As you have more children (if you so chose) the days get more and more hectic. I realize that now as a mother of 3, I have very unproductive days. Of course, once in a while those lazy days are wonderful and restorative but if all your days were lazy days it really starts to take a toll on your mental health.
I remember reading that people are made to work, to do, to take action because the doing gives purpose and motivation. Now, don’t get me wrong, motherhood is the hardest of doings but if you know, you know what I am trying to say. Some days I am in my pajamas all day and other days I realize that I haven’t showered in almost a week. The days really get away from you. The days are busy and full but it feels like we’ve not done much at all. So as you mature as a parent, there are 3 habits that every mom should build into her morning routine.
Here are three powerful habits every mom should incorporate into her morning routine for a smoother, more productive day.
1. Set Aside Time for Yourself
I like to remind myself that I am not just a mom. Although my identity as a mother is a huge part of who I am now, I am also more than that. Before diving into the demands of the day, I like to spend at least 10-15 minutes on something just for me. I would encourage you to do the same. This could include:
- Meditation or mindfulness exercises to center your thoughts.
- Journaling to reflect on your goals, emotions, or even gratitude.
- A quick workout or stretch to boost your energy.
Starting with a moment for yourself can help you feel more grounded and ready to tackle the day. Such an important step to add to your morning routine.

Why It Matters:
Starting your day with self-care helps you recharge and approach your responsibilities with a calm, focused mind.
There were many days when adjusting to my 3rd child in the newborn stage, a toddler and a 5 year old, I felt like I was right on the edge of having a freak out. If my kids did something that all kids do, sometimes I could lose myself and yell but other times I go the other way and approach them with understanding and love.
I found that mindfulness exercises helped the most in my morning routine. Reminding myself repeatedly that “I am thankful for my children” and that “my children are learning”, and the classic one I bet you have heard before, “they are not giving me a hard time but they are having a hard time”.
Have you heard that athletes at the top of their game or anyone who excels in their profession, do a mindfulness exercise called intention setting before a big game or performance. They visualize themselves getting that goal, performing that show. They do visualization meditations of them achieving what they set out to do. It could also be a mantra they repeat out loud to themselves. For example, “I will make this goal” etc.
Now this sounds all good and dandy but how can we make this possible? Here are some practical tips:
- Wake Up 15 Minutes Earlier: Set your alarm slightly earlier than your household. Use this uninterrupted time to prioritize yourself.
- Create a Ritual: Choose one activity that brings you joy or relaxation—whether it’s sipping tea while journaling, meditating, or following a short yoga flow.
- Digital Detox: Avoid checking your phone during this time. Let your mind wake up naturally without the distractions of social media or emails.
Example Routine:
- 5 minutes of deep breathing or meditation.
- 10 minutes of stretching or journaling.
2. Plan Your Day
This one may seem, “meh” but planning your day can help so much because sometimes things can fall through the cracks of the day when you’re attending to your children. Take a few minutes, as part of your morning routine, to outline your top priorities:
- Make a to-do list that balances family and personal tasks.
- Use a planner or app to schedule important events, even setting reminders for meals, kids’ activities, or self-care.

Having a plan helps reduce decision fatigue and ensures the most important tasks get done. I like to review the calendar the day before so I have an idea of all the events of the day. Now that my kids have extracurriculars on top of school, our days can look super chaotic and hard to keep on top of. Reviewing the day before also allows you to discuss important things with your partner or other adults that might be helping you with your day.
Why It Matters:
A clear plan reduces stress and keeps you organized, especially when juggling family, work, and personal tasks.
Practical Tips:
- Use a Planner or App: Tools like Google Calendar or a simple bullet journal can help you keep track of appointments, chores, and goals. Our family uses a family calendar!
- Identify Top Priorities: List 2-3 non-negotiable tasks for the day. Include personal goals (like exercise) and family responsibilities (school pickups, meal prep).
- Prepare the Night Before: Lay out clothes, prep lunch boxes, and review your schedule to minimize morning chaos.
Example Routine:
- Review your top three tasks over coffee.
- Double-check your family’s schedule and plan accordingly (I like to do this the night before).
3. Connect with Your Kids
Build in time for positive interactions with your children. A friend of mine who broke the threshold of 3 kids before I did, said that she and her husband try to give each of their children at least 10 minutes of uninterrupted quality intentional time. I really love that. Ten minutes might not seem like much but when your days and their events are stacked against you, 10 minutes can make a huge difference in the day and also in your relationship with your child. This is something we’ve been trying to implement too but it’s been hard. Adding this connection time to your morning routine, I believe, will make a world of difference. Here are other ways to connect with your kids:
- Breakfast together: Use this time to check in, share affirmations, or chat about the day ahead.
- Morning hugs or words of encouragement: These small moments can set a positive tone for everyone.

Even if mornings feel rushed, prioritizing connection can help your kids feel supported and loved.
Why It Matters:
Starting the day with positive interactions can help your children feel secure and set a happy tone for everyone.
Practical Tips:
- Quality Breakfast Time: Sit together for a few minutes during breakfast, even if it’s something quick. Ask about their dreams or what they’re looking forward to that day.
- Morning Check-In: Spend a moment asking how they feel or reminding them of something exciting.
- Affirmations and Encouragement: Say something uplifting, like “You’ve got this today!” or “I’m so proud of how you’re handling things.”
Example Routine:
- 5 minutes of chatting while making breakfast.
- Share a group hug before heading out the door.
Building routine can be tough and takes time but small steps everyday and small actions such as setting aside time for yourself, planning out your day and connecting with your children are 3 habits every mom should build into her morning routine. If you have any tips and tricks you want to share, please do so in the comments, I would love to hear them.
Here are some other posts to help you with establishing habits:
- “Mom Fitness for Beginners” if you want to start your health journey
- “15 Simple Ways to be a Confident Mom” if you’re looking for a little emotional boost
- “3 Steps to a Better Mindset and Creating Healthy Habits” to get your habit building journey started
