Mom Routines

8 Things To Do The Same Time Every Day, Every Week

Here are 4 things to keep on your weekly routine and 4 to add to your nightly routine.

I am, apparently, a creature of habit.

If you ask me to tell you about my entire day, and then compare that to other days – I probably seem like a robot. Predictable. Maybe even, extremely self-disciplined.

But really, I don’t think that’s the case.

I am simply fond of habits and routines. If I do something a few days in a row that works for me, I keep it up until I’m doing it daily, nightly, or weekly.

I do it until it doesn’t work for me anymore then I do something new.

Why are weekly routines and habits so amazing?

Weekly routines and habits are amazing because they help lessen the mental overload that we all share as busy moms!

“It is utterly exhausting to keep track of everything for an entire family. There are countless invisible things a woman typically keeps track of that no one sees but her.” Mental Load of Motherhood

By turning something from a to-do list line item to a habit… you simply do it without thinking.

It no longer takes up brain space nor do you need to put reminders everywhere. You simply do it and it’s done regularly.

Viola!

Read: Mom Morning Routines That Bring Sanity & Order

What should I do in my weekly, nightly, and daily routines?

Note: Some of the things mentioned here will apply to us all. But… you might want to add some things in here I haven’t mentioned.

The key is to add things into the routines that take up mental space so that you can feel more at peace.

Weekly routines take down stress and allow for more peaceful moments.

WEEKLY ROUTINE: 4 things to set yourself up for the week ahead…

These are things that come in handy for me to do once per week. I personally do these on Sunday afternoon or evenings to alleviate some of the “Sunday Scaries”.

You can do them at any natural break in your week. For example: Friday before dinner, Saturday morning, or even Monday morning.

Read: The Mom Morning Routine — Start The Day Off Strong

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

Sticky Routines System

Giving you a step-by-step guide to overcome barriers and stick to the healthy routines you’ve committed to. Learn the mindsets and secrets disciplined moms use to run a tight ship🚢 (think, mornings, chores, homework, bedtime, self-care, etc.)

Start Now

1) Meal Plan & Grocery Shop

We live in the sticks. No InstaCart. No grocery delivery. I cannot – this is not a joke – even order my groceries online and pick them up.

No, sir. Old school grocery shopping for me.

I used to randomly go to the store whenever we ran out of food and this caused stress. I dreaded it – since I wasn’t organized – and would put it off until we barely had food and were forced to eat out.

Now, I meal plan immediately before going grocery shopping and I go grocery shopping at the same time every week.

Choose your meal planning medium (Pinterest, write on a chalkboard, print out recipes, etc.)
Choose a time that suits you to grocery shop that you can do every single week
Do the full shop at this time. Don’t skip the milk if you already have a jug in the refrigerator, buy all the regulars.

By doing this I soon found my pantry was always well-stocked, my fridge rarely got to empty, and I spent less money both at the store and eating out.

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

Weekly routines can include going to the grocery store and meal prepping.

2) Update and Plan (In a Planner)

Whether you use a digital planner or a paper planner, it’s a good idea to update it weekly.

Every Sunday evening, I go to my desk, get out my paper planner, and get to work. I’ve personally used both the Simplified Planner and the Brilliant Life Planner and love them both.

Get out your planner of choice (digital or paper).
Fill in all the standing weekly appointments (church, groups, extra curriculars, etc.)
Write down things you need to complete this week, making sure not to add too many Big things so you stand a chance of completing it.
Make note of any appointments or meetings you need to tell your spouse about so you can tag team things. (If digital, it’s likely already shared)

Write in you planner as part of your weekly routine.

3) Create a Weekly To Do List

Guess what? I do this at the same time I’m filling out my planner! I write down things or projects that I need to complete by the week’s end.

This is different than a brain dump which is a huge master list of all the things you want done. Nope, a to-do list is a list of things you’ll be able to complete in a 7 day period.

Projects
Phone calls
Things to buy
Things to brainstorm / plan (like plans for an upcoming birthday or holiday, etc.)

Connection & Culture

Setting Your Family Pace

Family life shouldn’t feel like a constant race. This workshop helps you build a balanced, sustainable pace that handles responsibilities while making space for rest, connection, and what really matters.

Start Now

4) Choose Kid’s Clothes for The Week

Before we started homeschooling, I picked out all of my school aged children’s outfits each Sunday evening and then hung them up ready for the morning.

Seems like a lot…but it was totally worth it! This cut down on so much stress as the kids got themselves ready each morning for school. Win-win!

Also these….

Confirm any social plans with friends
Think about the weekend ahead, schedule in tentative plans
Plan workouts… they’ll be more likely to happen
Check bank accounts, budgets, etc. make sure you’re on track
Buy miscellaneous things you know you need from Prime (Wal-Mart and Target have quick shipping now too)
Dump old leftovers from fridge

NIGHTLY ROUTINE: a list of things to do nightly to set yourself up for success…

Undoubtably, morning routines are very important when we have young kids… However, I’ve found that the evening routine may even be more important when it comes to having a good day!

