Being a mom means being busy. As if moms aren’t busy enough, we also have other roles we play such as, wife, employee, student, etc. Some days the many responsibilities can become overwhelming, adding stress and anxiety to the mixture of busyness. Managing these responsibilities can be just as stressful as the number of responsibilities themselves.
6 Tips for Managing Busy Mom Life
My most important roles…
Wife / Mommy
I am a wife and mommy first. (These really deserve their own categories.) My family is my biggest priority. Taking care of a home is a huge job. Our children are 5 and 3. Wesley starts kindergarten in August, and both boys are currently in preschool. Their little lives are booming with needs for school, activities, and places to be. Gathering what they need means errands and time to make sure everything is ready and perfect for them.
It is extremely important to me that I don’t miss this time with them. Sure, I might not be able to be at every school function, but when I can, I make sure I am there, even if other responsibilities need to be rearranged in order to work it out. Also, my relationship with my husband is at the tip top of my list. Although it tends to get pushed aside with all of the busyness we have going on, it is important that we keep our relationship strong and make time for each other, even if it’s only a few minutes a day.
Employee
Second, I am an employee. I work Monday-Friday, about 28 hours per week. My job is a priority for me, because my family counts on me bringing in an income of some sort. Also, my husband owns a small business, Atlas Moving. He performs local and long distance moves. His company has grown immensely over the past several years. He has grown from having a job or two a month, to almost having a full schedule each week. I create and send all quotes for his business. I also field his e-mails for him. In most cases, these responsibilities are essential to the operation of his business.
Student
Third, I am a student. I am enrolled in a Master’s program. I graduate in December with a Master’s in Human Resource Management. My role as a student is a priority. My success in the program is vital as it gives way to more opportunities for me and my family in the future. Keeping up with my school work takes time. Writing essays and papers, taking quizzes, completing discussions, researching, using APA format….it all takes time. Sometimes I feel like that time is time I don’t have. While I’m doing school work and hearing my children play in the background, I wish I was playing with them. Still, I push through. Because it matters.
Managing Busy Mom Life
We all have so many details that make up our life. So, how do we keep it from being too much? It would be easy to shed some of my responsibilities. I could quit school, I could stop making the time consuming Valentine’s for the boys to take to school, or I could stop going Pinterest crazy for their birthday parties. But, I don’t want to. I would be giving up so much more. So, how do we manage it all?
Here are some ways I’ve learned to manage the 101 responsibilities in my busy mom life:
1. Ask for help.
I used to believe I had to do everything myself. If there were dirty dishes, laundry, errands to run, school work to do, etc., I thought I had to do it all. My husband is a blessing to me. He will get down and dirty with housework with the best of them. It’s not out of the ordinary for me to come home to completely clean house, with no dishes in the sink, and good smelling candles lit. He’s crazy busy too. He doesn’t always have time.
If I need something done, and I feel overwhelmed, I ask my husband to help. When he can, he does. Also, I ask my children to help. They are young, but assigning them a small task, such as, cleaning their room, cleaning the playroom, picking up dirty clothes, or gathering cups to put into the sink makes them feel “big” and gives them a sense of responsibility for our home.
2. Make time for yourself
Making time for yourself seems downright impossible, at least I know it does for me most days. Taking 30 minutes to do something that you want to do, not that you need to do, makes a difference. It might not happen every day, but finding ways to fit in that time for yourself is important.
For months I have been complaining about never having time to workout. This week I decided I was done complaining. I set my alarm for 4:30AM (30 minutes earlier than usual), and I completed an at home work out. It’s only been 4 days, and by 8:30PM I’m pooped, but I feel good about myself. I feel good that I’m doing it, and that is the result I wanted.
3. Plan your meals.
Planning two or three meals during the week means one grocery store trip! There are weeks when I don’t plan any meals. When that happens, I find that we are either scrounging for something decent to eat or making multiple trips to the grocery store. Eliminate both of those problems by deciding what meals you want to eat ahead of time and buying everything you need for those meals in one trip!
4. Enjoy your family.
It’s easy to get caught up in everything we have to do. I’m guilty of it. I’m guilty of thinking, planning, or working on other things at home when I don’t absolutely have to be. When you’re home and have the time, enjoy your family. Talk to your husband/wife. Find out what’s going on with them. Tell them what’s going on with you.
Cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie with your family. If you don’t have two hours to spare, sit down and read a book together. For just a few minutes forget about everything else that seems important and find ways to make time for your family and enjoy them. Look at your growing children and infuse their precious little faces in your brain. Tomorrow they won’t be so little.
