Are you sneaking away from your children, perhaps nestled in the nursery pretending to work on your phone? Maybe you’re momentarily escaping a preschooler who’s turning a nap refusal into an art project with puzzle pieces. As you juggle dinners, deadlines, and bedtime stories, you might find yourself searching for tips on being a more organized mom.
I’d love to share some wisdom on keeping your cool as a busy mom, but let’s be real—my own week has been a whirlwind. I’m just like many of you, managing three lively kids and often serving peanut butter on gourmet bread for dinner. I often respond to their countless requests with, “I’m doing my best!” Yet I can’t help but question if that’s truly enough.
So instead of providing you with “10 Tips for a Perfectly Organized Week,” let’s explore what not to do. Perhaps learning from my missteps can guide you towards your own version of balance.
1. Don’t just wash clothes and toss them onto the couch in a tangled heap.
Okay, you can do this, but make sure to wash your clothes too! There’s nothing worse than rummaging through a laundry mountain for a clean pair of underwear and finding none.
2. Avoid raising your voice in frustration about messes.
Like questioning whether it’s mud or dog poop on the baby’s blanket. Or my favorite, “Did the Lego fall in the toilet before or after you filled it with poop?” Trust me, saying “poop” will only spark a chorus of giggles, and no one is really listening. And for the love of all things, keep your windows shut!
3. Don’t rely solely on a diet of chips and salsa to keep you going.
Mix in some coconut flour and hemp hearts for fun! But if you’re unsure what to do with them, toss them in a smoothie you forget to drink because your little one is having a meltdown over “crumbly” oatmeal.
4. Don’t believe you can finish all your work during nap time.
The moment you get confident about this, your kids will join forces to cancel nap time.
5. Don’t set your alarm to wake up early for quiet work time.
Just like before, the moment you feel good about this plan, your kids will somehow sense it and wake up early.
6. Don’t stay up late to meet deadlines thinking this will work in your favor.
It usually does, but you’ll wake up exhausted, searching for clean underwear and dealing with a toddler’s “decrumbling” oatmeal complaints.
7. Don’t curl into a ball on the floor hoping for a quick nap.
Ninety seconds is just enough time for your kids to think it’s playtime and jump on you or unleash their creativity with markers.
8. Don’t drag your children to the library and hope that a sob story about sleep regression will convince the librarian to waive your overdue fees.
Just don’t.
9. Avoid meditating on a public toilet.
It may seem like the only moment of peace, but your clever 3-year-old could unlock the door, leaving you exposed.
10. Most importantly, never underestimate the freedom that comes with accepting mediocrity.
If your kids only bathed three times this week, remember that studies suggest you’re actually helping their bacterial biome. Breakfast may just be Cheerios and dinner Rice Krispies, but they’re getting their calcium from that organic soymilk they love. And spending time laughing on the floor together is what truly matters.
What’s the real key to a peaceful, fulfilling week? It’s about embracing the chaos, loving your little ones, and letting the rest slide under the rug—though that rug could use a good vacuuming! For more on navigating motherhood, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in exploring home insemination, you can find a comprehensive guide at Make A Mom.
In summary, it’s all about finding joy in the chaos and letting go of the pressure to be perfect. Embrace each moment, even the messy ones, and remember that you’re doing great just as you are.