If I’ve done a good nightly routine the night before… I am far more likely to be up and running the next morning with little stress or hick-ups along the way.

Helpful Habits Each Evening

Lay Out Clothes | I lay out my early morning gym clothes for the mornings I’m going to work out, or whatever other outfit I’m going to wear. It is some how easier and more inspiring to do this at night.
Check The Planner | Reference your plans for the next day to make sure you’re prepared. What needs to happen, appointments, or anything else you want to fit in. Waking up surprised by what has to be done breeds stress.
Set Out Morning Drinks | I will put a mug, my vitamins, and a gallon water jug near my coffee station. It’s all sitting there waiting on me prettily for the first cup of the day.
Confirm The Morning’s Plans | If you have any plans the following day, confirm them with interested parties so you’re not left hanging.
Set Your Alarm | Even getting up just 15 minutes before your kids do can make a huge difference in your mindset.
Evening Sweep | Do a general sweep of your entire home by doing my “macro organizing” trick.
Clean Surfaces | It’s a total stress buster.
Put Clothes In Washer | If you have a timed washing machine, put a load of clothes in the wash to go off in the morning. Before lunch you’ll have one load done.

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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So there you go…

If you feel that your days, nights, and weeks go by in a flash and you don’t have a good handle on them, try choosing a day each week to block out some weekly routines. Then do it nightly.

“Good habits are worth being fanatical about.” John Irving

Sources:

How can I create routines that are sustainable?

Start by adding in a new, helpful routine (like maybe a nightly routine) each week until you feel like you have your bases covered. Then, you won’t feel overwhelmed to start and you will be able to sustain your new routines for the long haul.

What are some self-care routines to do weekly?

Check out my blog post on self-care for some daily routines for moms. I also have a free self-care routines tracker available to help you stay consistent with self-care.

How do I know if my routines aren’t working for me anymore?

If you feel stressed or overwhelmed by the routines or they aren’t getting done because you’re avoiding them, then it’s time to switch them up. If you feel resistance to the routine, then it’s probably no longer serving you.

Tips to Help the Tired Mom Sleep More, Better, and Longer

If you’re a tired mom or a stressed mom, this post is absolutely most definitely for you. Sometimes the more tired we are the harder it is to think and sleep. Here are my tips to help!

We all know that it’s no mystery at all that you’re a tired mom.

Not because you don’t have things in order. Not because you are necessarily frazzled or running a chaotic home.

But simply because it’s tiring to be a mom.

And when your kids are little, you’re always busy being hyper-vigilant.

Plus, if you look at the resume for a stay at home mom or the many hats a mother wears on paper, you won’t be surprised why you’re tired.

Sleep can be a big issue.

Sleep is sooooo important. But…

As we know, that the more tired you are-the worse you sleep. Also, the worse you sleep the more cranky you are the next morning.

It’s basically an ugly cycle.

So here are some ways that we can help get back into a well-rested cycle in spite of the fact that we still have a lot on our plate:

Think straight when you can think straight.

It’s high time you made a plan to get more rest, or better rest, into your normal routine.

However, the worst time to start making decisions, try to fight bad habits, or rely on your willpower is when you are already exhausted.

It’s been said never to make important decisions or have important conversations late at night, and I agree with this wholeheartedly. Things seem worse, you feel worse, and everything looks lose-lose when you are working at a negative.

Create a plan.

Create a plan or routine that will help guard your sleep (more on that later) and do this when you are feeling okay. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel, but create a plan and then when you are uber exhausted, stop thinking.

Just follow said plan.

I know that’s easier said than done, but it’ll take willpower and self-discipline to get our sleep back and it’ll be so worth it!

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

Motherhood & Wellbeing

Weary To Well

This 10-day reset will help you uncover what’s wearing you down (spoiler: it’s not just lack of sleep), set boundaries without guilt, and finally create space to breathe again. Because burnout isn’t your personality—it’s a signal things need to change.

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Pre-midnight sleep helps a tired mom.

A friend’s mother always told him, “One hour of sleep before midnight is worth two.” Anecdotally, I agreed.

Come to find out it actually proves true based on science as well. Basically, your best quality of sleep occurs when your circadian rhythm is at its lowest and this generally occurs between 10 pm and 5 am. That means if you go to bed at 1 and get up at 8, only half your sleep is likely good quality.

Whereas if you went to bed at 11 and woke up at 7, the majority of your sleep would be higher quality.

Plus, when you have kids, you never know if they’ll wake up at night for some reason. I can’t count the number of times I was in bed asleep at 9:30 pm (I’m lame, I know), but at 2:00 am awake with a teething toddler was SO GLAD I’d made that choice.

I could wake up relatively well rested instead of starting the day at the end of my rope.

Get an eye mask.

Sounds a bit superficial and silly, but I’m telling you: get an eye mask. And get one today. These work for a few reasons.

