This blog post is all about The BEST Time Management Strategies for Busy Moms.
Motherhood requires intentional time management strategies to keep up with the never-ending to-do list.
When you spend your time wisely, you can actually get things done and enjoy precious moments with your family.
But without a plan?
It can feel like you’re running around like a headless chicken—chaotic, exhausting, and totally overwhelming.
I’ve been there. The days where nothing seems to get done, yet I feel completely drained by the end of it. The moments where I wonder how other moms make it look so easy. But here’s the good news—time management isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what truly matters.
Here are The BEST Time Management Strategies for Busy Moms!!
Time Management Strategies
4 Core Values
Not even in the perfect world could you get everything you want done—not even if we had 34 hours instead of 24. There will always be things that pop up, so choose 4 Core Values that resonate with the environment and family you want to raise.
For example, my 4 Core Values are:
- Having Homecooked Meals 6 Days Out of The Week
- Spending Intentional Time with My Family
- Keeping a Tidy Home
- Reading My Bible
- Gardening (when it’s the season)
Once you figure out your Core Values, throw everything else out the window. Haha, I’m just kidding somewhat. But honestly, if you can get your four Core Values done throughout the day, the rest should not become a huge stressor in life.
Sync Schedules
This little section is for mamas with babies close together, especially babies 2 under 2 or 3 under 3!
If you can start syncing their schedules, especially their nap time, you’ll have time throughout the day to get things done.
There are pros and cons to syncing schedules.
For example, you will have ALL the babies up at once, which can be overwhelming instead of taking care of one while the other naps, etc.
But sometimes, mamas need a little break to get things done around the house, and that’s only possible when everyone is napping!
Do what works for you when it comes to either syncing schedules or not.
{RELATED POST: HOW TO CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST DURING NAP TIME}
Prep The Night Before
I know how overwhelming mornings can be, and that’s why prepping the night before can genuinely set you up for success. Think of this as your “closing shift,” where you take a moment to tidy up your space for the next day.
If you feel like the mornings are stressful and you’re running from one thing to the next, try preparing breakfast the night before. A Simple overnight oats, breakfast casserole, or quiche will take some stress off your shoulders come morning time.
Set out your clothes the night before so they’re easier to change into in the morning. This simple step will make your morning routine more organized and efficient, and you won’t spend another day in your PJs.
Think about your future self. What will make you a better mom? If you do a certain task, what will your future self think, or your family think?
Delegate When Possible
Delegate your responsibilities when possible. And yes, this includes accepting offers from your husband or even your family!
It is no longer about doing things “perfectly,” it’s about getting things done one way or another.
Requiring others to do things the same way we do often adds more stress to ourselves.
It’s impossible. It makes people, especially your husband, not want to help because no matter how they try, it will never be good enough.
You don’t need things to be perfect, you need them to be done.
Yes, you also need to tell your husband what to do, even if it’s right in front of his face. sigh
It’s annoying, I know, but sometimes men need direction. They don’t see the same things we do.
Small Pockets of Windows
You can get so much done throughout the day if you use the small pockets of windows you get throughout the day.
You will do more during these moments in life than when you get the huge chunks of time that come once in a blue moon, lol!
To-Do List
To use Windows’s small pockets wisely, you should also start keeping a to-do list. You can write it down or download an app that will help you track what you need to do.
Using a to-do list app can provide additional benefits such as reminders, prioritization, and the ability to access your list from anywhere.
One of the best things to do is to keep a pad on your nightstand since that’s usually where our thoughts go wild, and you start thinking of everything you need to do.
Using a to-do list, you can start each day with a clear plan rather than feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. This can help you feel more organized and prepared for the day ahead.
The Microsoft To-Do List app is my top recommendation for keeping a to-do list. It’s designed to be simple, straightforward, and easy to use, making it ideal for managing tasks, especially during busy periods.
Wake Up Before the Kids
Waking up before the kids!? HAHA!! It is possible and it is a GAME CHANGER!!
But there are seasons of life when to do this!!
I had to make that a little bit bigger because there are seasons. When you come home with a newborn, whether it’s your first or third, it is not possible! It’s just not. I don’t care who it is. If anyone is, I honestly think they’re 99.9999% lying.
Anywho!!
There will come a time when the little ones are sleeping through the night or waking up at least only once, when you can get enough rest to wake up before the kids.
It gives you rest before the chaos. I always encourage doing something that will help you throughout the day.
What will make you be a better mom today?
Is it waking up and reading The Word? Or is it getting a workout done? Or is it starting breakfast before the kids?
What will make you a better mom today? Do whatever will help you maintain the environment you want in your home.
Morning & Evening Routines
You only have so much control throughout the day, but having morning and evening routines is indispensable.
Children thrive on routines.
It provides security and predictability.
It’s also helpful for you, mama, especially if you don’t have the village to help.
An example of our evening routine (nice weather):
4:30 pm – Younger sibling wakes up from nap
4:45 pm – Start dinner, open the backyard door to let the little ones go in and out as they please while I make dinner.
5:30 pm – Dinner Time
5:45-6:00 pm – Quick Clean Up & Go Outside
7:00 pm – Get younger baby ready for bed… (pjs, nurse, sleep)
7:30 pm – Toddler & I will clean up the kitchen
8:00 pm – Play
8:30 – Toddler goes to sleep
8:30 – 11:00 pm – Prep for tomorrow & relax.
Toddler Proof Your Home
A lot of your time goes to redirecting your toddler from getting into things they shouldn’t, which can lead to many tantrums.
So childproof your home.
By childproofing your home, you are creating a safe environment for your little ones to explore and play, giving you peace of mind and them the freedom they need.
If you are tired of your little ones getting into a specific area, remember, it’s as simple as closing the door or childproofing the drawers. You’ve got this.
Remember, even if you childproof one area, they will find something else to play with! Children are adaptable and always find new ways to explore.
Time Management Strategies
Time Management Strategies are essential to parenting. It will help you get things done without the unnecessary stress.
It all starts with you and your 4 Core Values. That is where a majority of your time should be spent.
