Hey, it’s Kerri!
As a busy working mom, are you constantly juggling work, kids, and a million other things while trying to stay somewhat sane? I hear you!
My calendar never has a day that doesn’t have something on it. It is getting slightly better now that my oldest can drive but I still feel run ragged.
Being a working mom is stressful, especially for those in the single working mom club.—I’ve got some game-changing hacks here that will make your life easier, more efficient, and (dare I say) even a little more fun.
There are tips in here that are for both moms that work from home remotely and moms that work away from home.
1. Meal Prep Like a Boss
Planning meals ahead of time saves hours of stress.
I know I may be alone in this, but I do not enjoy cooking. It’s repetitive and boring to me. Unfortunately, it is a necessary part of life. Cook to keep the kids alive.
Meal planning can seriously be your secret weapon. Spend one day a week prepping meals to avoid the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” panic. Try batch cooking, slow cooker meals, or freezer-friendly recipes.
Bonus tip: Grocery delivery or pickup is a total lifesaver—skip the store chaos! I’m super bummed that this wasn’t a thing when I had 3 toddlers. Mom’s with toddlers, you get me.
If you’re short on time, theme your meals for the week. Think “Taco Tuesday” or “Sheet Pan Sunday” to simplify decision-making. Also, get the kids involved in meal prep—they might even eat their veggies!
2. Master the Art of the Morning Routine
Mornings can be chaotic, but a solid routine will really save your sanity
Prep lunches, and have a grab-and-go breakfast station to avoid any last-minute panic. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Lay out clothes the night before (including yours!)
Having a go-to breakfast (like overnight oats or smoothie packs) can also speed up the morning rush.
Consider creating a “morning playlist” to keep things moving—music truly does make everything better. Also, set a timer or alarm for getting ready to avoid morning dawdling.
3. Use the Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately! Answering an email, wiping the counter, or packing tomorrow’s snacks—just get it done.
These tiny wins add up and keep your to-do list from getting overwhelming.
Need a boost? Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how many quick tasks you can knock out—make it a game!
4. Automate Everything Possible
Put technology to work! Set up auto-pay for bills, schedule grocery deliveries, and use subscription services for essentials like diapers, pet food, and household items.
Less time running errands = more time for YOU.
Also, you can create email templates for common responses at work or school-related requests—huge time saver!
5. Declutter Your Life (and Your Mind)
Clutter = stress. Set a 10-minute daily decluttering habit, donate unused items, and embrace digital organization.
Instead of spending your entire weekend cleaning, break it up into manageable daily tasks. For example, do laundry on Mondays, dust on Tuesdays, and so on.
Also, keep a running to-do list in your phone or a white board so you don’t have to rely on memory alone (because mom brain is real!).
A great hack: Use laundry baskets to quickly gather clutter in high-traffic areas. Out of sight, out of mind (until you have time to sort it properly)!
6. Create a Family Command Center
Designate a spot in your home for calendars, important papers, meal plans, and to-do lists. A well-organized command center helps everyone know what’s happening and prevents last-minute chaos.
Upgrade your command center with a whiteboard for daily reminders or a color-coded system for each family member.
7. Teach Kids to Help (Yes, Even the Little Ones!)
You don’t have to do it all! Assign age-appropriate chores and make it fun—turn cleaning into a game. It’s also a good way to spend time together.
I know from experience that as a working mom that spends a lot of time away from my family, we take what we can get
Use a reward system, or blast music while tidying up. You’re raising future adults; they need to learn life skills!
Start small with easy tasks, like putting dishes in the sink or sorting laundry by color. Kids love feeling helpful!
8. Time Block Like a Pro
Instead of multitasking (which is exhausting), block out chunks of time for work, errands, family, and self-care.
Use timers to stay on track, and give yourself grace—perfection is overrated.
For even more efficiency, batch similar tasks together, like answering emails or meal prepping, to stay focused and get more done.
9. Make Self-Care Non-Negotiable
You can’t pour from an empty cup! Schedule time for yourself—whether it’s a bubble bath, a solo coffee run, or a quick workout.
Prioritizing YOU makes you a better mom and a happier human.
Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming. A five-minute mindfulness break or a quick walk outside can do wonders.
10. Embrace “Good Enough”
Not every meal has to be Pinterest-worthy, and not every playdate needs to be an Instagram moment.
Give yourself permission to do your best and let go of unrealistic expectations. Your kids love you just the way you are!
Try this mantra: “Done is better than perfect.” It’s a total game-changer!
Final Thoughts
Mom life is hectic, but these hacks can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Small changes make a big difference!
Which hack are you excited to try first? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this post for later!
And remember—you’re doing an amazing job! ❤️
Always,
Kerri