They block light which helps your brain produce melatonin which is the good sleep hormone that will help you sleep.
Also, they are a good sleep association. Yes, even adults need sleep associations!
They are also great if your spouse likes to read with the light on or watch TV in bed.
This eyemask actually has cold therapy and helps with headaches and migraines as well.

Guard your evenings.

If you’re exhausted and worn out the last thing you have is a large amount of will power and rational reasoning skills.

Trust me I know.

However, the only way to get out of it is to consistently do something about it. The period when our children are very little is all consuming, but if we don’t try to set in place good habits now… they won’t magically set themselves.

This may mean stopping work by 9 pm, instituting screen free time, or saving your favorite TV shows or films for the weekend.

Each house will be different, but you may have to set a boundary that says “Even if I go to bed tonight with a dirty house, I’ll have more energy and wherewithal to clean it tomorrow. I’m going to leave it.“

Motherhood & Wellbeing

If Mama Ain’t Happy: Boundaries For Moms

Boundaries aren’t harsh or selfish. They protect your energy, peace, and sanity so you can show up as the mom you want to be. This workshop helps you figure out where you need them, set them with confidence, and stick to them without guilt or burnout. Because when you hold your limits, everyone benefits.

Start Now

Use sleep aids.

By sleep aids, I mean natural things you can use that will help your body calm down and get ready for sleep.

This may mean getting a good mattress if you have back or hip issues. If you aren’t able to afford a nice new mattress you can get a thick pillowtop mattress that essentially does the same thing.

This one is 3 inches thick with memory foam and a lot cheaper than a new mattress if that simply isn’t in the budget.

Create a bedtime routine for yourself
Make sure you fit in evening routines that help you relax
Get an eye mask
Put your phone away at least an hour before bed

Have rules for your kids.

One thing is for sure: it’s jarring to be woken up in the morning by a screaming or fussing kid.

We have rules in our home that the kids don’t get out of bed until we come to their rooms. They stay in bed, sing, talk, play with their stuffed animals or stare at the fan.

Either way, there is no rolling over at 5 am, realizing they have free rein of the house, and then getting up screaming.

By having these types of rules you’ll find children actually sleep a lot later. Why? Because they know it’s pointless to get up early.

We really emphasize that they don’t need to wake up screaming, but if they need to use the potty, etc. they can do so quietly then return to their beds.

Sounds pie in the sky but it’s possible with consistency.

Set the scene.

I’m horrible at this when I have a new baby. Until my babies are sleeping well through the night I keep them in a crib in our room so I don’t have to wake fully up and go to another room to feed then be completely awake.

A few times a night. Anyway, because of that I don’t keep the master bedroom as a haven, but when the baby is old enough for their own room then I definitely do.

But for a tired mom-

Have nice lighting,
comfy seating,
blankets, and
a place for your books or hot tea.
blackout curtains,
rainforest sounds (white noise for adults, ha), and
comfortable bedding go a long way to making your room a place that inspires rest.

These things will depend on your own personality, but red and yellow are suggested by color experts to be avoided in bedrooms because they are stimulating as opposed to calming.

Ease your mind if you’re a tired mom.

Lauren posted recently that keeping a list can actually help you sleep better.

If tend towards anxiety, worry, or Type-A-ness then this may be particularly important for you. Keep lists, do one or two major things on your to do list and then relax.

Learn to lower your expectations of what can be done in this season of life. Then, if you can, cross some things off your to do list, not because you did them, but because they don’t really have to be done.

Did I miss any important tip that you use to sleep better and more?

Read These While You’re At It

5 Things Emotionally Exhausted Mothers Need to Remember

Have super high expectations of yourself? Here's how unrealistic expecations actually hurt you, and how to start developing real ones.

How Unrealistic Expectations Hurt You

Simple Ways Moms Can Unwind, Recharge & Relax In Daily Life

Taking Good Care of Yourself When You’re in the Trenches

What is it so hard to get rest as a mom?

Many moms feel like their only free time is at night after the kids are in bed, so they are tempted, and often do, stay up late to do the things that they want to do after taking care of the kids all day, which leads to more exhaustion the next day. Getting woken up in the night, not having a wind-down routine for ourselves, and worrying about all the things are a few other reasons it’s hard for moms to rest.

What are some activities to do at the end of the night to help me wind down?

Check out this blog post on self-care for moms and use this Self-Care Routine Tracker to help keep yourself accountable.

5 Things You Think Kids Hate, but They Actually Love

What are some things you think your kids hate, but they actually love?. We know our children well, but even so, sometimes we think they can do things they can’t and think they can’t do things they can.

The kids do not care.

I’m telling you… they just don’t.

What do they not care about?

The big grand things we plan for them.

The minute you put on a chipper voice and an exaggerated smile and try to lure them into enjoying whatever grand activity you’ve planned for them, the sooner they would just rather eat dirt then lie down in it.

It isn’t that kids don’t like fun things. They do.

But really, when it gets down to it, kids are uncomplicated.

