goals for the week to a Sunday night routine is a great idea.

Have you ever thought about pre-ordering your groceries to be picked up/delivered? I have found that when I do this, I do less impulse buying.

Not only that, but I also feel more organized when I sit down and plan exactly what I need to purchase.

Read: Best Planners for Moms Based On Personality

Look at the week’s schedule.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel like I need a personal assistant to help me organize where I need to be… and when.

But, when I get organized on Sunday evening (for the week), it is a lot less stressful.

Go over schedules for the week ahead (sports, activities, church events, date night, etc.)
Make phone calls or reach out to people I need to communicate with.
Organize rides, food reservations, who is bringing what…
Communicate with family about daily plans or special events.

Plans for the wardrobe.

It’s not a crazy idea at all to have a week’s worth of your kids clothes ready to put on. In fact, this activity can be a great thing to add to a Sunday evening routine.

Actually, it can even be relaxing or enjoyable. I have been known to use this time to bond with my kids (discuss their likes/dislikes).

And, it can help with establishing your laundry routines as well. Imagine… always knowing that your kids have matching socks ready to put on.

Read These While You’re At It

10 Simple Organizing Projects for the New Year

Bookshelves can be functional and pretty and used for more than storing books. They are easy and effortless organization

6 Easy and Effortless Tips for Organization with Kids

5 Daily Habits For Kids That Makes Your Life Easier

7 Simple Things You Can Do To Prepare Your Family For The Whole Year

Brain dump onto your master to-do list.

This activity alone can help reduce stress.

Taking the time on a Sunday evening to brain dump anything/everything for the upcoming week onto a master list is a great idea.

You can set back and organize it later, but this gives you the freedom to step into the week knowing you have a “list” written and it’s off your brain.

Discuss with your spouse upcoming events.

Sunday evenings are a very manageable time to sync your calendars. It’s easy to remember to sync schedules when you do it every Sunday evening at the same time.

For some, busy schedules and special activities can be overwhelming. You know what’s even more overwhelming?

When you forgot to tell your spouse about an important event that you need help with and he already has concrete commitments of his own.

Read: Your Family’s Schedule: 6 Crucial Considerations

Do a room-to-room sweep.

You may already do a daily sweep. But, on Sunday evening you can spend 15 minutes or so bringing things back into their correct rooms.

It never fails that baskets, toys, or linens end up in the incorrect rooms throughout the week. Sunday can be the prefect time just to make sure everything is back in its place.

It feels going into the week knowing that things are in their right locations.

Read These While You’re At It

A Doable Weekly Cleaning Schedule For Busy Moms Daily Chores for Kids that Help Prepare Them for Life

How To Keep A Tidy House With Little Kids – It’s Possible!

routines to help keep a tidy home with kids

Routines to Keep a Tidy Home With Kids

Set some personal goals.

I’m not talking about unrealistic goals… because those just cause more stress. Set some goals to help eliminate some stress for yourself.

How much time are you going to spend daily doing something fun for you, reading, or simply resting?
What activities are you going to do with your kids to get that cherished one-on-one time?
How are you going to achieve your nutrition/ work out plan?

Set some goals, put them in the calendar, and pray for the best.

Read: Sunday Morning Routines To Stop The Before Church Madness

Make it electronic free.

Moms everywhere are finding that electronics seem to agitate certain situations. One of these conditions is the winding down, end of the day, plan for tomorrow situation.

Let’s be honest.. it can be stressful.

Why? There are some times where electronics don’t help.

It’s very difficult to get kids to cooperate with planning, organizing, or prepping when all they can think about is their game, etc. It’s like their brains just wont let them work.

So, establishing a Sunday evening electronic free routine can be a peaceful way to handle getting what you want done.

Declutter surfaces.

If your house is anything like mine, some surfaces seem to collect things throughout the week. It’s just part of life.

Mail, toys, art supplies, books, random things from the van…etc. They all seem to clutter surfaces around the house.

Here’s a tip:

Designate a basket and “sweep” all surface left items into it.
Family members must retrieve their items (and put them in their proper location) or you do away with them.

In my opinion, there’s no reason to leave surfaces cluttered to start the new week. Plus, everything feels cleaner when you can see.

It’s a great reset to start the week.

Examine the entrances to your home.

Nothing will make your Monday morning feel hectic like a messy front porch or entrance way. Do you accumulate stacks of things by your door during the week?

Packages, things that need go away (donations, return items, etc.), even pizza boxes.

What about the porch?

Don’t leave the weekend’s activities sitting out where they are gong to be tripped over out the door on Monday morning.

Eliminate stress by taking the time of Sunday evening to attack those piles. Make the entrance way to your house the segue to a stress-free Monday.

How can I get on the same page as my spouse on Sundays?

Have a Sunday “business meeting” where you only talk about the business for the week, like the logistics, calendar, meals, etc. When you have a focus, this can be done efficiently in about 20 minutes and can make sure you’re on the same page for the week ahead.

How can I get my kids excited for our Sunday evening routines?

Make it fun! Play music, make games out of cleaning up, or do something fun together as a family after the logistics are taken care of, like a family walk or play a game.

How can I organize my Sunday evening routine so nothing is forgotten?

I love my Homemaking Binder for this! All of the things your household needs to keep track of in one, easy to find place, including your Sunday night routines.

Monthly Routines For Moms – No More Falling Through The Cracks

Looking for a refreshing list of monthly activities to help your life run more smoothly? There are monthly routines here that you can put on autopilot.

There’s nothing worse than having a bajillion things going on in our heads that need to get done.

One way to avoid all that drama?

Create a time (anytime!) to get it done, then put it off of your mind until then. Some things need doing daily, some weekly, but many things can be done ONCE A MONTH.

Here are a few things you can shove into your phone reminders as a task to do 1x per month. Until it comes up to remind you to get it done… forget about it.

Plan ahead for special events.

Events such as birthday parties, social events, or church functions can really sneak up on a busy family.

Plan ahead by writing them down on your calendar and synching your family calendars. You can also go ahead and work on who you will invite, babysitting, or any other need you may have for that event.

