Time management and motherhood. How are they even in the same sentence?
Being a mom is like running a never-ending marathon—but you also have to be the coach, the water girl, and the cheering squad.
You are always rushing from one chore to another and never seem to have enough time. With your kids needing constant attention, household chores piling up, and that last-minute task your manager assigned, you need to juggle between everything and also find time for yourself.
Phew! Sounds impossible, right?
But you must get into the habit of time management in order to stay organised and find time to complete things that need your attention. Plus, it’s super important for your mental and physical well-being because it reduces unnecessary guilt and stress. Knowing how to manage time and balance everything ensures priorities like family bonding and self-care aren’t neglected, but family and professional commitments don’t go for a toss.
By using time wisely, you can carve out moments of peace, avoid burnout, and model healthy habits for your kids. Is it really possible?
Don’t worry. We have got you covered. Here are 11 super-relatable, mom-tested hacks to help you win back your time (and maybe even sneak in a coffee while it’s still hot).
1. Plan your day the night before
Before you collapse into bed, jot down tomorrow’s to-dos. Think quick: lunch prep? School run? Deadlines at work?
Pre-planning equals fewer surprises and helps you be better prepared for the next day. Set aside five minutes before sleep to jot them down on your phone or keep a diary on your bedside table. Personalise it in a way that you enjoy the process. It’s the simplest yet most effective way for time management because being prepared will not only help you save time but also utilise it in the most productive way.
P.S.: Tick off the things you completed for that additional kick needed for the next day to get you jotting down again!
2. Make lists
There is magical power in lists, so make them your BFF! Make it as detailed as you can so that you enjoy ticking off from the list. Think grocery lists, chore lists, office tasks, and even life lists, maybe too. Yes, make a list of all your dreams and things you want to do in life.
Keep them short and sweet, and don’t feel bad about not crossing things off—sometimes, life can be a little more challenging than the usual dosage!
3. Do things in batches
Do all similar tasks together. Laundry? All dirty clothes of the week in one shot. Meal prep? Knock it out for the week. Emails? Reply in one go instead of scattering replies throughout the day.
Yes, it’s possible to do similar tasks in batches, and the joy of being ready for the week in one go—pure bliss!
The thing about time management is that it doesn’t create additional time like some magic, but it definitely helps you manage it better.
4. Automate everything boring
Put technology to use to make life better for you. You shouldn’t have to worry about everything, and there are technologies that can make life a lot simpler than you can imagine.
Set bills to auto-pay, schedule deliveries, and use apps to remind you of birthdays so you can avoid last-minute panics (and guilt).
5. Have a “go bag” ready
A super fun but realistic time management trick? Prepare a “go bag” for yourself.
We are always complaining about how we cannot find the right things at the right time or how we end up forgetting something important because of the last-minute rush. It’s madness every time, but it is also true that we can simplify the process and avoid time crunch.
Keep a stocked bag by the door for the park, a playdate, or a quick errand—diapers, snacks, water bottles, medicines, a spare wallet, basically everything you need for your survival.
6. Limit screen time
For not just yourself but also your kids. Kids glued to screens = less chaos now but more crankiness later. You will find yourself having more time within those “never enough 24 hours” and be better at time management.
Stick to screen time rules and watch your kids rediscover the art of independent play (hallelujah!). Read this blog to learn more about how you can encourage independent play.
7. The timer trick
How about you beat time management with time? We are serious. Giving yourself a specific time for every task can be a great way to manage and manipulate time in your favour.
Set a timer for tasks. “20 minutes to tidy the kitchen” and “1 hour nonstop for the client deliverable” sounds doable, right? Racing the clock can turn boring chores into a mini-game.
8. Create a family calendar
Wanna have a secret weapon at your service for better time management? Not only will you have an upper hand, but you will also have your family synced to your time tune.
Create a family calendar that no one can outrun! You will see that you and your family have more time on hand as things are getting done on time.
Hang a big, visible calendar for everyone to see. Colour code it (because who doesn’t love a good highlighter?). It will avoid all the “Mom, you didn’t tell me!” drama.