They don’t need or want fancy things. They like the simple pleasures in life. We parents project onto our kids what *we* like and then wonder why they don’t seem to be acting quite right.

Moms put an immense amount of pressure on themselves to be perfect and do perfectly and look perfect. It’ll never happen, but we still aim for it. That’s the bad news.

The good news is this… we can stop aiming so high because kids don’t need Shock and Awe. They just need Your Love and Attention. Oh, and some cuddles.

Routine is part of things you think kids hate.

Things You Think Kids Hate… That They Actually Love

Here is a list, in no particular order, of what we mothers believe are things “you think kids hate” that they actually love.

Things they need. Things they want. Even though they aren’t able to tell us this in so many words.

Routine

Research is nearly unanimous. Children love routine. The end.

They may not love every single aspect of your daily routine, but they love knowing what’s next. They love being able to say, “After breakfast we do chores, after chores we play!”

Whether you have a routine by the clock or using the South African Method, keep your routine going. If you start to find your child being disobedient, fighting transitions (going from one part of your day to the next) or being uncooperative, you may have a routine problem.

“My child doesn’t like routine,” you might be saying, but I want to respectfully submit it’s probably you who doesn’t like *maintaining* the routine.

There’s a difference. But, if you choose a routine that works for all parties, you’ll begin to love it.

Benefits of routine:

promotes confidence as children know what’s happening next
keeps children well fed and well rested
it helps mama fit in the important things
it makes gaining cooperation for undesirable activities (naps, chores, etc.) a lot easier

Motherhood & Wellbeing

If Mama Ain’t Happy: Boundaries For Moms

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Boundaries

Imagine this… you get a new job and your employer gives you zero training.

Instead, every time you do something that isn’t quite right, you get in trouble. Soon, you’ll be terrified that your every effort will result in discipline.

Instead of feeling freedom you feel stress and anxiety. Why? Because you can’t possibly please your boss if you don’t know what they want.

Kids are no different.

Lack of boundaries actually causes insecurity in children.

So what are boundaries?

Boundaries are what your child can and cannot do. These will be the house rules, the daily expectations, and will align with your values. You don’t need to have tons of rules to raise a responsible child, but you do need to communicate the rules you have to your family.

They will feel free and happy knowing they are able to choose the right way instead of feeling stressed or nervous you’re going to ALL OF A SUDDEN discipline them for something they didn’t anticipate.

Prevent the All Of A Sudden In Trouble Stress by simply explaining to your children what you expect or don’t expect. Total freedom can, in fact, sabotage your child’s self-confidence building.

Benefits of boundaries:

provides safety for your child
helps your child feel secure in your expectations
removes the need for lecturing, the kids already know the rules
allows your child the opportunity to choose well

Sleeping

“Wait a minute,” you are saying, “My kids HATE sleeping!“

Sleeping is a thing you think kids hate, but you may be surprised.

I will respond to that by saying this: they may hate going to sleep but they love being well-rested.

I have 5 kids and they don’t always skip and run to bedtime singing songs, but they know they need it. When one starts acting fussy or inconsolable, inevitably another child says, “He’s tired.”

In our family, we’ve established a clear link between tiredness and undesirable behavior. No one is able to behave at their best when they’re exhausted.

Read: The Nap Trap- How to Deal with It and Not Resist It

Mothers included.

Read These While You’re At It

6 Baby Products That Help Newborns Sleep Well From The Start

12 Medical Reasons Your Baby’s Not Sleeping (With Symptoms Of Each)

2-Year-Old Sleep Regression – Common Signs & Guaranteed Solutions

things you must consider when swaddling baby at night

4 Clever Tips for Swaddling Your Baby at Night

5 Daily Habits For Kids That Makes Your Life Easier

We mothers may not like staying home a lot to let them nap, and we may not want to take the time to teach healthy sleep habits, but we all want our children (and ourselves) to enjoy the benefits of rest.

It may seem like a pipe dream, but those with well-rested kids know… kids who go to bed are much happier.

Benefits of sleep:

better attitude
better emotional control
positive benefits for their health and weight
boosts learning and increases attention span and focus

Boundaries & Behavior

0-5, 6-12

Goodnight Bedtime Battles

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How to sleep with bread

Chores

“I don’t want to fold towels, mom. I WON’T DO IT!” my 4 year old son told me one day.

I calmly (I Try to be A Calm Mom, though I don’t always succeed) put the towels in his room and told him not to come out until they were done. He fussed, flailed, and resisted for probably 20 minutes.

Then he got down to folding, did a fabulous job, and called from the doorway…

“Mom, I did it! I folded the towels, come see!”

You see, hard things are things you think kids hate…but the success is worth the effort.

I met him there, praised him for his work, and we went about our business. Afterwards, he felt proud of the job he’d done. He even asked for a couple more chores to add to his list.

We mothers have to be sure our children’s momentary resistance doesn’t convince us of their permanent opinion.

Things you think kids hate may just be insecurities.

