As moms we carry heavy mental loads. Meal planning, sporting events, carpool, homework, swimming lessons, work, laundry, you name it. It’s essential to have a routine in place that helps to dismantle the mental clutter and decision fatigue. We know this looks different for every mom, and we encourage you to do what works best for you. Today, we are breaking down what it means to plan something once and repeat it often, as well as tips, tricks and tools for you to be able to stay consistent. Can we get a ‘Hooray!’
Why Repeating Routines Works
Routines aren’t just for kids (though kids do benefit from consistent routine!). Routines are essential for mom-brains to be able to soar on auto-pilot. Routines help cut through the mental load so that you’re not constantly thinking about what you might be forgetting or what’s next—you just know. Instead of spending energy each week deciding when to clean the bathrooms or meal plan, routines take those recurring tasks and lock them into your schedule so that nothing is missed and you’re not thinking about everything constantly. No more underlying tremor of ‘what am I missing?’ Sounds amazing, right?
Core Areas to Automate in Your Weekly Planner
Meal Planning: Pick one or two days a week to plan meals and create your grocery list. Bonus points if you carve out enough time to prep some food ahead during this time!
Laundry Days: Assign laundry to specific days. For example: kids’ clothes on Monday, towels on Wednesday, bedding on Friday.
Cleaning Schedule: Instead of a giant cleaning day break it up! Vacuum on Tuesdays, bathrooms on Thurdsays, etc…
Self-Care Time: This one is important! Schedule in time for YOU. If that means a weekly bubble bath or a 20-minute reading break after school drop off, then write it down. You deserve to be taken care of, too!
Kid Routines: You’ve got homework, bathtime, and bedtime prep—plan for them to happen at the same time each day as often as possible so it just becomes second nature.
**NOTE It’s important to remember that YOU are in charge of what works. As seasons change, so might the need for routines to adjust. If Sunday meal prep works for 6 months and then it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to allow yourself to switch things up for the current season that works.
How to Create a Weekly Routine that Sticks
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Start small. Pick 2–3 core areas to automate first. Don’t feel tempted to have to overhaul every area of your life right away.
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Assign consistent days. As much as you can, choose days that already flow naturally with your schedule and rhythm. (Don’t try to deep clean the same afternoon as soccer practice and don’t beat yourself up if it can’t all happen at once).
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Use your planner as your anchor. Whether it’s a weekly spread or a daily layout, plug your routines in like appointments! It helps to clear your mind knowing that all of your tasks have a place to go and won’t be forgotten!
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Make it visual. Use color coding, stickers, or highlighters to track recurring tasks at a glance. This not only helps you want to look at your planner, but it’s a fun and creative outlet that makes planning even more enjoyable!
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Loop in your family. It’s always a good idea to communicate your plan with the rest of those living in your house. This helps things to run smoothly as everyone is on the same page.
Tools to help you Stay Consistent
Planners
Sticky Notes
Family Command Center
Planner accessories that spark joy!
Weekly Meal Planner
Final Thoughts
Routines aren’t about being rigid—they’re about creating margin and mental space. When you are able to plan once, and repeat it often, you’ll spend less time scrambling and more time savoring the moments that matter most. It can also help to reduce guilt when you’re not doing a chore that you feel like needs to get done, because you know there’s a time and space for that! Want help getting started? Check out our line of beautiful mom-friendly planners designed to support your rhythm.
