These are all items that have helped me move from disorganized and chaotic to (more) streamlined. Some of these are tips, other are actual items or products that could be purchased. I have the honor and blessing to stay home with our kids so that is my perspective. Although I think it could be beneficial to a mom in any type of work structure.
Quiet Moments
Whenever you can make it happen. Take time to have quiet moments. I have fought to keep all three of our kids napping so that I have an hour or two in the afternoon without extra sound or needs. For you this might mean sitting in your car of the drive home with no radio – just silence or the hum of the road. I use something like these journals in the mornings, when I wake up before the kids, to write prayers, hopes or ideas.
NO SPILL WATER BOTTLE
I have found to Owala FreeSip to be the best of the best – for me. Here are some simple reasons. It does not leak, has a lock function, it has a straw and it fits in the cup holder. This is a really well designed water bottle. It also comes in a huge array of colors and three sizes. Although I am not sure the larger sizes would it in a cup holder. Now this might seem to be a surface level, insignificant item on a list of ways to be a better mom – honestly hydration is key to thought process, stress levels and general ability to cope with irritability. When you are running low on water you will run low on patience, forethought and kind words.
Routine
What I have found is that the kids thrive on knowing what to expect and I am more calm when I have a routine.I know it – this will drive some of you nuts. It is not glamorous for some of us to do the same thing over and over again. I have found a morning routine especially helpful. When I first came home full time I would wait and wait to get on clothes for the day, feed the kids breakfast whenever I felt like it and generally went aimlessly about my day. It made the days feel long and unproductive. So, I changed a few micro habits which have changed out house.
Make the Bed or Air the Bed
Quiet Family Reading Time (with something hot to drink)
Get dressed before breakfast
After this, we do chores, make a breakfast and get outside, as fast as possible. It makes less mess in the house when we are outside most of the day. If I am not ready, it is really hard to get the children ready to leave the house.
Something like this family fridge calendar can really help if you need a visual of what happens next in the day or will be happening later in the month.
HOBBIES
I know that I have said “I don’t have time for hobbies.” So you know what – I changed my mindset! This might sounds ridiculous to some of you. Hear me out. I have always enjoyed baking and cooking. Although I didn’t always look forward to making dinner because it was on a list of to do items. I changed my mindset. I started calling homemade dinners a hobby, which has given it new life. I enjoy planning, cooking old and a few new recipes, and eating the food. It is not always joyful but it does help brighten my day on a regular basis. Speaking of homemade dinners, I highly recommend Caraway Pots and pans. They are actually non-stick and non-toxic. We use these and our cast iron pans exclusively.
simplify the house
This will be my last item – please please consider reducing the inventory you have in your house to simplify and ease your schedule. I had no idea how the playroom full of toys, kitchen cabinets overflowing with Tupperware or clothes packed with unworn clothing were dragging me down. It has only been since taking truck loads of items to the local thrift stores that I have found relief in the stress level I feel in my own home. It has also made me a more calm, patient and generally better mom. I am an advocate but not an expert. I want to introduce you to my two favorite ladies. These women through books and YouTube have changed our lives for the better and it makes me nearly cry. They got me through some of my hardest days.
These are a few resources or ideas for you to consider if your home or being a mom is giving you constant overwhelm. Let me know what you want to hear more about, what you would add or remove.
