Hey Mama,
If you’re reading this while reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time or quietly escaping to the bathroom for a minute of silence – you’re my kind of people. Being a stay-at-home mom of three is a beautiful kind of chaos, and over the years, I’ve learned that having some sort of rhythm makes all the difference. Not a rigid schedule, but a flexible structure that keeps us afloat – and keeps me from totally losing myself in the daily juggle.
Whether you’re a new mama, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, I hope walking through my day gives you a little inspiration (or at least helps you feel seen). I’ll also share some of my favorite little tools from Amazon that make this routine doable and even a little enjoyable.
Coffee, Quiet, and a Tiny Slice of Sanity
I never thought I’d be someone who wakes up before the kids – and honestly, some mornings I don’t. But when I do, it’s a game changer. Waking up even 30 minutes early gives me the chance to enjoy hot coffee without anyone asking me for a snack.
These early moments are sacred. I light a vanilla-scented candle, fire up my Nespresso machine (worth every penny), and sit with my journal for a few quiet minutes. I use a super simple Gratitude Journal for moms I found on Amazon – nothing complicated, just space for thoughts, to-do’s and small wins. Some mornings, I’ll stretch or walk, but most of the time I’m just sipping coffee and savoring the silence before the day ramps up.
Toddler Time, Cleaning, and Chasing a To-Do List
After I drop off my older kids at school, it’s just me and my toddler until nap time. This window is where I try to squeeze in errands, chores, and a bit of work (like writing posts like this one!). I don’t always get it all done – and I’ve learned to be okay with that – but I do jot down three priorities each morning on a magnetic whiteboard on the fridge. Seeing everything at a glance helps keep me grounded.
To stay focused, I use a quirky little TimeCube timer. It’s basically a cube with pre-set intervals that I flip to set – 15 minutes to do dishes, 30 minutes to tidy up, 10 minutes to scroll on Pinterest guilt-free. It helps me break up the day and feel accomplished, even when I only have a few minutes at a time.
My toddler usually joins in with independent play while I work nearby. Her current obsession? A No-Mess Water Doodle Mat that keeps her busy while I fold laundry or answer emails. We rotate between play, reading, snacks, and the occasional episode of Spiderman when I just need a breather.
My Golden Hour
When my toddler goes down for his nap around noon, I try really hard not to fill that time with chores. This part of my day is about me. It’s my pause, my recharge – and I guard it like gold.
Some days I read a few chapters from a book that helps me grow (I’m still re-reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, which always resets my mindset). Other days I’ll work on my blog, scroll Pinterest for content ideas, or just sit with a snack in silence. I’ve learned that productivity doesn’t always mean doing things for others – sometimes it means doing something for yourself.
On days when I’m staring at screens too long, I wear my Blue Light Glasses to avoid the tired, fuzzy eye feeling. And yes, this is also when I indulge in my second coffee of the day – same mug, fresh brew, same tired but thankful mom.
After School Snacks, Homework, and Organized Chaos
Once school ends, the quiet fades and the second half of the day kicks in fast. The kids come home starving – even if they ate 10 minutes before the bell – so I try to have snacks ready in the fridge. I prep them in Reusable Bento Boxes (I swear by these. They make healthy snacks feel special).
We’ve settled into a post-school rhythm that gives the kids a little freedom before we dive into homework. They get 30 minutes to decompress – usually outside or listening to music with their Wireless Headphones. Then we knock out homework, which I keep organized using a Small Kid-Friendly Whiteboard they can check off themselves. It gives them independence, and I don’t have to repeat myself 37 times.
While they work, I start dinner and listen to a podcast, usually while my toddler “helps” by rearranging the Tupperware drawer. It’s not peaceful, but it’s our version of functional.
Dinner, Clean-Up, and (Hopefully) Calm
We eat dinner around 5:30. Nothing fancy – sheet pan meals, crockpot creations, or pasta with a side of frozen veggies. The goal is one meal that works for everyone, and if that means adding ketchup to the side for the toddler or skipping the spice for my picky eater, so be it.
After dinner, we do a quick 10-minute family cleanup. I set a timer and make it a race. It’s amazing what you can accomplish in ten focused minutes. Then it’s bath time, books, and bedtime routines.
By 8:00pm, the house is finally quiet again. And that’s when I get to be me again – not just mom. Some nights I watch a show with my husband. Other nights I read under a soft glow from my Clip-On Reading Light, or just scroll until my brain shuts down.
Progress Over Perfection
This routine? It didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of trial and error, messy days, and a lot of self-grace. There are still days where it all goes off the rails. Having this structure in place makes it easier for me to bounce back.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re drowning in laundry and goldfish crumbs, start small. Pick one part of your day to structure. Maybe mornings or nap time. Use tools that help you, not stress you out. Most of all, remember you matter too! Until next time…See you Mama!
