Experienced moms know a thing or two. Picky eaters? Screen time squabbles? Managing messes? There’s a trick for that. We spoke with area moms to get some of their best hacks for making motherhood easier.
Dr. Amy Waters, Mom to Lydia and Logan
Mercy Health
- I have a great Mom hack to make life easier. Crock pot! One of the simplest things I can do that helps keep my evening routine running smoothly. The best crock pot recipes are the ones that you can prep at night, stick in the refrigerator, and plug and go the next morning.
Angela Ondrus, Toledo Mom to daughters Melody and Tristyn
Owner of Custom Comfort Cuisine
- Food prep is key! Prepping a couple of big meals, a veggie tray and snacks for after school prevents tantrums and those darn overreactions. I’m talking about us parents as well!
- Have a kid who refuses to get dressed in the morning? Have them sleep in the clothes for the next day, or have them pick out what they want to wear the night before.
- Have a picky eater that won’t eat vegetables or anything green? After you cook them, blend them up and mix into sauces, soups. Also, there are protein and vegetable pastas. Kids love those noodles.
- Get outside! Fresh air and exercise helps everyone stay in a good mood. A simple walk around the block will get everyone smiling.
- Get off your phone. They notice! Set a tech free time every day. Be present and mindful. Monkey see, monkey do. Kids having your complete attention gives comfort and strengthens closeness.
- Normalize apologies. Everyone has to learn how to be humble.
- Most importantly, be patient. Be patient with your kids, be patient with your partner, be patient with yourself. We’re all learning.
Narges Barefoot, Mom to Sophie and Christian
Owner, Crisp Olive
- My hacks all revolve around organization, from schedules to meals. I tend to thrive in systems, especially when circumstances change, so I’ve learned to make them as I go. It usually takes some effort and time, but once it’s done, it’s always worth it.
- I make dinner almost every night. I have a somewhat fixed plan for my grocery list, days and times of the day I go. I try to stick to it as much as I can, but we all know life with kids needs flexibility. In the same manner, I have a somewhat routine for meals based on what my kiddos like to eat, what’s easy and healthy. I also try to stack errands. On grocery days, for example, I try to get as much done in one trip as I can.
Once you have a formula to follow and know what to expect, it makes it much easier to use your day productively, plan and make things happen. That’s how I’ve been able to design and develop my line of stationery and gifts from my laundry/studio at home!
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Jillian Salas, Mom to Lola and Mateo
Teacher, Bedford Public Schools
Some things that keep our morning routine easier:
- When we get home from school, we spend 5-10 minutes reorganizing, putting things in the sink to be washed, emptying our folders, and repacking our snacks.
- Before going to bed at night, we try to reset. Making sure dishes and countertops are cleaned up so the next morning we don’t start with a messy area.
- Staggering the kids shower night so that they are not all on the same night.
Heather Frye, Mom to Lana, Jameson, and Wrenlynn
Owner, Fit Mamas 419
One of my favorite time-saving hacks right now is using ChatGPT to figure out meals. Instead of staring into the fridge with no plan, I just plug in what I have and let it do the thinking for me. Here’s exactly what to copy+ paste:
“I’m a busy mom and need quick meal ideas. I have (list ingredients). Give me 3-5 simple, family-friendly meals I can make with this. Keep them easy, under 30 minutes, and include basic instructions.”
You can also add things like: “My kids are picky”, “High Protein”, “Budget-friendly”.
It seriously cuts down on decision fatigue and makes dinner feel way less overwhelming.
- Create repeatable routines instead of daily decisions. We rotate the same breakfasts, keep school lunches simple and consistent, and follow a general weekly rhythm. It cuts down on decision fatigue and makes busy days feel way more manageable. It may seem boring but it helps.
- Lower the bar, but keep the standard. Not everything has to be done perfectly, but a few key things get done daily. This mindset has helped me stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed.
- The house isn’t spotless, but we do a quick nightly reset. Dinner isn’t fancy, but everyone is fed.
- I don’t get hours of uninterrupted time, but I use small pockets to get things done. It’s less about doing everything, and more about doing what matters consistently.