Buy presents
Organize babysitting
Invites for hospitality
Plan any specifics surrounding these events

Clean your vehicle out.

Ok, so let’s be honest. Once a month is probably not enough for a sweep… especially if you have multiple children. However, once a month deep clean is a great idea.

You know, get that mystery sticky substance from under the seat. Tackle it monthly and it’s sure to help everything go smoothly.

I pay a monthly fee for our local car wash and can use it as many times as I want per month
Set a reminder on your phone to clean it out
Get the kids to help clean out their stuff
Keep some quick cleaning items (wipes, a rag, spray, etc.) in the trunk for ease.

Check scheduled appointments & make any necessary calls.

Sitting down at the beginning of each month to check appointments can really make things run more smoothly.

dentist / doctor
haircuts
animal groomers
beauty (nails, massage, etc.)
therapy (physical, occupational, counseling, etc.)

You don’t want these appointments sneaking up on you.

And, it’s frustrating having to break plans because you forgot you had a doctors apt. etc.

De-clutter under the sink & pantry.

It never fails… there’s a mystery wrapper or a completely empty box of something. So, once a month de-clutter of cabinets such as the pantry or under the sink can feel really great.

You can also use this opportunity to stock up on some things that may be running low.

snack baskets
under kitchen sink
under bathroom sink / drawers
junk drawers
fridge (throw out moldy stuff, etc)

Sit down and really, I mean REALLY check your personal wellness.

The days, weeks, months, years fly by when you’re raising small children. As any mother knows… she can lose herself in the hustle and bustle of it all.

So, dedicate an afternoon or evening to you. Take some time to journal, write, pray, and check your overall happiness. Use my free tracker below to help take stock of where you’re at and what you need.

Did you do enough last month to satisfy your needs? If not, make some plans for this month to do better… for your own sanity.

time alone
recharge activities (see some ideas here)
social activities (time with friends, going out for coffee, date night, etc.)
space, time, and budget to solve problems (below is a video on why that helps us be more present)

Review local events & checking school calendars.

Many local communities have kicked into gear about hosting weekly downtown events and other fun opportunities. I love how it seems that this year, cities are rallies around community and togetherness.

I avoid scrolling my FB feed because it’s distracting, but it also means I am liable to miss local events. Creating a reminder to check what’s going on locally can make sure you don’t miss fun events.

You may be surprised at what local events your family would like to attend if you check monthly and get them on your calendar.

Also, when school is in session… it always is a good idea to review the calendar or days off, special events, etc.

games
festivals
concerts
awards ceremonies
parades
shows

Read These While You’re At It

Family Culture Is The Ultimate Way To Build A Strong Family – Here’s How

family identity: what strong families have

Family Identity: What Tight Knit Families Have That Distant Families Don’t

Surprising Benefits of the Grandparent-Grandchild Relationship & How To Foster It

The Indisputable Benefits of Family Traditions & Rituals

Plan your families prayer and devotion.

It never hurts to plan time together. If you’re like us, things get busy and it’s hard to keep scheduled devotions. That’s why we usually plan devotion time during a time that we are already together- dinner, bedtime.

Anyways, setting some goals for family prayer and devotion is a monthly routine to help your life run smoother. You can even link it up with the season or month.

holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, etc.)
transitions and life milestones (starting school, etc.)
topic based, depending on what your children are going through (friendship issues, hard topics, etc.)

Monthly routines can include going through kids clothes.

Go through kids clothing and get rid of items too small, stains, etc.

Kids grow so fast.

And, I don’t know about you but sometimes one of mine comes out of their room in something that is too short, too tight, or should have been passed down months ago.

So, a great monthly routine is to take one day a month and go through clothes. Take out what doesn’t fit or that is too damaged and pass it along or throw it away.

Keep a pile somewhere in your home out of the way where you can put things you are donating then, once a month, bag it up and donate it.

Get an overall food plan (eating out, cooking, etc.)

Monthly routines can change depending on the season. For example, during sports seasons some families may eat more “on the go.”

So, take a look at what the month has to hold and get an overall food plan. This can include expenses, shopping plans, working on heathy snack options, etc.

Read These While You’re At It

5 lessons to teach at the table that have nothing to do with meals #parenting #manners #conversation #kids

4 Dinner Table Lessons That Have Nothing To Do With Food

5 Dinner Time Hacks To Simplify (And Sanify!) Family Meals

Avoid Chaos During Dinner Prep… Use These Hacks!

Baby & Toddler Snacks – The Best Times, Rules And Food Ideas

Start a new month in your gratitude notepad.

Keeping a gratitude notepad is so rewarding.

Going from month-to-month, it can be nice to start a fresh tab to help keep up with the flow of your families busy life.

You can tear off sheets when you need attitude resets. For you AND the kids!

Plan ahead for outdoor family times.

Organization and proper planning is key in having successful outside activities for the family.

If your family is adventurous you may need to have a system in place to store gear- boards, supplies, etc. Add a day or cleaning and organizing to your monthly routine.

If your family enjoys togetherness in your backyard, a monthly routine to clean up & organize backyard fun items is a great way to keep the good times rolling.

Reset monthly reading goals & revamp bookshelves.

In our house, I routinely flip bookshelves. No… I don’t mean physically flipping them over.

Kids have a bad habit to taking the first book they see and putting it back on top. So, to give them the best possible experience and exposure to ALL our wonderful books, I move them around.

I’ll take the ones from the back of one bookshelf and place them in the front of another.

Review your budget and pay bills.

Some families benefit greatly from sitting down together each month to discuss expenses, saving, bills, and spending. Even if it’s pulling up statements online, getting everyone on the same page is powerful.

This is a time where proposed projects can be discussed and unneeded spending can be addressed.

Organize receipts, bills, and other misc. files.

You know that countertop that catches all the paperwork? Yes, even with a nice filing system… stuff still land there.

A monthly routine that will help your life run smoother is to sit down once a month and make sure things are stored in their proper place. If you are paperless, you can make sure you scanned important documents before throwing them away.