5. Learn to say no.
Oh boy, this is a tough one for me. Some of the responsibilities I put on my plate are a result of not being able to say “no.” Even when I know I don’t have time or I have several other things going on, I will say “yes” to something that I didn’t have to say “yes” to. I don’t like to disappoint people. In all likelihood, I probably wouldn’t disappoint them if I said “no,” but I feel like I will. I don’t like that feeling, so I say yes. If you have a full schedule and someone asks you to do something that isn’t necessary… say “no.” Don’t overbook yourself and add anxiety to your day when you don’t have to. I’m working on this.
6. Take a moment.
My life is the busiest it has ever been at this point. Right when I think it’s slowing down, it gets busier. Summer will be no exception. There are days I get frustrated easily. Some days I take that frustration out on my husband or children, and they don’t deserve it. So, when I notice that I’m getting irritated or feel like I’m running around like a crazy person and no one is helping me, I take a moment. I take a moment to think, “is it really that bad?” 99% of the time the answer is no. Sure, it’s a lot, but I’m the one stressing myself out. I use this moment to prioritize what needs to be done and in what order. Then I do it. Just like everything else, it all gets done eventually.
“It always seems impossible until it is done.”
– Nelson Mandela
Being a mom isn’t always crafts and cupcakes. As easy as it is to talk about how hard it can get, I have to add that I wouldn’t trade one minute of it for anything in this world. Talking about it is how we learn to be better. We learn about ourselves and learn from each other.
I would like to learn from you as well. If you have any other tips on how to manage busy mom life let me hear them!
About the Author:
Mallory is a 30-year-old, wife, mom, employee, PhD student, and blogger. Although she has many roles, being a wife and mother are her top priorities. Her children keep her on her toes at the great ages of 4 and 6. For the past two years, Mallory has worked as an HR Assistant for a local construction company. In December 2018, she graduated with a Master’s in Human Resource Management. In August 2019, she began a PhD program in psychology.
Mallory started Mom of W.A.R., Hear our Roar in February 2018. For those wondering, W.A.R. are the initials of both of her children. Mallory writes on all topics motherhood. Her site features tips, crafts, personal experiences, and so much more. No matter the topic, her posts are always infused with humor and entertainment!
Follow her:
Website https://momofwarhearmyroar.com/
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/momofwarhearmyroar/
Facebook facebook.com/momofwarhearmyroar/
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Great list of tips! I agree with all of them, as each one plays it’s own role not only in helping you manage your busy life but helping prevent you from going a little crazy.
Hi Luna! You are so right! I think our little touch of craziness makes us even better at what we do.
Wow, you truly are an inspiration and have so much going for you! And those are some really great tips to help juggle it all.
Thanks Natalie! I appreciate you stopping by. Best of luck to you!
I shared a similar article earlier this year highlighting some of the same things. Mothers wear many hats, and it’s so hard to find balance and juggle it all.
Mallory seems to have this Mom thing locked down. I had written something similar at one point and agree 100% about learning how to say NO. My wife (and it’s her own fault) has a hard time saying no to people and thus runs herself ragged at times. I love her for wanting to always help but sometimes its just too much! Also take care of yourself. So important. Great tips!
Hi there! As flattered as I am, I must admit, I am nowhere near having the mom role perfected. Every day is a learning experience. But you know, I really enjoy that!
I empathize with your wife! I know the feeling of too many commitments or trying to please everyone. Regardless, she’s going to do it her way… I know I do! But, keep encouraging her to take it easy sometimes. It’s okay to say no!
Thanks for stopping by!
Mallory
These are all such great tips. I am so bad about planning out meals, but I definitley do want to start.
Learning to say no was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I still have problems saying no, but I’m better at it than I used to be.
That’s all we can do… keep working on ourselves! Best of luck to you Alli!
These are some great tips! I don’t think my brain could function enough to handle all that you’re doing! Keep it up!
You are definitely a very busy mom. I am not going to school anymore thank goodness but the tips you have here can definitely help with anxiety.
I really enjoyed reading this post. These are really helpful tips. It’s so important to know when to ask for help.
I will keep these in mind. I have learned to say no more as I get older. I care less about people being angry with me. I also make sure I have time for myself!
Good for you Amber!
Being a mother and running a household is a full time job really, but many are also in full time employment/studying. I admire them so much. Where their energy comes from, I don’t know. I guess, in many cases, they have no choice. Mallory sounds pretty amazing.
I appreciate your kind words!
I’m purposely making time for myself everyday. It’s so important for our mental and physical health.
That’s a very full plate! It takes planning to manage all those demands well, and your tips are spot on – especially learning to say no. It’s nice to help others, but sometimes we need to stop and focus on ourselves.
It is so hard to manage being a mom, an employee, and more. These are great tips for getting that work life balance.
Meal planning. That’s something I always say I want to try, but getting into it seems like it’ll take up so much time. Great tips for trying to do it all!