Toddlers and preschoolers are notorious for changing their mind. Think about exercise. You may not “like” it but it’s good for you and afterwards you feel good. Kids actually enjoy contributing to the family.

Why kids like chores once they get over it:

they feel useful
they learn new skills which increases self-confidence
a sense of belonging comes with helping the family
they get to spend time with you

Read: Life Skills For Kids By Age (With Printables!)

Family Practices & Contribution

0-5, 13-18, 6-12

No Nag Chore Routines

Getting kids to do chores shouldn’t be a daily battle. Let me help you build a simple, age-appropriate system that teaches independence, teamwork, and responsibility—without constant micromanaging. Because a well-run home isn’t about doing it all yourself.

Start Now

Staying at Home

“I just want to stay at home, mom, I don’t like errands,” my son told me on the way out the door.

“Me either, baby, but sometimes we just gotta do it,” I said.

I hear this often from my kids… they just want to Stay at Home and Play. Sure we go places, we do things, we see people. We don’t hole up at home and lead boring lives.

Okay maybe we do lead boring lives. But here’s the kicker… the kids like it. Yesterday the kids made veggie and fruit stew, they ran through the water hose, they jumped on the trampoline, they made dirt pies, and they just played.

Why staying at home is good:

it’s free
kids don’t have to sit still and be quiet like they do in public
they are calmer and more at peace in familiar surroundings
they have the space and freedom to use their imagination

So all in all… kids aren’t as fancy as we think. Yes, they’re demanding and require a lot of physical and mental energy, but they are simple. They may act like they like the newest or latest toy, but we all know how that goes. Three days later they’re over it. Kids don’t necessarily like Big Grand Gestures…

They like simplicity and attention.

They like you.

How can I simplify my routines so my kids can enjoy our days more?

First of all, don’t shy away from including the things that need to happen in everyday life, like chores, errands, resting, etc. Make time to connect with your kids, to get necessary things done, and have fun. Read this blog post to get started on routines.

How do I know if my kids actually like routines?

Pay attention to their moods and attitudes when you have a day without your normal routines, like on vacation or on a fun day. Are they acting differently? Are they crankier than usual? Are they asking for things they normally do during the day? Most of the time, routines lead to happier kids even if they can’t vocalize it.

Raising Independent Kids – Without Creating Emotional Distance!

There is a healthy balance between independence and emotional dependency. As moms, we want to be sure we’re raising independent children without sacrificing the love and bonding we crave.

My aunt and uncle have 3 daughters.

He always said he raised them so he could drop them off in North Carolina with $5 and they could find their way back to Florida.

They are all three unique, independent, self-sufficient and have close relationships with their parents even in adulthood. Instead of escaping their home to go elsewhere, they were the type of girls who invited friends to their house.

child independently making their own sandwich

It struck me as a win win.

The girls were independent, but not so independent they didn’t think they needed their parents around. In fact, they actually liked being around their parents.

Raising Independent Children

I want my children to be street smart and self-sufficient and confident in their problem solving and decision-making skills.

I want them to know how to do things for themselves and others. However, I don’t want them to think they don’t need me.

I don’t want them to feel like they have no use for me by the time they’re 15 (over and above the normal amount teenagers think their parents are useless). Most of all, I want our family to be emotionally connected and supportive of one another.

Sometimes parents can foster so much independence that they sever some ties they wish they hadn’t.

Here are some thoughts on raising independent children who still want you around:

Talk a lot.

The more you talk with someone the closer you are.

Simple fact.

As children age they may desire to talk to us less at various times and seasons. I’ve heard relationships are often like rubber bands. To get the job done, the band pulls away and then comes close again.

I believe a goal of communication within families should be that the lines of communication are always open, conversations are always welcome, and that the parents seek out meaningful daily interactions with their children.

They may know how to…

balance their checkbook,
set their own budget, and
build their own desk out of timber scraps, but…
that doesn’t mean you can’t discuss money,
financial planning, and
power tools with them.

You don’t need to know everything about their hobby to show interest and connect.

Having Pets Teaches Responsibility (In Ways You Don’t Realize)

Be consistent with follow-up.

In every area of life, I think follow-up is highly important.

Why start if you won’t finish? And, why tell your children to do something if you aren’t even going to check and be sure they have?

Be sure they’ll stop doing what you ask if they know you won’t check. It’s the same emotionally. When life gets busy and things get crazy we often forget to go back and check up on the little things.

Did your child tell you about a hard situation at school or with their friends? Did you follow it up to see how it got resolved?

It makes me feel so valued when someone remembers and references something I told them previously and asks how I am.

How much more so will our children feel valued if we remember the little things they share?

As they grow older they will surely “need” us less and less, but the support and love of a parent will slowly and steadily morph from something they need into something they want.

Promote raising independent children, but always be near for support.

We can’t fight all our children’s battles no matter how much we desire.

In fact, I think it will be equally as hard for us mothers (if you are like me, anyway) to back off and let them get on with it, as it will be for them to get on with it.

As children grow they will have to learn to take care of various things themselves.