Shred what needs to be shredded, put away important docs, and claim back your surfaces.

Clean out & organize closets.

It can be refreshing to sift through hanging items, pair mystery socks, and pass on unwanted wardrobe items.

Even if your monthly routine is just to straighten and organize, it can make your closet seem much more functional if kept tidy.

Change seasonal items
Remove things that have holes, runs, etc.
Hang up anything on the floor

How can I keep all of these things organized and in one place?

I personally love having a Homemaking Binder for this because it houses all of the things in this blog post plus passwords, recipes, etc. and is a great way to have everything in one place. I have seen other families have a “command center” somewhere in their home where they keep important items, notes, calendar, etc.

What do I do if a month is extra busy and I miss some of these things?

Progress > perfection. We’re not striving to do all of these things perfectly all the time. We are simply creating routines so that things get done without making us feel overwhelmed. If something has to wait, so be it.

Laundry Routines That’ll Make the Piles Smaller and Life Easier

Are you ready to try some simple laundry routines that will help make life easier for you? If you’re piles are building up and your loosing focus, try these things:

Laundry is the bane of my existence. I go in fits and starts with it. Sometimes I’m on top of it.

Then that enthusiasm wanes and then I decide I’m over it for a while and then the laundry piles up. But in order to have some type of consistency with the clothes – and nobody running out of socks – it’s important to at least have a good laundry routine that works.

Whether you do it, you your spouse does it, or the kids do it.

Pick a Method that Works for You

When it comes to laundry routines, not having a method is what leads to piles and piles of dirty clothes. It’s no secret, laundry takes time and consideration.

If not, it can be a wreck (in a hurry)… especially if you have multiple kids.

Consider these methods when establishing your laundry routine.

1 Day a Week

This often works for moms who work M-F and don’t want to be laundering every evening. For some, Saturday is the laundry day. For others, Sunday afternoon.

This has its positives and negatives:

Family bonding time to get the laundry done Saturday mornings.
It’s very consistent: everyone brings their hamper in on Saturday and puts all their clothes away before the new week starts.
However, if you have a Saturday obligation or are out of town- a weeks worth of laundry doesn’t get done. So, it can really pile up.

1-2 Loads a Day

This laundry routine typically works well for moms who work from home or stay-at-home full time. This is because there can “almost always” be a load going and it won’t spoil.

A downside is that it fells like it’s never ending…. and the laundry just keeps coming.

One mental shift here is to realize: laundry is never done.

It has no beginning and no end. It’s simply a cycle. So don’t think about it like it’ll ever end or you always feel behind.

Tips for this laundry routine:

Start early in the morning with a hamper and try to be done by lunch.
Have specific days penciled in do towels, kitchen rags, etc.
Set a timer on the laundry if your machine has one
Choose a specific event that, when finished, you always start a load of laundry after. So, after tidying the kitchen after breakfast you start a load.

Folding together

One easy laundry routine is the dump & sort method. You can use this one if everyone’s clothes don’t get pre-sorted before putting into the washer.

Pile all the clean clothes in the middle of the living room floor and have each kid pull their clothes out. They then make stacks of their items, fold them, and carry them to put away.

Similar to this method is the hamper sorting laundry method.

For this, each child has brought their dirty hamper into be washed. Once it get’s dried, it goes back into their hamper. We dump all the hampers into the floor (in separate piles) and fold our own piles together.

⭐ Pro tip: For towels, pool towels, and kitchen towels I recommend showing your younger children or toddlers how to fold. This will include them in the folding together, and get then started on folding.

Each Child Puts Away Their Own Clothes

If you’re laundry routine is a therapeutic folding of each child’s clothes while you watch Netflix at night, don’t fix was isn’t broken.

But, you can still train to have each child put away their own clothes the next day.

This gives them ownership in where their clothes belong
It does take some training
It may help/stop the extra piles of clean clothes from piling up

Each Kid Has an Assigned Day for Laundry

This laundry routine is just as it sounds. But, it may just be the ticket for you if the piles are building up.

Once it becomes routine, each kid will always have clean clothes and you won’t have piles of “who’s clothes are these” in the laundry room.

Here’s an expert towel trick: Hang one hook (per child) In the bathroom. Their used towel goes on the hook… period. “Towels don’t belong on your bedroom floor,” said every mom, everywhere.

Something as simple as these color coded backpack hooks will do the trick.

Read These While You’re At It

10 Things Every Mother Needs on Automatic Delivery

6 Easy and Effortless Tips for Organization with Kids

Common Habits Of Organized Stay At Home Moms – With Printable!

Every mother who feels overwhelmed and thinks her life is a chaotic mess needs to do this... a house walk.

How a “House Walk” Can Change Your Life

Simplify & Save

It’s no secret that laundry takes time, energy, and resources (water, detergent, etc.). So, why not incorporate some routines and tricks to save on these things?

Train Early

From the time mine were dressing themselves and taking off their clothes to take baths, they knew where the dirty hamper was… and how to put their clothes in it. I’m not saying they always do it, but it’s something we keep repeating.

Every family has their expectations and systems for this, but if you’re looking to have a long lasting laundry routine, training early is the ticket.

Toddlers: Can locate and put their dirty clothes in hamper.
Preschool to Kindergarten: Can bring hamper into the laundry room and do a room sweep to pick up clothes that were accidentally left on floor. They can also put away clean clothes into the correct drawers/baskets/closet systems.
Early Elementary (6-9): Can identify when hamper is “full” or they are in need of clothes, and maybe even start a load into the washer. They can hang clothes in the closet and sort/fold/put away clean clothes.
Later Elementary (10-12): They can do it all. Now, you may have to let them know when it’s time to throw their favorite shirt in the wash… but they are capable.

Re-Wear Clothes

One of the most annoying things for a mom is to wash the same pair of “clean” pajama pants over and over.

Didn’t you just wear those to bed once?

OK… so let’s put those pajamas under our covers and wear them for a bit until they are dirty. There’s no need to waste water and time and… you get it.