I have thought about going back to school but it seems so overwhelming. I’m not sure if I could handle it with kiddo responsibilities.
You got it girl! Moms have a funny way of just figuring things out. If it’s something you WANT to do, then just do it! Take it one day at a time and you will be successful.
This is so true! I dont have kids but I know my mom friends preach this all the time!
Taking time for myself used to be so hard. My best friend saw me getting burnt out trying to juggle everything, so sat me down and insisted that Fridays was our day to just leave all of our cares behind and do something for ourselves. Even just for an hour or two. A little me time really does do a woman good!
That’s an amazing idea Theresa! What a great friend. You’re so right… sometimes we have to stop doing EVERYTHING and do something for ourselves. You deserve it!
Great list! I love planning meals. Being a mom can be hard but as simple as planning meals can save you a lot of time.
Great tips. I will share this to my readers. 🙂
Thanks Neil!
I’ve often wondered if I could do it all! Mostly because I’ve been debating going back to school as well. Thank you for not only reminding me that I can do everything I want to, but exactly how to do it without being overwhelmed. These are great tips.
Hi Erica! You can do it! It might get stressful, but we just take it one day at a time, like everything else. You got it girl!
These are really great and very inspirational thanks for the awesome tips this is very helpful. I’m glad it to know.
I am not a mom yet but I plan being a mom soon (planning to start working towards it in following months) so your tips are most welcome. It makes me feel safer and more prepared not to loose myself in future
Congrats Lyosha on the soon to be baby planning! I wish you the best!
Totally agree to all the tips. We must stop feeling guilty about asking for help. A to-do-list helps me keep my priorities on track during the day.
I live with check lists!! I would forget everything without them!
I’m guilty for not making enough time for myself. I think self-care (especially as a mom) is so important and I don’t do enough of it.
I know one girl who has new born baby and still manages university, research and job. People can’t manage alone being mom, Women like this are inspiration. Those tips are indeed helpful.
Asking for help is one of the ones that challenges me most. As moms we really take on a lot.
I love every tips that you’ve shared us here most especially “asking for help”. For me, it’s not bad to ask an extra hand/s from our loved ones to help us to do everything that we need to be done. I am so thankful that my husband is always there for me.
My most fave tip out of these would be learning to say no. Seriously all moms must learn this. And take some time out of their schedule to have some me time too!
Such very practical tips especially for a mother from a mother. To be realistic it applies to every one of us.Thanks for your perspectives.
i have used the same pic that you have for the post on my topic of insurance for women. I admire your courage and persistence to do a master in HR. About 8 yrs back i did a MBA in hr and with a family and job it was tough and the assignments took forever thanks for a wonderful write up
jerry godinho
Hi there! I actually just started my PhD in general psychology last month! I guess I’m a glutton for punishment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Managing motherhood & worklife is really difficult. Great tips for every mom out there!
These are great tips. I can totally relate to all the juggling so its important to follow these simple tips- very practical and helpful.
The skills of a master multitasker!!!
Great tips. Sounds like you have an amazing ability to get it all done. Great job!
Some days it’s more of a dice roll!! But, I always love trying new ways to make it easier!
You are definitely a busy person! The tips you’ve shared for managing your time will help so many people.
I have a similar set up and schedule that you do. It is not always that easy to even know where to begin balancing the priorities
Thank you for writing about valuable things every time.I always have something to learn from you.
Being a mom is a constant balancing act. Some days we all feel not enough but your tips are a good reminder of ways we can all better prioritize. As parents, if you love, care for and are thoughtful in your process you are doing a great job!
These are common sense recommendations and tips all of us could use. Me time is very important.
Making time for self is very important and most moms don’t do enough of self care. these are important reminders for all of us.
These are some great tips for handling busy mom life. Many of them Inhave alreayput in practice as a young mom.
Great advice for busy moms. I am one of them! And I still need to learn to say no!
This pretty much summed up my life as a mom! I never did master the fine art of saying “no” back then…but now as an empty-nester, I have no problems with that! Love the stock photos…really pulls you in!
Meal planning especially is such a helpful tip! Thanks for the advice!
I learnt to say No from my toddler. They do it the best!! haha. Love all the tips
Great list and tips! Learning to say no is one of the most hardest things I did! It is well worth it though because then you have more time for your self care that you need and still sometimes forget.
Thanks for sharing all these great tips, I am still learning how to say no. It’s a process and I will get there one day.
Great article! I appreciate your all roles in life and being a mother & managing all of them simultaneously is a tough job. You’re a multitasker 👍
Great list and what a busy life you have with school, family, work and blogging!
Great tips. My family is also my first priority and I feel guilty if I ignore them because of work. Also, I make time for myself that make me feel contented.
I’m single but, helping my wife is a goal I want to achieve. Want a baby girl first though😊