Mom Hacks for Daily Ease

By Camile Jené

Yesterday, I woke up to fatigue. No, not your regular just dragging that coffee can fix. The overtired feeling that does not get quenched by a regular night of sleep. Yes, that! Pure exhaustion. I felt like I needed a nap. All. Day!

But that’s a dream for empty nesters. As a mother of young children, there’s no all-day naps unless on a personal, kid free vacation or a planned weekend at Grandmother’s. So, I had to break out my supermom ninja tricks in order to brave the day because children do not take time off.

Mom hack number 1: Yes-spaces. 

Yes-spaces are essential to a mom’s peace. These spaces are available for your child to roam freely without having to worry about them getting hurt by chemicals or dangerous object, and staying out of your no-no items. If you like, you can sit back, relax and even rest your eyes for a second but the point is you do not have to worry about danger or having to move things. The sockets are covered, entrances are child proofed as well, and there are enough toys and non-breakables to keep your child entertained without you having to constantly hover. Yes, to yes-spaces. 

For years I didn’t have a yes space and the stress of not having things properly locked down wore on me in a way I hadn’t even realized. The relief that a yes-space offers is priceless.

Mornings can be pretty exciting and a bit hectic. This hack saves the time of a sit-down breakfast but your car will not thank you for this mom hack. But I’d rather and unhappy car than hangry children any day.

Mom hack number 2: Portable breakfast

• baked oatmeal (I recently got the tip to put these in a muffin tin! It’s even better than baking a large pan and cutting into bars. And less crumbs)
• Pigs in a blanket
• Breakfast sandwich with eggs, cheese and bacon
• Waffles (folded like a sand which. Hold the syrup)

These work for us. We pair one of the options above with a piece of fruit or a yogurt smoothie. 

Food is important in our home as my next tip also has to do with food. Time to educatie the children, run successful businesses, and relax (it’s essential for productivity), is also important. Time management and dispersing my energy wisely is essential.

Mom hack number 3: Cook once per day

This has saved me on those days where I’m too tired at the end of the day. Too many times we have eaten fast food instead of a home cooked meal because I needed something quick. 

Cooking dinner either completely or the main dish while I cook breakfast or lunch has helped me ensure that my kids get a healthy meal at dinner time. 

If you prepare lunches at night or before work, you can start something in your crock pot right before you get started. Anything to maximize time at the end of the day is helpful. 

Those 3 hacks have saved me sanity and time each week for years.

Whether you incorporate these or other mom-hacks such as meal-prep or chore charts, implement ideas that will help your home work for you.