9. Do the 2-min thing first
The fun thing about setting rules when setting them for yourself is that you can make them as flexible as you want. Sometimes, the things that take up the least time end up making us madder than the bigger ones.
If something takes less than 2 minutes (replying to a text, loading the dishwasher), do it first. Small wins add up fast and end up giving you greater peace of mind. Plus, you will have more things ticked off at the end of the day, which itself is an excellent motivator for time management.
10. Say no more often
Learn to say “Sorry, not this time” or “Sorry, I am a little occupied right now” more often. And learn to say it without any guilt. The thing about time is that it isn’t going to treat you any special, so instead of complaining that you do not have enough time, free up your existing time. Choose things that matter and are aligned with your needs, goals, and commitments. Stop saying yes to anything and everything.
Sometimes, we feel guilty if we have to say no, but that shouldn’t be. Your time is precious, and you don’t owe everyone a “yes.”
Better time management and finding time for things that matter isn’t impossible if you say no to things that don’t matter.
11. Delegate
You’re NOT a superhero (though you kinda are). But you do not have to be available all the time and do everything yourself. There are many things that do not require your presence or participation. Delegate them and delegate like a queen.
Let your partner, kids, or even Alexa handle some tasks. You can assign age-appropriate chores to your kids—these are life skills training disguised as help!
Read this blog to learn how to teach basic life skills to your children.
Learning and executing better time management often involves practicing the simplest things and completing tasks in a simple way.
Quick tip: Create a “Mom Command Centre”
This command centre will be a dedicated space in your home that can act like a headquarter (fun, right?). Turn a small section or corner of your home into your control station, where you can do the following for fun and motivation.
- Planning: Do your weekly planning for meals, activities, and must-do tasks here.
- Tracking: You can assign and track tasks for progress for everyone in the family, including you. This can be a fun weekly game for you and your family.
- Drop zone: Drop all your essentials here: a hook for keys, a bin for mail, a spot for backpacks, etc. It’s a fun time management strategy.
- Inspiration board: Add uplifting quotes or family goals for a personal touch and inspiration.
- Self-care: Yes, YOU MATTER. Use this space where you prioritise yourself and do something just for yourself — 10 minutes of journaling, a face mask, reading a book, watching a movie, or stretching. Do whatever suits you.
Read this blog to learn about 14 quick and fun self-care tips for mums.
Time management doesn’t have to be serious. Turn managing time into a favour for yourself. You must understand that making time for yourself is about focusing on what truly matters: making life smoother, happier, and more balanced for the entire family. When you are less stressed, everything and everyone else are bound to be happier.
Bonus: Celebrate the small wins! The kids are fed, dressed, and (mostly) clean? That’s a win! Didn’t forget school picture day this year? High five! You’re doing amazing, even on the tough days.
Final thoughts
Dear Mama, good time management isn’t about doing everything or doing it at all—it’s about doing what matters most to you and your family in the best possible way.
Some days, you’ll crush it. On other days, survival is enough. And that’s okay! It is your time and your life. So, strategise your time in a way that suits you. Everything else is secondary.
Some common FAQs broken down for moms
Q: How can I stop feeling overwhelmed by my daily to-do list?
A: Break tasks into smaller steps, focus on one thing at a time, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
Q: How do I manage time better with a newborn or toddler at home?
A: Create a flexible routine, plan around nap times, and prioritize tasks that are most important each day.
Q: What’s the best way to handle unexpected disruptions in my schedule?
A: Stay flexible, have a backup plan, and focus on what can still be accomplished instead of stressing over the disruption.
Q: Is it possible to balance work, kids, and personal time effectively?
A: Yes, with proper planning, setting boundaries, and learning to say no to unnecessary commitments, balance is achievable.
Q: How do I find time for self-care while managing a busy family life?
A: Prioritize self-care as part of your routine, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, to recharge and stay productive.
Q: What are some tips for meal planning to save time?
A: Plan meals weekly, prepare ingredients in advance, and consider batch cooking to save time during busy days.
Q: How can I teach my kids to respect my time?
A: Set clear boundaries, explain why your time is valuable, and model good time management habits they can learn from.