Hey friends! Today’s post is a little different from my usual frugal living and meal planning tips. Instead, I’m sharing a few simple things I’ve started doing as a mom of five that have made my daily life so much easier. These are just little routines or habits (aka mom hacks) that have been total game-changers, and I thought it might be fun—and helpful—to pass them along.
Let’s jump in!
Preview video? Watch my video mom hacks video here!
1. Morning Quiet Time for Toddlers
When my toddlers start dropping that morning nap (usually around 15–18 months), I don’t completely get rid of that time. Instead, I transition it into a quiet time—still in their crib—with a few books and a toy, and usually an apple for a snack.
My almost 2-year-old, Danny, loves this routine. Every morning around 10 AM, he asks for his apple. I slice it up, put it in a little cup, and he heads to his crib with some board books and a toy. He’s usually content for a good 30 to 45 minutes which gives me a small break to homeschool the older kids or do a read-aloud with a little less distraction.
It might not work for everyone, but for us it’s been a super helpful routine.
2. Quiet Learning Time for Big Kids
This one is a newer habit, and I love it. After we’ve done some school for the day, I’ll gather the kids and tell them to each pick a “learning book”—think biographies, fun science books, or even historical graphic novels (thank you, library!)
We all read silently for 15 minutes, and then we go around and share something we learned. Even I get to enjoy this time by reading a parenting book or something I’ve been meaning to dive into. It’s such a calming reset in the middle of our day and the kids all enjoy sharing something they’ve learned at the end of the time.
3. Grocery Pickup = Game Changer
I’ve been doing grocery pickup since 2019 and I’m never going back. It’s definitely one of my favorite mom hacks as a mom of five!
Being able to order groceries ahead of time and just swing by to grab them is amazing. It saves me time and brain space. (Note: I choose to do pickup instead of ordering for delivery since pickup is still completely free at many stores.)
Yes, sometimes the produce isn’t perfect or an item is missing, but the pros outweigh the cons for me. Highly recommend if you’re not already using it!
4. Waking Up Before the Kids
This was a hard one for me, but I finally got into the habit this year—and wow, it makes such a difference. I started off by sending an accountability text at 6:00 AM to a friend every weekday for three months. It helped me stay consistent, and now I don’t need the texts because I’ve established the habit.
That quiet hour before the kids are up gives me time to read my Bible, exercise, get dressed, or start on work. It sets the tone for the whole day and is honestly just so helpful! I’m really thankful to have finally established this habit.
5. My Walking Pad: Multitasking Win
I got a walking pad this year and I’m obsessed. It slides under the bed, so I just pull it out in the morning and hop on. I walk while reading, editing videos, or doing other tasks—and I’m hitting my step goals (usually 7,000+ per day) very consistently.
We used to have a treadmill in the garage, but this is so much more convenient. Total win! Here’s the one I have.
6. Daily 4:00 PM Cleanup Time
As a homeschool family, we’re home all day, which means the house gets messy fast. (Seriously, SO fast haha.) So every day at 4:00 PM 0r right around there I have the kids stop whatever they’re doing and clean up the house.
It’s not always everyone’s favorite moment (is cleaning up ever a favorite moment with kids?) but having a set time makes a big difference because at least the kids know it’s coming.
It’s super helpful to have the house feeling at least a little more put together before dinner and the rest of the evening activities.
7. Doing the Dishes Every Night (Finally!)
This one took me years to stick with consistently (I’m embarrassed to admit that!), but now I don’t go to bed without the kitchen cleaned. It just feels so much better to start the day with a clean kitchen instead of waking up to a pile of dirty dishes.
It’s not always perfect—sometimes a pot stays in the sink—but I at least run the dishwasher and get most everything washed. A lot of times I’ll do the kitchen clean up while Pablo plays with the kids (although they do have their chores of cleaning off the table and sweeping.) I’ll eventually assign the kids to help with the dishes, but I actually enjoy that quiet wind-down time.
8. The Penny Reward System
We recently brought back something we used to do: a penny reward system! (I originally got the idea from the blog M is for Mama.) When I catch the kids doing something helpful or kind without being asked (like jumping up to do a chore cheerfully), I tell them to grab a penny and put it in their cup.
On the weekend, we do a “penny sale” where they can trade in their pennies for small prizes—stickers, candy, erasers, or little toys like matchbox cars. Even my 10-year-old gets excited about it!
The best part? It helps me focus on catching good behavior, not just correcting the bad stuff. It’s a sweet way to stay more intentional and encouraging with my kids.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is a wonderful, wild ride and I’ll always have more to learn. But, these simple routines and habits have helped bring more peace, joy, and structure to our days—and that’s a big deal in a busy home with five kids.
If you try any of these mom hacks, or if you have a tip that’s been a lifesaver for you, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Looking for more simple mom hacks? Check out this post next!
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