Re-wearing pajamas and clothes such as button up church shirts, nice slacks, and sweatshirts is a great things to teach young people.

They learn:

conservation
the value of work
to keep their closet tidy, and
to make good judgment calls.

Read These While You’re At It

Big List of Chores 2 & 3 Year-Olds Can Do On Their Own Daily Chores for Kids that Help Prepare Them for Life

Decorating + Organizing with Kids in the House

How Moms Can Work Themselves Out of Their Chores (a Step-by-Step Guide)

Limit Outfit Changes

One of my friends’ sons went to summer camp he wore all 5 of his outfits for the week in two days.

Why?

All she can think of is that he got bored and wanted to change… and change again.

Hmmm…. this is not the kind of fun mom likes to have (because it makes too much laundry!) Sometimes my kids will wear 3 outfits a day in the summer if I let them. Their morning outfit, a swimsuit, then their afternoon outfit, and maybe even ANOTHER bathing suit later .

Champagne problems, I know, but 3 outfits a day results in 21 outfits and that’s just insane.

Or, your child might like to try on multiple things before deciding what to wear. Let me explain:

Let’s say that this kid pulls three clean shirts out of the closet, and finally decides on the fourth one to wear. Well, instead of folding and putting them back (because that is hard), he throws them on the floor… or right into the hamper.

But they aren’t even dirty. So, you see the problem. If this is happening, you’ll need to be sure to train them to stop and take consideration for what is clean.

Set clear expectations for what to do with clean clothes and how many outfits (and when) you want kids to change when setting some laundry routines.

My friend does this…

A laundry routine post would be remiss if I didn’t mention how my friend Lauren handles her laundry. She only has about a week’s worth of clothes for her kids.

Not including fancier items for special occasions or extra curricular uniforms, practice clothes, etc.

So there’s never a lot to clean or wash because there’s only about a week’s worth of laundry to do at a time. If you’re into minimalism, I highly suggest this.

What laundry routine works well for having multiple kids under age 5?

Whatever you prefer and keeps you sane! For us, since the kids weren’t really helping with laundry yet, I preferred to do it all on one day so that I didn’t feel overwhelmed with another day to do every day.

How can I train my kids to do their laundry by themselves?

This can happen slowly over time where you train them to first put dirty clothes in the hamper, then teach them to take the hamper to the laundry room, then how to sort/load/switch the laundry, then to fold and sort. This is a gradual process that you can build upon as your child masters each step.

How can I make the laundry process faster?

For items that are not super dirty, like kids pajamas that have been worn a couple of times, you can wash them on the “quick wash” setting to save time. Otherwise, start early and have alarms so you know when it’s time to switch the laundry to keep it moving quickly.

7 Critical Signs Your Family Needs a Routine

When you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, try establishing a routine. Here are seven signs that your family may need to start implementing some routines into your daily life:

I want to say something mildly shocking from the outset: whether or not you meant to… you already have family routines.

Maybe you planned them, maybe they happened randomly and haphazardly, but they’re there.

Routines are simply things we do over and over again.

Sometimes, however, it’s obvious our routines aren’t working for us and we need new purposeful ones. Let’s dive into some signs your family needs some better routines.

Stress is a key indicator that your family needs a routine.

If you find yourself under stress with no obvious direct cause in sight, that’s a sign that your family needs a routine.

Lack of routine makes everyone on edge. Even if you’re the type that thrives with creative chaos or free range principles, there should probably be an underlining routine keeping it all together.

Fundamental things that happen the same time everyday in the same way.

It’s when our routine breaks down that we find ourselves running out of time, late for important dates, losing things, and blaming the kids. This all happens without us really meaning to, but it’s for sure when the stress kicks in.

The kids are constantly arguing.

Have you ever decided that you were going to simply have a routine free day with the kids? You planned on having them play with each other with no plans or rules…

But all they did was argue?

I have been there and found myself asking, “Why are they arguing when it’s supposed to be a free day?”

For some, this is every day life. If your kids are constantly arguing, it’s time to implement some family routines into their lives.

Routines do so much more than just make your life easier. Routines…

build confidence in kids,
foster a safe environment for creative expression,
allow for smoother transitions,
and leave less space for confrontations.

You’ve misplaced your cell phone, car keys, and that important thing your kid needed again.

Routine is the key to not losing it when you’re a mother.

If you’re constantly finding yourself in situations where you’ve misplaced things or forgotten calendar events, it’s time to set into play some family routines.

A routine simply put, is a sequence of actions that you regularly follow.

Here’s the hard truth: if you regularly lose your cell phone, car keys, or kids homework- that is your routine.

So, it’s time to change up that routine for one that is beneficial to your lifestyle. Maybe you need to implement a daily chore list for you and the kids to follow. Or, maybe you would benefit from a family routine reboot.

You catch yourself yelling again…

Walking into your kids room to find it a complete disaster once again can make any mother lose her cool. This is typical and trust me, there is no judgement here.

However, if you catch yourself yelling because the kids didn’t listen again and again… they may need a routine in place to help them.

Routines make the listening and following directions part of being a kid easier to understand.

People benefit from repetition. It’s part of our human nature. A routine builds actions around the plans and goals we have for our kids. This allows them the ability to succeed in following directions.

If we want something to happen all the time we can build it into our normal routine to make sure it happens.

Read These While You’re At It

Evening Routines for Moms That Erase Stress and Give Peace

Laundry Routines That’ll Make the Piles Smaller and Life Easier

Mom Morning Routines: Bring Order & Sanity To Your Day Monthly Routines For Moms – No More Falling Through The Cracks

You may need a routine if you often find yourself running late.

Having a great out the door routine brings so much peace of mind. Especially with multiple children, it can be so difficult to get everything together.

That being said, take the time to implement some routines involving your bags, shoes, sippy cups or water bottles, snacks, etc.

Establishing a set routine for what stays in your “go bag” is key! You can also work out a family routine for what to do with shoes when they are taken off.. this is big.

