Are you sneaking away from your children to catch a breather? Maybe you’ve found solace in the nursery, pretending to respond to work emails on your phone while your little one peacefully sleeps in your arms. Or perhaps you’re hiding from a toddler who has turned nap time into a chaotic puzzle piece installation on the floor. With deadlines looming, meals to prepare, and storybooks waiting to be read, you might have found yourself Googling “how to be an organized mom.”
While I wish I could offer you the secrets to maintaining serenity as a multitasking mom—whether you’re staying at home, working from home, or just feeling overwhelmed—I’m currently navigating my own chaotic week and don’t claim to be a role model of organization. I’m just a mom to three energetic kids, who often serves gourmet peanut butter sandwiches as dinner. My response to their countless requests? “I’m doing my best!” Yet, I frequently question if that’s truly enough.
So, instead of providing you with “10 Tips for a Blissfully Organized Week,” I’ll share what not to do, hoping it helps you find your own path to contentment:
- Don’t toss laundry onto the couch in a tangled heap. Just kidding. You can do that—but don’t forget to wash your own clothes! One morning, you might find yourself sifting through a mountain of laundry, only to discover there’s not a single pair of clean underwear left.
- Avoid exclaiming in frustration, “Is that mud or dog poop on your sister’s blanket?” Or my personal favorite: “Did the Lego you pulled from the toilet land in before or after it was used?” This kind of talk only invites a chorus of giggles and poop jokes, and believe me, no one is really listening. Pro tip: Close your windows first.
- Refrain from sustaining yourself solely on chips and salsa. Mix in some coconut flour and hemp hearts, if you dare. If you’re unsure how to use them, toss them in the blender for a smoothie you’ll likely forget to drink while calming a toddler upset about “crumbly” oatmeal.
- Don’t expect to finish all your tasks during nap time. The moment you think you’ve got this under control, your children will conspire against naptime.
- Don’t rely on early mornings for productivity. If you think setting an alarm will let you get everything done before your kids wake, think again. See lesson four.
- Avoid the temptation to stay up late to meet deadlines. This might work occasionally, but the next day will be a struggle. You’ll wake up exhausted, digging through laundry for clean clothes, while trying to deal with a toddler’s oatmeal meltdown.
- Don’t try to take a quick 90-second nap on the floor. Your kids will see this as a green light to jump off the couch onto you or unearth hidden markers to redecorate the living room, despite misplacing their toys all day long.
- Don’t believe that dragging all three kids to the library will excuse your overdue fees. Standing there and rambling about sleep regression won’t likely sway the librarian into waiving your $42 bill.
- Avoid meditative moments on a public toilet. It may seem like a great idea, but your crafty little one might just unlock that stall door, leaving you exposed.
- Most importantly, don’t underestimate the freedom that comes from accepting imperfection. Your kids only bathed three times this week? Studies suggest you’re helping preserve their natural microbiome. Breakfast of Cheerios and dinner of Rice Krispies? At least they’re getting calcium from that organic soymilk they’re slurping up. And if you spend time giggling on the floor instead of conducting Pinterest-worthy science experiments, you’re doing just fine.
So what’s the real key to a peaceful week? Embrace your circus, cherish your little monkeys, and let the rest of the chaos slide under the rug—though it could use a good vacuuming.
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Summary: Parenting is a chaotic journey, often accompanied by messes, stress, and moments of self-doubt. Embracing imperfection and recognizing that not everything needs to be perfect can lead to a more fulfilling experience as a mom. By understanding what not to do, you can navigate this wild ride with a bit more ease and humor.