If they do something wrong at school, they need to fix it.
If they have problems within their circle of friends, you calling the other girls’ mothers probably won’t help.

Of course there will be times when we must intervene, but there will be increasingly more times when we must let them handle things on their own. We must be present, willing to talk, and even more willing to listen.

They may not want us to intervene, but they will probably want to talk. I think that we must find a balance (see my post why balance is key).

We should balance pushing the point that we are there for them while still allowing them – and expecting them – to solve their problems.

Maintain your authority.

It is very important that parents establish their authority in the household from Day One.

Authority doesn’t mean be a mean dictator. Authority means you are taking responsibility for the well-being and upbringing of your children.

You make the decisions.

The buck stops with you.

Read These While You’re At It

If you feel you're about to lose it with the kids, stress or screaming or other things that are triggers for losing your temper or yelling, here's a great phrase to use!

“Give Me a Minute” – A Phrase For When You’re Gonna Lose It

3 Simple Keys To Understanding Your Child’s Emotional Needs

5 Daily Habits For Kids That Makes Your Life Easier

7 Phrases to Encourage Independence in Toddlers and Preschoolers

It is not because you’re on a power trip, but is because you are able to care for their safety and health when they are still too young to know how.

You feed, clothe and clean them.
You teach them the things they need to know to be successful adults.
And, though teenagers think they possess all knowledge, you know better.
Though you raise them to be independent and to take care of various things themselves, you must maintain your authority in your home.

For example, just because they can read doesn’t mean that all books are up for reading.

When parents don’t take their rightful place as heads of the household the children lose respect for them.

An independent spirit coupled with a loss of respect will mean they think they can do your job better than you. This does not make for a harmonious household or a flourishing relationship.

Raising Independent Children Re-Cap

I believe that one of the joys of motherhood is training our children in the way they should go.

I don’t mean pushing our own agenda on their life, but training them and showing them things that work and things that don’t. Being there for them as they explore their passions and interests.

We teach them life skills,
teach them relationship skills, and
spend valuable time with them.

Just like a coach…

We teach and train and teach and train and then, sit back and watch them in action. All the while right there with them.

A player has to play the game themselves, but it doesn’t mean they don’t need affirmation from their coach.

AKA, mom.

How can I be more consistent with following up with my kids?

Find a way to remind yourself of the things you want to follow up with them about. For example, keep a notepad by your bed and write down the things you want to remember to follow up on or talk to your kids about before you go to bed.

How can I naturally talk to my kids more?

Get in their world and do things with them that they like to do. Let them teach you how to do something they enjoy and ask them questions along the way. Then, start asking questions at different points throughout the day (like during meals or after school) to serve as an anchor to connect you to your kid throughout the day.

How Do I Put My Child On A Summer Routine?

Woohoo!

Summer!

Outdoors and ice cream and sun tans and all the stuff we remember about childhood. The stuff that makes us feel nostalgic and childlike inside. With 5 kids, summer is our favorite season and we make the best of it.

But also, with 5 kids, you better believe we have a summer routine we like to follow to keep things from slipping into chaos too early in the summer.

Later? Yes, sure, but we at least want to hold it together for 6 weeks, right?

>> A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied (And Moms Sane)

What are your goals for your kids’ summer?

Do you want to laze around the house and have slow days?
Do you want to learn some new skills, fill it with activities and trips?
Will you be working or at home?

These are things to consider when crafting a summer routine. You don’t want to start out too regimented then give up after a week or two.

Much better to think strategically and wisely about how you order your days from the get go and avoid stress later.

Start with big rocks, fill in with pebbles

When crafting your perfect summer routine, start with the big things.

Meal times
Chore times (and chore assignments)
Extra work (that’s paid, if your child is old enough)
Lessons, activities, sports, etc.
Family vacations or fun

Then fill in the rest. That is likely enough to give you a pretty good structure around your days, as is. You may find adding more just feels too busy.

As my aunt said after retirement… I am so busy I don’t know how I ever had a job!

You may feel like that. So busy that you don’t know how you managed school all day AND the other stuff.

READ: Summer Morning Routines to Stop Fighting, Messes, and Boredom

Keep consistent with repetition (and visual reminders!)

If you aren’t used to having a routine then it can be tricky to get one started. But once you find one that works, you will NOT want to let it go.

You just won’t.

Write the routine up on the command center, on a sheet of paper you put on the fridge, anywhere. Visual reminders or cues will help it going. Kids can also take more ownership of their days when they can follow along.

READ: A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied (And Moms Sane)

Not too much fun at once

I want to caution you not to overfill the days with fun stuff. You’ll soon tire out, the kids’ expectations will get too high, and you’ll spend more money than necessary.

Every other day having a fun activity (I’m thinking outside the home, for example) works well.

You don’t need to do a water park, the zoo, and a park picnic all in the same week. You can spread them out!

Read These While You’re At It

A Summer Schedule That’ll Keep Kids Occupied & Mom Sane

How Can I Make Summer Fun At Home?