Nothing can make you late (and frustrated) like running around the house looking for missing shoes. I’m pretty sure we have all been there.

Your family needs a routine if bedtimes and wake ups are off the rails.

Each family is different. Each family has different goals and proprieties when it comes to bedtime and wake-up. That’s ok…

However, deciding what works best for your family and sticking with a routine is a great way to stay healthy.

I can’t overstate the importance of sleep when it comes to growth and happiness. So, if you’re having to beg, plead, and threaten your kids when it comes to sleep… it’s time for a routine. If your little ones fight sleep every night or don’t want to do the bedtime routine… it means they think it’s negotiable.

You’re the parent, you choose what isn’t negotiable.

Read These While You’re At It

5 Things You Think Kids Hate, but They Actually Love

A No-Fuss Guide To Sleep Training (With Printable!)

Bedtime Battles: How To Avoid Stalling, Tantrums, & Constant Questions

Do you find yourself needing to escape to calm down?

We’ve all been there… crouched in the bathroom scrolling on our phones. Escaping, trying to calm down, or just have some time to catch our breath.

When you get to a place where you feel like, “I simply cannot go on like this.” It’s time. A routine will help.

Evaluate what part of your day is causing you trouble (nap time, independent play time, bedtime, etc.)
Then, do some research on routines that can help with that operation.
Implement and allow for some growing pains.

Routines are not just for the tired mom, or the mom who keeps loosing her keys. In fact, routines help everyone in the family succeed together. Yes, they change a bit through seasons and growth. But, establishing some healthy routines are extremely beneficial for family continuity and peace.

How can I get started with a new routine?

Start with the part of your day that feels most chaotic or overwhelming and decide what would make it better. Make small steps to improve this part of the day over a couple of weeks until it is peaceful and working well for you. Then, move onto a different part of your day to create routines. If you don’t want to start from scratch, I have routine resources to help!

How do I choose what to include in my new routines?

Determine what your goal of the routine is. For example, if your goal is to have your kids learn to be more self-sufficient in the mornings before school, focus on teaching them the steps of a morning routine they can complete by themselves – check out Simple School Routines or Routine Cards for help!

Are routines important for parents too?

Yes! You will feel more at peace and will benefit from less chaos and more predictability, just like the kids will. There is something magical about knowing that things will be taken care of and there is a specific time to do so. Check out this blog post for more of my thoughts on this.

Mom Morning Routines: Bring Order & Sanity To Your Day

Mom morning routines are so important to set the tone for the day. Here are some habits you can start now that’ll make your days peaceful.

I don’t know how more blunt I can be about this…

How you start your day really matters.

If you wake up anxious, that carries over with you until you’re discouraged and stressed much of the day.

If you wake up at peace, that gives you strength and clarity for much of the day.

While there is no One Size Fits All morning routine, you can find something personalized to fit your life. You will eventually tweak your morning routines. To do that, let’s look at the goal of good mom morning routines.

Discovering exact rituals, routines, and habits that gives you peace and minimize stress so you are recharged to start the day. ⬅️

Read: The No Nagging Morning Routine For School (With Printable)

Do you struggle with starting the day feeling as though you’re already behind?

Honestly… this was a huge problem for me.

It still can be.

When I’m pregnant and Feeling All the Feels or in a super busy season, I wake up already annoyed with everyone because I feel that the day has started off somehow later than it should.

When I’m ornery in the morning I become these types of mom:

Morning Routines That Help You Get Ahead

If you are a Type a person, feeling behind or overwhelmed is enough to make you lose a grip on your emotions. Here’s how to find a good morning routine that’ll keep you feeling in control.

mother feeding her toddler breakfast in the morning

Think And Plan Ahead The Evening Before

We are behind if we wake up to kids begging for breakfast before we’ve put on our clothes, brushed our teeth, or even thought about the day ahead… This won’t matter from time to time, but it’s a slippery slope if it happens every day.

When I don’t keep in mind what needs to be done on a given day, nothing gets done.

Whether this be basic chores the little ones do or errands you need to run, there are things that need to happen and thinking it through the night before helps.

My best days and mornings come from a little planning the night before.

Read: A Stay At Home Schedule That’ll Keep You Sane

Get a Jump Start To The Morning

Whatever you do, your mom morning routines should help you feel more prepared for the day.

Whether you need to get up two hours or 15 minutes before your kids is up to you… but having a few minutes of time to yourself can be the difference between a reasonable mom and an angry one.

Depending on what you like to get done before the kids wake up, you may do any of the following things:

exercise
read your Bible, journal, devotions, etc.
eat breakfast
shower and get dressed
prepare the kids’ breakfast
work from home
sit in silence
stare at the wall
enjoy the peace and quiet of an empty house
read a novel

Decide what you’d like to get done before the kids wake up raring for attention, then give yourself enough time to make that happen.

Remember, you’ll have to push through the first few days and weeks, but eventually it’ll become a habit.

Read: The Stay At Home Mom Routine That’ll Keep You Sane

little kids eating breakfast as part of the morning routine

How much earlier than the kids should you wake up each morning?

Short answer: it depends.

How early you need to wake up depends on how early you go to bed the night before, how much you actually need to get done, and what amount of alone time you require to be a happy enough mom.

When I used to wake up 2 hours earlier than the kids it actually was worse for me because I got into a deep work zone and had to stop. That made me cranky.

Eventually I realized that 30 minutes or so was much better than 2 hours for me personally, so you’ll have to decide for yourself what works.

Read: Common habits of organized stay at home moms

cleaning up baskets of toys in the living room

Get a Clear Morning Routine (And One for the Kids)

One of the biggest things I’ve found helpful in our home is this: not allowing children to come out of their rooms until we come to them.

Each child has to wait in their crib, bed, or room until their alarm clock shines green, at 7:30 a.m.

Requiring your kids (not babies, of course) to stay in their rooms until a certain time does a few things.

