Say goodbye to chaotic days and hello to a stress-free SAHM routine with the help of mini routines.
Hey there, momma! Are you wondering what mini routines are? You keep hearing about how you should break up your day into little mini routines, but what does that mean, exactly?
Mini routines are these super short and repeatable tasks that you can easily fit into your day.
They’re like little stepping stones to help you reach those bigger goals or routines. And let me tell you, they’re a total game-changer for SAHMs like us!
With all the craziness of taking care of the kids, keeping the house in order, and finding time for ourselves, these mini routines can seriously be a lifesaver. By adding these small, manageable routines to your day, you can totally take control of your schedule, reduce stress, and amp up your productivity.
So, in this blog post, we’re gonna dive into the whole concept of mini routines and how you can rock ’em in your daily SAHM routine.
Let’s do this! 💪🏼😄
What are Mini Routines?
Mini routines are consistent, brief tasks that you incorporate into your daily schedule. They are designed to be manageable and straightforward, requiring minimal time and effort to complete.
These are the small steps that contribute to bigger, more comprehensive routines and, ultimately, help you achieve your overall goals.
For instance, a mini routine could be as simple as making your bed as soon as you wake up, or spending 10 minutes every morning planning out your day. The beauty of mini routines is in their simplicity and flexibility.
They can fit into any part of your day and can be tailored to meet your unique needs and lifestyle. Not only do mini routines bring structure to your day, but they also boost your productivity and reduce stress by making your larger tasks feel more attainable.
Why is it Important to Use Mini Routines in Your Daily Sahm Schedule?
Adding mini routines to your daily SAHM schedule is super important because they bring a sense of predictability and order. Trust me, it’s good for both you and your kiddos! 😄
For us moms, mini routines help break down tasks, making them less overwhelming. They boost productivity too – small tasks get done quickly, and before you know it, you’re making progress on those big goals! 🙌
And let’s not forget the satisfaction of checking off tasks from our to-do list. It’s like a little morale boost that helps reduce stress. Can I get a “heck yeah!”?
Now, for the little ones, mini routines give them a sense of security and structure. Kids love routine because it helps them make sense of their world. When they know what to expect, they feel calmer and safer.
Plus, it’s a great way to teach them good habits and discipline from an early age.
By showing our mini routines to our kids, we’re also teaching them the importance of organization and time management. It’s a win-win situation, momma!
We manage our tasks better, and they develop important life skills. 😁
So, let’s embrace those mini routines and enjoy the benefits they bring! It’s all about making life easier and helping our little ones thrive.
Cheers to that! 🥂
How Do You Use Mini Routines in Your Stay at Home Mom Routine?
Incorporating mini routines into your stay-at-home-mom schedule is simple.
Start by identifying the most frequent tasks or those that often feel overwhelming. Break them down into manageable chunks, creating mini routines.
For example, instead of cleaning the entire house in one go, you could have a mini routine for each room or type of task (dusting, sweeping, etc).
Morning routines are a great place to start. You could create a mini routine that includes making the bed, preparing breakfast, and planning the day’s activities.
Similarly, develop a bedtime mini routine that could involve cleaning up toys, reading a bedtime story, and tucking in the kids.
There’s also room for personal care mini routines. This may include a quick workout, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness. Remember, your well-being is important too!
Don’t forget to adjust your mini routines based on your children’s needs and their age. Younger kids might need more hands-on care, while older ones could follow some mini routines on their own.
To make it more engaging, involve your children in the process. It can be a fun, educational activity that also helps foster their independence.
Lastly, be flexible. Life happens, and sometimes, our well-planned routines can be disrupted. That’s okay.
The goal of mini routines is to make life easier, not more stressful. So, adapt as necessary and remember to enjoy the journey!
The Mini Routines I Used in My Stay at Home Mom Schedule
I am excited to share the specific mini routines that played a pivotal role in my stay-at-home mom schedule. These practical and effective routines helped streamline my tasks, resulting in a more stress-free and organized day.