How Should Kids Fill Summer Days?

What Do You Do On A Boring Summer Day?

5 Must-Have Daily Summer Routines For Little Kids

Avoiding Summer Stress: 5 Mistakes Moms Make & How To Fix ‘Em

How To Adapt & Tweak Routines To Fit The Season

Should I have my kids do more chores during the summer?

With your kids home more, you will find that the house is messier than normal, so you may decide to add in some chore routines for your summer vacation. Do what works best for you and if you decide to add in some chore routines, check out this blog post and my chore cards!

How can we do things that all of my kids enjoy during the summer when they all have different ideas?

Create a summer bucket list together as a family with all of their ideas (big and small) and work through it over the summer as time allows. That way, it feels more like a collective activity instead of individual events for each child.

How can I help my kids have realistic expectations for their summer vacation?

Have a conversation with your kids at the beginning of summer and talk about your general summer rhythms, expectations, and daily schedule. It goes a long way to create a summer schedule and write things on the calendar for your kids to look forward to as they get into their summer schedule.

5 Must-Have Daily Summer Routines For Little Kids

These mini daily summer routines are must-haves for families who want a peaceful and fun-filled summer for their little kids.

Summer is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re about to have your kids at home all day long.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or juggling work and family life, the upcoming changes in schedules can for sure mow you over if you’re not prepared.

Believe you me, you don’t want to let the summer season sneak up on you only to find yourself feeling stressed and wishing for it to be over.

After all, our kids only have a limited number of summers before they grow up, fly away, and are no longer wanting to run around in the sprinklers in our yard.

5 daily summer routines

Since we don’t avoid our problems around here: let’s tackle this head-on and make sure we create an amazing summer for our families.

Let’s dive straight into creating a summer filled with all the necessary things as well as some fun ones.

Chore routines

When it comes to planning your daily summer routines, one of the first things to consider is establishing chore routines for your kids.

With more free time at home there will be more messes to clean up.

And let me give you a massive pro tip (as a mama of 5 and parent coach): starting chore routines early on helps to avoid resistance later.

If you wait too long to involve your kids in chores, they may start refusing or developing a negative attitude toward them. So, it’s crucial to get your kids involved in helping out around the house from a young age.

Read These While You’re At It

Big List of Chores 2 & 3 Year-Olds Can Do On Their Own

Chore Barriers… These 6 Things Make Kids Resist Chores Daily Chores for Kids that Help Prepare Them for Life

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

How to Raise Cleaning Machines: An Epic Household Chore List

Summer Morning Routines To Stop Fighting, Messes, & Boredom

Consider strategically WHEN to do chores in the summer

You can choose to have your kids do chores in the morning, afternoon, or even have touchpoints throughout the day when they take care of their responsibilities. AKA: before lunch they need to clean up the play area.

The key is to think about what works best for your family and make a plan accordingly.

Creating at least a semi-structured chore routine not only helps you avoid a completely chaotic home during the summer, but it also teaches your children life skills and responsibility.

Self-care routines

When it comes to planning your daily summer routines, it’s not just about the kids and their activities—it’s essential to carve out some time for yourself too.

That’s why the second thing to plan is your very own self-care routine.

In my summer rhythms workshop (linked above), I talk about a concept called the “not to-do list.” It’s all about giving yourself permission to do things a little differently during the summer months. You can lower your standards in certain areas, ditch certain commitments, or say no to things that can wait.

This will give you more space to relax and take care of yourself.

When the kids are home more often:

the noise levels go up
messes multiply
the kitchen is in constant motion with cooking, cleaning, snacks, and everything in between.

It can be overwhelming, especially if you’re someone who craves a little peace and quiet. Whether you’re a highly sensitive person, an introvert, or even if you were an only child used to your own space (me! me!), the added noise levels, busyness, and pressure can drive you Past The Point.

So, it’s crucial to plan ahead and figure out how you’re going to find moments of calm and relaxation.

Read These While You’re At It

Avoiding Summer Stress: 5 Mistakes Moms Make & How To Fix ‘Em

How Should Kids Fill Summer Days?

How Do I Put My Child On A Summer Routine?

How Can I Make Summer Fun At Home?

What Do You Do On A Boring Summer Day?

How To Adapt & Tweak Routines To Fit The Season

Consider creating your own SOS situation plan.

Think about the things that bring you peace and make you feel centered.
Maybe it’s taking a solo walk in the early morning (if you do a 5am morning routine)
Reading a good book during naptime (book lists here)
Having a designated “quiet corner” where you can retreat to when things get a little crazy or an “escape time”

Having a little plan in place, even if it’s as simple as knowing what helps you unwind, can make a huge difference in your well-being.

Fun routines (aka summer bucket list items)

It’s time to think about all the things you want to do and see during this summer season. How you approach this bucket list is entirely up to you and your personality. Maybe you’re the type who loves a long list with little checkboxes to mark off each day or week.

Or if you’re not a long-list type of gal, a short list of about 10 main things that are the most important to you as a family.