It encourages them to sleep later because they know as soon as they open their eyes they can’t start their day. This prevents dreaded 5:30 a.m. wake ups from becoming a habit.
Also, it prevents little ones from getting into trouble before you’re up. It is not safe for kids to wake up and be roaming around the house when you are asleep. If they are quiet and you are a deep sleeper, you may not even know they’re up! It goes without saying they could get hurt, go outside, and try to do any number of unsafe things. Requiring them to stay in their rooms until a certain pre-determined time helps.

This routine as well as a few others (some morning tidy up routines the kids do on their own) help our mornings stay on track. When we stray too far, things are chaos. When we keep routines in place – even if they change with regularity – we begin our days in peace.

Read: A Morning Routine For School You’ll All Love (With Printables)

toddler looking at mom pouring coffee as part of her morning routine

What are your “sanity boundaries?” Start there.

If you’re an introvert with a house full of kids, you may need to wake up significantly earlier than your kids just to have some peace and quiet.

Are you an extroverted mom who loves being around others? You may only need a bit of time to get ahead of the early demands of the day.

Every mother is different, and many of our boundaries are as well.

Think about the things that you need to be okay. Here are some examples of some things mothers might want or need to feel at peace during her day.

Time alone
A tidy living area
Meals planned out (maybe even thawed out or prepped)
Lunches packed
Work
Household admin (bills, lists, grocery orders, automatic deliveries, etc.)
Time alone with your spouse
Drinking coffee

Take out your journal and prayerfully consider… what do you need done in the morning to be okay for the rest of the day… then do that!

Morning routines are truly helpful, just start where you’re at

For mom, morning routines really cement how the day will go. Starting off harried and behind leads to anxiety and stress.

Starting off the day enthused and at peace means… no matter what the day brings, you’ll feel in control and able to handle it.

How do I start an early morning routine?

You’ll want to go easy at first. If you aren’t used to getting up early you may just hit the snooze button! I’d try waking up 20 minutes earlier than normal, and adding in something you enjoy. A nice cup of coffee or a devotional. After a few days, get up 15 minutes earlier and add another ritual in.

What should I put in my morning routine?

Typically you want to do things here that help take care of you and help you get ready for your day. Don’t add so much you get into “project mode” and resent your family for waking up. This may be self-care, getting ready, exercising, or even just sitting in silence.

How can I write my daily routine?

You can write it down on a simple sheet of paper or even use some mom checklists. The key is to have a few things listed down you can refer to. Especially if you are half asleep. Keeping it in your phone may also work!

How can I change my morning routine?

The key is to write down what you are currently doing and where you want to be. Write down the new routine you’d like to aim for, then keep it somewhere handy in the morning. Right by your alarm clock will work!

Are morning routines important?

What is important is that you don’t start the day behind, feeling frazzled, resentful of your children for waking up, and in a bad mood. If a morning routine will help you get up, get in a good mindset, and get started on your day then it’s super important, yes!

Should I do my morning routine on the weekends?

This is totally up to you! For some, continuing their morning routine during weekends helps them stay consistent and maintain the habit. If this is helpful for you, then do it! The times and activities included in your weekend morning routine can change to meet your needs 🙂

How can I stay consistent in my morning routine?

Start by setting achievable goals for your morning routine. Be specific about what you want to accomplish each morning, whether it’s exercise, prayer, reading, or other activities. Tailor your morning routine to your lifestyle and preferences. It should be sustainable and enjoyable, not a burden. Include activities that genuinely matter to you. Start small and plan ahead by preparing for your morning routine the night before.

Sources:

Simple, Easy, And Kid-Friendly — New Year’s Eve Ideas

Inside: If you have kiddos and want some age-appropriate ways to ring in the New Year, here are some kid friendly New Years Eve ideas.

Last year was the first year my older kids stayed up until midnight.

So we’re giving it a go again this year!

Even if they tire out early, I’d still like us all to ring in the New Year together and celebrate as a family. Or… at least not let the holiday go by completely uncelebrated just because the kids seemed too young.

Life before kids looks different than life after kids, and I often find myself passing by holidays or activities of “yesteryear” because they don’t seem kid friendly.

Instead, this year I’d like to start incorporating the kids into the things I used to do.

Awesomely Simple (Kid-Friendly) New Year’s Eve Ideas

So without further ado, separated into general categories, here are some ways you can celebrate both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s with the kiddos in tow.

You can try these…. even if you hit the sack at 9 pm (like the rest of us tired mamas.)

Mom and daughter celebrate a kid friendly New Year's Eve.

Looking back at last year and forward to next year

From my experience, kid’s love looking back and revisiting memories. Likewise, it’s a good skill to be thinking about the future. You can combine both of these activities and make a fun kid’s friendly New Year’s Eve.

Look through old photo albums or pictures of special events throughout the year
Remember favorite games and toys
Fill out a printable with prompts from the past year (like this or this)
Fill out a printable with goals and hopes for next year (like this or this)
Watch family videos and from months past
Make a yearly video and ask the same questions to each child every year to document changes
Put up a white board in the party room so people can write down memories or next year’s goals
Gather an old branch, put it in a vase, then cut out blank leaves. People can write their best memories from the year or hopes for the next then tie them to the tree.

Read: What to Do in The Six Days Between Christmas and New Year’s

Connection & Culture

13-18, 6-12

Rooted in Family

Family life shouldn’t feel like a blur of to-do lists that leave you wondering if the memories are even sticking. This workshop helps you define your family’s core values and create simple, meaningful traditions that bring everyone closer without adding pressure.

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Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve Cooking and Eating Ideas

Having a kid friendly New Year’s Eve cooking or eating activity is a great way to spend some quality time together. The things that you will do together during this time will be great memories for their future!

Have special “fizzy drinks” for the small ones, like sparkling grape juice. You can add Sprite to any juice and get a Sparkling Something for the little ones.
Get fancy cups and make fun drink labels or print them out (like these.)
Have easy and accessible appetizers at your children’s level. Ones that won’t make a huge mess (like melted chocolate) if they get dragged around the house.
Set up a chocolate fountain or hot chocolate station, but be sure to supervise and/or put away when you are going to be otherwise occupied.
Make food that can sit in crock pots so it’s warm all evening long. There are a lot of dips (like Rotel dip, for example) that will last a long time.
Have lots of chips and dip, veggie slices, and things that are easy for kids to eat.