Let’s dive into the details:
- Morning Routine: When the boys were little, I woke up at the same time as they did. We’d snuggle on the rocking chair before starting our day.
- Breakfast Routine: After getting ready for the day, we moved to the kitchen where I prepared a healthy breakfast. We always make a point to eat together as a family, using this time to chat about our plans for the day.
- Cleaning Routine: Once breakfast was finished, I tidied up the kitchen and did my ‘morning chores’ while the kids played or read.
- Lunch Routine: Around noon, I prepared a simple, nutritious lunch. It was often just me and the twins home, so we’d watch a little show or play some kid songs while we ate.
- Nap Routine: Post-lunch, it’s nap time. I always read a few stories to help the kids wind down. While they slept, I used this time to work on my blog.
- Snack Routine: After nap time, I prepared a healthy snack. This usually involved fresh fruit or yogurt, and it was another opportunity for us to sit together and talk.
- Supper Routine: I started cooking supper early, involving the kids when I could. We focused on balanced meals, but I also tried to make food fun and engaging for them.
- Bath Routine: After supper, we often played outside again. And from there it was bath time. I used this time to help the kids relax and get ready for bed, often incorporating play and storytelling into the routine.
- Evening Routine: Every evening we read together, played a game, or watched a family movie.
- Bedtime Routine: To close the day, I tucked the kids into bed, turning down the lights and reading a story. It was a peaceful end to our busy days.
Remember, these routines are flexible and can be adjusted as per your family’s needs and lifestyle. The goal is to create a functional structure that makes each day more manageable and enjoyable.
What if My Child Refuses to Follow the Routine?
This is a common concern for many parents. Remember, it’s normal for children to resist routines at first. Be patient, consistent, and try to make activities fun and engaging. Over time, your child will start to see the routine as a normal part of their day.
How Flexible Can These Routines Be?
These routines are meant to be flexible and can be adjusted according to your family’s needs and lifestyle. For instance, if your child is not a morning person, you may want to adjust the routine so that more demanding activities are scheduled later in the day.
How Can I Involve My Child in the Cooking Process?
Depending on their age, there are several ways to involve children in cooking. Younger children can wash vegetables, pour ingredients into a bowl, or stir mixtures. Older children may be able to chop vegetables, measure ingredients, or even follow simple recipes with supervision.
What if My Children Don’t Nap During the Day?
If your children have outgrown their naps, consider introducing a ‘quiet time’ in the afternoon. This could involve reading, drawing, or other quiet, independent activities that give both you and your children a chance to rest and recharge.
What Kind of Activities Can I Do During the ‘Evening Routine’?
The evening routine is a great time to bond with your children. You could read a book together, play a board game, watch a family movie, or even go for a walk if the weather permits. The goal is to spend quality time together and wind down before bed.
At the End of the Day….
At the end of the day, what truly matters is the quality of time and experiences you share with your children.
It’s not about adhering strictly to a routine or achieving perfection in every task. Instead, it’s about creating an environment that encourages your little ones to explore, learn, and grow while feeling loved and secure.
Remember, routines should serve as guides, not rigid rules, ultimately dedicating your energy towards fostering a healthy, happy, and balanced lifestyle for your family.
Before You Go!
Before you go, don’t miss my post on chunking down your day using mini routines! It’s filled with practical tips and strategies to help you manage your day effectively while maintaining that balance between productivity and relaxation.
By breaking down your day into manageable ‘chunks,’ you can reduce stress, enhance focus, and make every day more rewarding. Check it out and start transforming your daily routines today!
More on Schedules & Routines
Three Signs That You Need a Better SAHM Routine
How to Create a SAHM Schedule + Free Printable Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule
How to Create The Best Morning Routine for Your Stay at Home Mom Schedule
How to Create Easy After School Routines Your Kids Will (Almost!) Love
The Happy SAHM: The Secret to Mastering the Daily Stay-at-Home Mom Schedule