Classic summertime activities like:

ice cream
watching fireworks on the Fourth of July
playing in sprinklers
going to the lake/beach/river
slip and slide
splash pad
vacation
grilling out
camping

Summer days can feel never-ending, especially when the sun sets later and the kids start getting bored.

And here’s a bonus tip: having a well-planned bucket list helps you steer clear of the dreaded screen slide into oblivion.

You know what I mean—the endless hours of mindless scrolling or binge-watching shows that can quickly consume summer days.

So, when everyone starts getting squirrely and tensions rise, you can turn to your bucket list and say, “Alright, my darling offspring, what adventure shall we do today?” Or, as I like to call them, children of my womb.

It’s like your secret weapon against boredom and restlessness.

Read These While You’re At It

Avoid Summer Screen Time Battles In 4 Steps (Printable Included!)

Easy No Fuss Screen-Free Activities For Kids At Home

Non-Tech Toys that Kids’ll Use for Years

Special projects, plans, or life skills to learn

Now, let’s dive into planning those exciting projects and special plans for the summer. When I sat down to plan my weeks I realized, we are gone a lot.

If there are some things I really want done, I need to plan them in.

Summer is the perfect time to focus on building life skills and learning because the kids are home more and have that extra time on their hands.

outdoor projects
life skills (swimming, mowing, weed pulling, etc.)
visits to friends or family
appointments

Anything you want done, that isn’t a bucket list item but is more of a Need To Do Thing, you need to slot it in so you don’t get to the end of summer (which will fly by) and it goes undone.

Screen time summer routines

Screen time rules are crucial to plan, both for us moms and our kids. We need to know what we’re okay with BEFORE it comes up.

We all know how easy it is to get sucked into endless scrolling or binge-watching even though we KNOW that leaves us feeling empty and dissatisfied.

So, while going completely screen-free might not be realistic, it’s important to set boundaries.

Make screen time a privilege earned after completing chores, reading, outside play, exercise, etc. Let screen time be earned, not given when they are acting naughty just to get them to be quiet.

Summer brings more free time and less structured plans which means the temptation for Too Much screen time increases. It’s up to us to determine what’s an appropriate amount of screen time and ensure it doesn’t hijack our little ones’s development.

How can I set realistic expectations for my child’s summer routine while also allowing for flexibility and spontaneity?

It can be helpful to have routines of things that you do daily (like daily chores, rest time, etc.), weekly (one trip a week to the zoo, aquarium, etc.), and monthly (a bigger trip, project, or bucket list item). Then your days will be structured with some flexible time and rhythms to allow for spontaneity.

How can I incorporate outdoor activities into my child’s routine to promote physical activity and exposure to nature, which can benefit their mental health?

Determine how much outside time you want your kids to have each day or week and how you want them to spend their time outside so that you can plan accordingly. Visiting parks, swimming, going on walks, and playing in the yard are a few ways to add outdoor activities into your routine and some require more planning than others. Start with your ideals and create your family’s outdoor routines around them!

Mom Routines

Why are weekly routines and habits so amazing?

What should I do in my weekly, nightly, and daily routines?

WEEKLY ROUTINE: 4 things to set yourself up for the week ahead…

1) Meal Plan & Grocery Shop

2) Update and Plan (In a Planner)

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

3) Create a Weekly To Do List

4) Choose Kid’s Clothes for The Week

Also these….

Daily Mom Routines Checklist

NIGHTLY ROUTINE: a list of things to do nightly to set yourself up for success…

Helpful Habits Each Evening

So there you go…

Sleep can be a big issue.

Think straight when you can think straight.

Create a plan.

Pre-midnight sleep helps a tired mom.

Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Get an eye mask.

Guard your evenings.

Use sleep aids.

Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Have rules for your kids.

Set the scene.

But for a tired mom-

Bedtime Brain Release Sheet

Ease your mind if you’re a tired mom.

Things You Think Kids Hate… That They Actually Love

Routine

Benefits of routine:

Boundaries

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

Benefits of boundaries:

Sleeping

Benefits of sleep:

Chores

Why kids like chores once they get over it:

Staying at Home

Why staying at home is good:

50+ Life Skills (By Age!)

50+ Connection Questions

Raising Independent Children

Talk a lot.

Be consistent with follow-up.

50+ Connection Questions

Promote raising independent children, but always be near for support.

Maintain your authority.

50+ Connection Questions

Raising Independent Children Re-Cap

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

What are your goals for your kids’ summer?

Start with big rocks, fill in with pebbles

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Keep consistent with repetition (and visual reminders!)

Not too much fun at once

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

5 daily summer routines

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Chore routines

Consider strategically WHEN to do chores in the summer

Self-care routines

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

When the kids are home more often:

Consider creating your own SOS situation plan.

Fun routines (aka summer bucket list items)

Classic summertime activities like:

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Special projects, plans, or life skills to learn

Sample Summer Routines (Toddler To Elementary!)

Screen time summer routines