Kids celebrate New Year's Eve kid friendly with chocolate fountain.

Countdown Ideas For Kid New Year’s Eve

Try these fun ideas to make some great memories and share this time with the kids!

Write the time on balloons and pop one every 30 minutes or hour to build anticipation.
For small kids, choose another time zone a few hours ahead of your own to countdown.
Make simple goody bags to open at set intervals throughout the night. For example, on the hour every hour.
Make some type of food and write the hour on it (with icing or condiments) to be eaten every hour on the hour. It could be cupcakes or sugar cookies.
Every hour on the hour turn off the lights, turn on a song, and light glow sticks and dance.

Boundaries & Behavior

0-5, 6-12

Goodnight Bedtime Battles

This workshop will give you a simple, sanity-saving bedtime system that actually works—one that helps your kids wind down, fall asleep without endless stalling, and stay asleep (so you can finally get some rest).

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Traditions from Around the World To Do With Your Kids On NYE

If you’re like me, you love the idea of raising “cultured kids.” Celebrating New Year’s Eve with your kids can turn into a fun teaching moment. What better way to do this than with a fun experience together?

Eat black eyed peas on New Year’s Day (a Southern tradition).
Eat 12 grapes at midnight – one at each bell strike – for the year’s prosperity (Spanish tradition).
Make little piggies out of Marzipan to give away (German tradition, see here).
At exactly midnight, step forward with your right foot to start the year off… right (Argentina).
Stand on a chair and jump down from it as the clock strikes midnight (Denmark tradition).

Miscellaneous Kid Friendly New Year’s Eve Party Ideas

Pick an easy activity of the list below to have a fun kid friendly New Year’s Eve celebration!

Create a fun photo backdrop and take goofy pictures with the year.
Make some DIY noise makers to amp up the excitement (like this or this)
Have some fun with sparklers (here’s how to take cool sparkler photos)
Play family friendly board games. See 25+ board games here.
Put streamers, crepe paper, and shiny things all around the party area (building anticipation really works)
Create a family time capsule or memorable objects to be opened on next New Year’s Eve.
Play charades.
Have a dress up dance party.
Do a puzzle.
For easy noise making, bang pots and pans at midnight.
Redecorate the Christmas tree for New Years with streamers and shiny banners.
Have a balloon drop at midnight.

Put on your favorite songs, dance, eat, and be present with each other.

Happy New Year, friend!

What role can my kids play in planning for New Year’s Eve?

If your kids are old enough, ask them to help plan the snacks and activities for your New Year’s Eve bash. Incorporate their favorite things, ask them to help make some homemade decorations, and plan the activities.

How can we create New Year’s Eve traditions?

A tradition is just doing the same activity at the same times. So, pick some of your favorite things (snacks, games, decorations, people) and incorporate them into your NYE. Then, evaluate what you liked and didn’t like when planning for the next year. Don’t be afraid to change things that you didn’t like and incorporate new things as your kids grow!

Bestseller Toddler Christmas Gifts

Need a Christmas gift for your toddler this year? Here are some awesome gift ideas and bestselling toys.

Bestselling Toddler Imagination Toys

Toddlers are beginning to move around, explore, and piece things together. Here are some gifts that allow them to use their budding imaginations. Sure, they’ll require a bit more pickup, but that’s also a good opportunity to teach them responsibility. 😉

Imagination Camping Set – Oh, my goodness. I want this in adult size. I can just see the hours of nonstop fun camping play.
3D Puzzle Play Sticks – This 20 jumbo piece set is exceptional quality and education wrapped up in lots of fun play. They are sized perfect for toddlers hands in mind. What a great toy!
My First Lego Animal Train – When it comes to building LEGOs… start them young. This set is a pull along train with animals to be built along the way.
Magnetic Tiles – These fun and educational tiles continue to stay on the bestseller list another year. Proven to provide lots of imagination fun for years to come.
Pretend Doctor Kit – Perfect for the budding doctor. This 48 piece set provides some really awesome opportunities to use imaginations.
Slice & Share Picnic Basket – How fun is this! Let’s go on a picnic together with stuffed animals and siblings. How will you slice the watermelon?
Car Ramp with 6 Cars & Race Track – It sounds intense, but it’s perfect toddler sized and even adds the element of engineering.
CoComelon Interactive JJ Doll – Every toddler is sure to go bonkers over this JJ Doll with peas in a bowl. Trust me, it’s a bestseller for sure.

Bestselling Books For Toddlers

The toddler years are the best time to make reading a daily habit. While you’ll still be able to read board books, you can also move into pop-ups and simple story lines. Here are some all time bestsellers every toddler “should” read.

Where’s Spot – Only the best lift-the-flap ever! Toddlers love the crazy fun animals that are located throughout the house while mom looks for spot. Where is he?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – This is always on the bestseller list because of it’s beautiful artwork, captivating story, and amazing butterfly at the end of the story. I love it because it also teaches the days of the week.
If Animals Kissed Good Night – This book provides sweet bonding moments during bedtime story time. It’s precious.
How to Catch a Dinosaur – This precious story sparks imaginations and had a sweet ending. It’s captivating.

Go, Dog, Go – It’s always fun to see what’s up the tree in the end. Who doesn’t love a dog party?
The Diggers – Another Margaret Wise Brown classic that is full of beautiful rhymes and drawings. The ending is almost perfect for bedtime. A bestseller for sure!
Baby Beluga – In the deep blue sea, baby beluga swims wild and free. If you’re musical, look up the song melody and sing this classic Raffi story to toddler.
Down by the Bay – Another Raffi classic that is absolutely hilarious! Also, sure to make a lasting impression.
You are My Sunshine – Yes, it’s a book made from the song. The book features a toddler with his stuffed animal bear that is absolutely adorable.

Bestselling Toddler Gear

Although babies don’t require much “gear” to get from sunup to sundown, toddlers can use a bit more. Here are some fun (or useful) gifts your toddlers will love.

