Motherhood can be overwhelming, especially for new moms. How can you get things done when you have these little humans who needs constant care? Where do you even start? Well, the good news is that you can be a productive homemaker even when all of your kids are home every day. With some simple, intentional planning you can get things done and feel human again.😉
Overcoming overwhelm
When you think about everything that needs to get done in a day things can very quickly become overwhelming. A kitchen sink overflowing with dishes, mountains of laundry that needs to be washed and folded, crumbs and dirt all over the floor that needs to be swept…
It can get really hard to get things done when all you see around you are tasks to be completed. Now add kids, toddlers and baby’s to the mix.
You get the picture.
It can be very tempting to start resenting the role of mother and homemaker. If this is you, go over and read this.
Hopefully with the tips I’ll share in a moment you won’t get to this point of overwhelm and mental breakdown often, hopefully very rarely. Know that even the most experienced homemakers still struggle on occasion. We will all go through seasons of our lives where we are capable of more and less. Pregnancy certainly posses a challenge to all of us mothers, for example.
Tips on how to be a productive homemaker
Start everyday with a plan
This can be a written plan or one you keep in your mind. If you are just starting on your productivity journey I recommend you write down a daily plan. Once you’ve established a routine you can get a little more lax on a written schedule.
When you write down what you expect to happen for every hour of the day it helps you realize how much time you really have. This will help you know when will be the best time/day to do larger projects, like canning up some homegrown produce, or making a batch of soap.
Adding in the meals you plan to make that day also reduces your stress and keeps you organized. Is today going to be a busy day? Alright, crockpot meal. Do you have more time at home? Okay, a nice roast chicken will do perfect then.
There’s nothing like a dinner rush when you come to realize your ingredients are frozen or MIA. So, plan in advance. You’ll thank yourself for it later.
Make a short, 2-3 item, to do list every day. This will only include the priority tasks that must get done that day. For example, one day’s priorities might be to exercise, wash the sheets, and make a batch of yogurt.
Don’t make yourself a long list of to do’s, especially not menial tasks that you do almost without thinking.
Homemaking is work, you need to prepare for it like you would any professional job. Being a productive homemaker is attainable, you just need to have a plan.
Focus on one task at a time
When you don’t know where to begin, your brain is foggy and muddled with baby brain (does that ever go away?), pick one task only and set a timer.
By focusing on one thing you allow yourself to be free from all your other responsibilities for a moment. Setting the timer gives your mind the peace of knowing you won’t have to spend hours at this task. You’ll be able to rest as soon as that timer goes off.
This is especially helpful if you are fatigued or lack motivation. Exhibit A, pregnant mama 😂
Even if you haven’t finished the task when the timer goes off at least you’ve made progress. You’d be surprised how much you can get done in fifteen uninterrupted, focused minutes.
Nap time/quiet time every day
I know you love your kids, but the constant repeated conversations and rambunctious energy can be draining. Plus, it’s nice to be able to hear your own thoughts from time to time.
Every day around the same time make it a habit for your kids to be quiet and leave you alone, unless it’s an emergency of course. If the weather is nice, send the kids outside. Otherwise, train them to play in their room for an hour or so. Let them flip through some picture books or you can give them some craft to work on.
Pencil and paper are more than enough to keep a child entertained for hours. They also love playdough and paints but expect to clean up a decent sized mess afterwards.
If this seems harsh, know that your kids will benefit from the time to be creative and use their imaginations. This is also a lot easier if you have multiple kids around the same ages. Those kids will become each other’s best friends if you give them the space.
Do not give in to the temptation to stick your kids in front of cocomelon or some other mind numbing “children’s entertainment”. It’s okay to let them watch a movie you’ve vetted from time to time. We watch some show together as a family basically every day. However, screen time should be a small fraction of your kids day.
