Hi, I’m Jessica—mom of three, blogger, coffee reheater (multiple times a day), and queen of unfinished to-do lists. If you’re anything like me, your day starts before the sun and somehow still doesn’t have enough hours in it.
Between getting everyone dressed, fed, out the door, cleaning up the breakfast chaos, squeezing in work, breaking up sibling arguments, and maybe (just maybe) getting a few minutes for yourself… time management for moms feels more like a myth than a strategy.
But over the years—and lots of trial and error—I’ve figured out a few real-life, mom-tested ways to make it all work just a little smoother. I won’t promise perfection (we don’t do that here), but I will promise some tips that are practical, flexible, and realistic for moms like us.
1. Embrace the “Time Blocks” Trick
If I had to credit one thing for keeping me sane, it’s time blocking.
Instead of trying to multitask everything at once (which usually ends in tears… mine and the kids’), I divide my day into chunks:
- Morning Routine (6–8 AM)
- Kid Time / School Drop Off (8–9 AM)
- Work Focus (9–12 PM)
- Errands / House Reset (12–2 PM)
- Afternoon Kid Time (2–5 PM)
- Dinner & Evening Chaos (5–8 PM)
- Me Time / Work Catch-Up (8–10 PM)
Pro tip: I don’t schedule every minute. It’s more about giving each task a “home” in the day. That way, when I’m with the kids, I’m really with them. And when I’m working, I’m not worrying about the laundry pile (okay maybe a little, but it’s easier to ignore).
2. Pick 3 Priorities Each Day
One of my favorite phrases is: “You can do anything, but not everything.”
Every night before bed, I jot down three things I want to get done the next day. Just three. Not seventeen.
Yesterday mine were:
- Write Pinterest captions
- Call pediatrician
- Fold laundry mountain
If I get those done, I count it as a win—even if dinner is cereal and my toddler’s still in pajamas at 3 PM (don’t judge).
It’s about progress over perfection.
3. Automate What You Can (AKA Mom Hack Heaven)
If something can be set to repeat or taken off my mental plate—I’m all in.
My faves:
- Grocery delivery + recurring orders (I use Instacart and Amazon)
- Meal planning Sunday nights (5 meals, 1 takeout, 1 leftovers day)
- Recurring calendar events for everything from kids’ appointments to water plants
And yes, I have a reminder in my phone that says “Switch laundry” every 4 hours because apparently my brain refuses to remember on its own 🙃
4. Say Goodbye to Guilt
Let’s get real—mom guilt is sneaky.
It whispers, “You should be playing with the kids instead of working.” Then five minutes later it’s like, “You should be more productive instead of scrolling Instagram.”
But listen, we can’t pour from an empty cup. You managing your time doesn’t make you selfish—it makes you smart.
I once cried in the Target parking lot because I forgot it was pajama day at preschool. Now I keep a backup pair of PJs in the car and a note in my planner: “You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.”
Because you are.
5. Use the “One-Touch Rule”
Ever walk past the same basket of unfolded laundry for three days straight? Same.
The “one-touch rule” has helped me so much: If you touch it, deal with it.
- Opened the mail? Toss or file it.
- Took off your shoes? Put them away.
- Got out the wipes? Put them back after the diaper change.
It’s tiny habits like this that save me hours later.
6. Kid-Proof Productivity Time
This one took some serious trial and error, but it’s possible to get things done with little ones around.
What works in our house:
- Independent play baskets (rotated weekly so they stay exciting)
- Audiobooks or story podcasts while I answer emails
- Coloring station at the kitchen table during dinner prep
- TV time guilt-free during my focus hour (You’re not a bad mom—Bluey is a blessing)
7. Digital Tools That Don’t Suck
I don’t need another app that promises productivity and ends up being more work. These are the ones I swear by:
- Google Calendar: Shared with my partner. If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.
- Trello or Notion: For tracking blog content, Pinterest planning, and side hustle goals.
- Alexa Reminders: “Remind me to pick up Emma from dance at 5:15.” She’s my virtual brain.
8. Build Buffers (a.k.a. Stop Rushing)
I used to schedule things back-to-back like I was in a race. Then I’d be a sweaty mess yelling, “Get your shoes on!” at my toddler while carrying a diaper bag, a coffee, and my dignity (barely).
Now I build in 15-minute buffers between everything.
Getting out the door? Buffer. Picking up groceries? Buffer. Transitioning from work to mom mode? BIG buffer.
It makes me feel less like a frazzled squirrel and more like a human.
9. Weekly Reset Rituals
Sunday night is my holy time.
I light a candle, put the kids to bed, and spend an hour doing my weekly reset:
- Look over next week’s calendar
- Plan meals + grocery list
- Prep outfits (mine and the kids’)
- Declutter hotspots (kitchen counter, dining table)
- Brain dump everything into my planner
It sets the tone for the week ahead—and helps me start Monday less chaotic, more confident.
10. Let Go of the “Perfectly Balanced” Myth
Here’s the truth, mama: balance isn’t a 50/50 split.
Some days I crush work goals and the kids have cereal for dinner. Other days I bake muffins with my toddler while my email inbox weeps.
The goal isn’t balance—it’s alignment.
What matters most to you gets your best time. The rest can wait.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Behind
If no one’s told you this lately:
You’re doing better than you think.
Time management for moms isn’t about fitting more into your day—it’s about making space for what matters most.
Give yourself grace. Take one thing at a time. And remember—this is a season. One day you’ll look back and realize you managed more than you thought possible, with love, grit, and a whole lot of coffee.
From one tired but determined mama to another—keep going. You’ve got this.
XO,
Jessica 💕