Backseat Toddler Car Organizer – Every mom will thank you. Toddler’s use lots of toys and books in the car. This two container caddy is sure to get some good use.
Toddler Outdoor Exploring Gear – Perfect for nature walks, exploring, and building toddler’s love of the great outdoors.
Rain Boots – Yes, they are yellow. And yes, they are CROCS. These are durable and super appropriate for toddler’s Christmas present. A bestseller this year.

Rain Coat – A bestseller every Christmas for its durability and usefulness. This particular raincoat has long lasting durability, comfort, and lots of colors to choose from.
My First Number Train LEGOS – This toy falls under the category of “gear” because it’s necessary for the toddler who loves building. Hours of play and imagination for sure.
Dino Baby Electric Toothbrush – A bestseller this year for it’s effectiveness and cute design. Also, it’s priced great.
Joystay Toddler Bike – Perfectly sized for toddler with adjustable training wheels. This affordable and high quality bicycle also comes in quite a few great colors.

What ages are toddlers?

Toddlers are typically referred to kids within the ages of 1-3. 4 year olds are often viewed as “preschoolers.”

What are some gift ideas that my toddler can use for years to come?

Some bigger gifts could include: a swing set, strider bike (or regular bike), Nugget couch, or play kitchen. Some smaller gift ideas that will grow with your child: dress up costumes, play kitchen supplies like food or pans, building blocks, or dolls.

Related Reads:

Gift Guides for the Outdoors Loving Family

Have family or friends who love the outdoors? Here are some gift ideas they’ll love.

I grew up in the country. My grandfather was a farmer who worked 18 hours a day. At least that’s what my grandmother says.

My uncle is now a farmer who is currently busy picking cotton and peanuts. We live on a lot of acres in a family home with mud, dirt, ponds, and grapevines.

The men around here wear a lot of camouflage and it’s just a small rural town. It is, however, situated very close to the Gulf of Mexico so it’s a pretty weird mix.

Oh, and our town is where everyone gets off the interstate to go to the beach. So… interesting place.

Gift Guide for the outdoor loving family

That said, I love the country. I love the outdoors. I like nature and I think it’s a great place for kids to grow up.

Tent | Lantern | Sleeping Bag | Waffle Iron

I have friends who are avid campers. In Australia, there were groups of friends who would go camping together as a family. There were also a lot of camping locations everywhere so it was exciting for kids as well.

I’d like to begin camping with the kids, but I’ve heard that unless all your children are walking (not crawling) it’ll be a pain! What do you think?

Cot | Portable Heater | Electric Smoker | Knife Combo

Funny story. When I’d been married a year or two, I decided I’d buy my husband a knife, because where I came from all men had knives. You know… to open Christmas presents, plastic packaging, and cardboard boxes.

Well, he’s from the suburbs so he thought it was a bit overkill but he did carry it for a while. Until he showed up at an airport and they confiscated it. So there’s that.

Toolbox | Waterproof Gloves | Kicker Frog | Youth Pole

I come from a family of fisherman on both sides, though I am no pro. My husband, in fact, had never been fishing until a few months ago when he went down to the pond and caught a fish first try.

It was small, though, so he ran up to show us then raced down to throw it back. 🙂

Fleece mittens and gloves | Snake boots | Softshell Fleece | Kids overalls

My aunt and uncle keep the kids supplied with John Deere shirts and overalls and it’s adorable to me :).

Also, look at those snake boots. Every time my kids go outside when the “snakes are crawling” we talk about what to do when they see a snake but I think these boots would just be all around easier.

But can you imagine how long it’d take for me to lace those boots up on every child?

No, don’t even.

What are some gifts that would encourage kids to play outside more?

Outdoor sports equipment, water toys, kites, bikes, outdoor games (like life-size Jenga), or outdoor science kits are all good places to start.

What are some gift ideas for older kids who enjoy being outside?

A hammock could be a great idea for a kid who loves to read or draw and wants to spend more time outside. Camping gear, an archery set, bikes or scooters, or an outdoor movie projector are also great outdoors gifts.

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How long should newborns nap for?

Create two separate routines for day and night sleep

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How sleepy is too sleepy for a newborn?

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Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Things to consider when creating an evening routine…

Evening Routine Ideas for Moms

Hygiene and Body Care

Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Prep for the Next Day

Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Relaxation Routines

Pre-Sleep Routines

Mom Problem Solving Worksheet

And two more for the road.

Breathing exercises

Pray

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

We’ve all been there

Meal Planning Routines For Moms

Establish a time (and maybe a place to write down your meal plan)

Meal Planning Options

Fully scheduled

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Loosely scheduled

Monthly Meal Plan

Themed Day Food Plan

Batch Cooking

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Crockpot Rescue

Grocery Shopping Routine

Tips for a successful shopping trip:

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Meal Prep/Snack Prep To Freeze Or Store For Later

Here are a few tips to consider:

Snack prepping

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Resources to Help

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Plan Ahead for Sunday Mornings

Plan Outfits the Night Before

Pre-plan and simplify breakfast

Avoiding Hyper Stimulation or Screens

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

Hyper Stimulation on Sunday Mornings

Start Earlier- Way Earlier than What You Think

Plan to Start Earlier

Routines To Cut Through The Crazy

“If You Have Have Nothing Nice to Say”

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Meal plan for the week & order groceries.

Look at the week’s schedule.

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Plans for the wardrobe.

Brain dump onto your master to-do list.

Discuss with your spouse upcoming events.

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Do a room-to-room sweep.

Set some personal goals.

Make it electronic free.

Declutter surfaces.

Here’s a tip:

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Examine the entrances to your home.

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Plan ahead for special events.

Clean your vehicle out.

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Check scheduled appointments & make any necessary calls.

De-clutter under the sink & pantry.

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

Sit down and really, I mean REALLY check your personal wellness.

Review local events & checking school calendars.

Plan your families prayer and devotion.

Go through kids clothing and get rid of items too small, stains, etc.