Giving yourself and your kids this quiet time will allow you to get some things done. You’ll feel refreshed when it’s time for your kids to come inside or wake up from their naps. You’ll be able to be the present, patient, productive homemaker and mother you want to be.
Prioritize your husband
The evenings are usually the only time in the day that you can spend some quality time with your spouse. Let your kids know that they aren’t to come out of their room after a certain time unless it’s a bathroom trip or an emergency.
That evening time is so important to help you wind down from the day, clean up, and actually talk with your husband.
Don’t let your kids interrupt a conversation you are having with any adult, but especially your husband. This teaches them to respect and be considerate of your time. It also teaches them that you and your husband are a team, that you two love each other and respect one another.
You and your spouse are the backbone of your family, you must prioritize your marriage over the wants of your kids. (Needs will always be met, obviously.) Parents who love each other is the greatest gift your children will ever have.
Knowing that your husband will support and help you as you work to make your house a home is a great blessing in itself. Knowing that he will be there to pick up the slack when you aren’t feeling well is a huge gift. This support helps you work towards your goal of being a productive homemaker.
Don’t take him for granted. He works hard to allow you to stay home and raise your kids. Love him with your whole being.
Don’t agree to things you don’t have time for
This is especially true for any mother who is in a cycle of overwhelm. As women we tend to be more agreeable and we can find it hard to say no when we are asked to do something.
However, if taking on a certain responsibility would take you away from your home and family, especially when you are already overwhelmed, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you are asked to take on a volunteer position in your community or church take the time to really think through what that would look like for you.
If all you see is more stress, chaos, and running around like a chicken with its head cut off, just say no. Once you’ve developed a good rhythm and feel like you’re finally a productive homemaker, then you can start adding more to your plate.
You don’t have to do it all
No one has a perfect home that’s sparkly clean all the time. Especially not if you have kids, those loveable tornado’s.
Prioritize what needs to get done first, and then start working on something else. Again, don’t do more than one task at a time! You’ll quickly tire yourself out and end up feeling like you’ve accomplished nothing.
If you go to bed one night and the floors still need sweeping, oh well. At least the table and counter are clean and there will be clean dishes for breakfast in the morning.
Enlist your kids help
As your kids grow, teach them to start pitching in with the work at home. Even a toddler can learn how to pick up toys, throw away trash, and unload the dishes.
My littlest man loves helping me pull things out of the dishwasher, which can be a struggle when I’m trying to fill it 😂
Kids contribute to the mess, they need to learn how to contribute to the cleaning. We are not raising moochers. We are raising up our children to be responsible adults and that starts at home.
Have a hobby
You need to have something you love outside of raising your kids and homemaking. Allowing yourself to be creative and develop your skills will help you feel more rejuvenated and able to pour into your family.
It’s also good for kids to see your love of learning. Your kids will see your creativity and it will excite them to create more as well.
Get adequate rest
It almost feels like a whole new day starts after the kids go to bed. It’s tempting to want to stay up all night finally doing the things you want. However, staying up too late will only set yourself up for a bad day tomorrow. We are all less patient and grumpier when we are tired. You will also struggle getting through the basic tasks of the day. You won’t have the energy to get the things you need and want done.
Try to make it a point to not stay up too late.
The amount of rest you’ll be able to get will vary depending on the season of life you are in. You will be more tired and sleep deprived with a newborn than a one year old for example. Simply do the best you can with the situation you’re in.
You can still be a productive homemaker even if you need to scale down how much you do each day.
You can be a productive homemaker
Homemaking is work, it can be hard and physically demanding. But this is your family, your husband and kids, if you won’t show up for them then for who?
Practice everyday to become a better homemaker. Implement some of the tips I’ve listed above and see if they help you.
What things do you find help you to be more productive? Tips from other seasoned mothers are always welcome.
What area’s are you struggling with right now? I promise you’re not alone in those struggles.
Mom life can be challenging and we should all strive to encourage and support each other through this journey.
Happy homemaking!
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