Create the PERFECT Routine for Busy Moms Like You

Today we’re going beyond the basics. Instead of just talking about routines in general, we’re diving deep into how to build a system that truly works for YOUR situation. 

In my common mistakes article, we talked about how one of the biggest mistakes moms make with routines is trying to schedule every minute of their day. But let’s be honest—life isn’t predictable. So how do you actually create flexible routines? The key is to build your routines around non-negotiables instead of rigid timelines.

What Are Non-Negotiables?

Non-negotiables are the key actions that always have to get done, without exception, to keep your household running smoothly. These aren’t necessarily tied to an exact time, but they help create a structure that ensures everything that’s important gets done—no matter how busy or chaotic your day ends up being.

Your non-negotiables might include:

• Morning essentials, like getting yourself and your kids ready. Getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and so on.
• A non-negotiable around mealtimes is feeding everyone, even if the timing varies, or making sure kids are served at least one serving of fruits and vegetables at each meal.
• Household chores such as going to bed with an empty sink, having kids help with cleaning up toys at least once a day, or wiping down countertops after dinner.
• Non-negotiables for the kids’ evening routine might be taking a bath, getting pajamas on, and working through their bedtime routine.
• You could incorporate self-care non-negotiables like working out, getting outside every day, or reading something you enjoy or that fills your cup. Something just for you that helps you be a better mom and wife.
• Ensuring bags are packed for school, lunches are ready, and everyone has what they need for the next day

Create a checklist of all of your non-negotiables and work through it so you don’t forget something. I’m a twin mom and my son was about two and a half when my twin girls were born. After my maternity leave, it was a huge adjustment going back to work and getting everything ready for myself and three young kids. I literally had a full page checklist on the fridge with everything I needed to do and pack for work each day! Having a checklist of those non-negotiable items helped make sure I had everything I needed without having to think about it.

As you’re coming up with your non-negotiables, you’ll find that most of them will fit really well into a specific part of the day, which allows you to create routines that help you get everything done without it being too rigid. Non-negotiables are the key to creating flexible routines that work for you.

Applying Non-Negotiables to Different Mom Lifestyles

Let’s talk about how non-negotiables work for different types of moms.

Working Moms (9-5 Job Outside the Home)

For working moms, your biggest challenge is getting everything done in a short window before and after work. Here are some tips to help make routines work better for you: Streamline your morning routine by prepping the night before—lay out clothes, pack lunches, and set up a grab-and-go breakfast station. Prioritize an evening routine for dinner, quick cleanup, family time, and getting ready for the next day. On the weekends, batch household chores & meal prep to lighten your weekday load. Use your time in the car for bonding time with your kids or for personal development, like listening to audiobooks

Stay-at-Home Moms

If you’re a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to feel like your day is never-ending, with no clear structure. For your situation, you can divide your day into blocks like Morning, Midday, Afternoon, and evening with non-negotiables anchoring each section. You can create theme days like Laundry Monday or Errand Wednesday to simplify planning. Don’t forget to schedule personal breaks! Even 15 minutes of alone time can reset your energy. Incorporate independent play time for your kids so you can accomplish tasks while they entertain themselves. This is a really important skill that kids need, but it has to be intentionally cultivated.

Shift-Working Moms

If you’re a mom who does shift-work, such as nursing, traditional routines can feel difficult to maintain. You’re definitely going to want a flexible routine that works for your schedule. Adjust non-negotiables to fit outside of your work hours. For example, you may need two different morning routines. One for work days when you need to wake up and get out the door early, and one for when you’re home and have more time, but don’t want to have a completely unstructured day. Use meal prepping and batch cooking so your family always has food ready, no matter when you're working.

Homeschooling Moms

If you’re a homeschool mom, balancing teaching, housework, and personal time can feel overwhelming without a solid structure. Use routines to create designated times for lessons, hands-on activities, and independent work. Give kids a schedule to follow with a checklist so that they can help take responsibility for their learning. Plan a midday reset for tidying up, having a snack, and mentally recharging before afternoon activities. You can even utilize co-op groups or online classes to add variety and give yourself a break.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your situation, being a busy mom can feel overwhelming. We’re all managing a lot! In my next article, I'm going to share with you the routines that we’re working on perfecting and being consistent with in our home right now. These routines help us get things done, save us time, and make our home run more smoothly. So make sure you read my next article!