Being a mum (or mom!) is literally a full-time job—except there’s no clocking out, no lunch breaks, and definitely no HR department to file complaints with. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, balancing work, or just trying to drink a hot cup of tea before it turns ice cold, productivity can feel impossible.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you! Here’s how to stay productive, keep your sanity intact, and actually feel like you’ve got life together (even if you’re running on caffeine and hope).
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1. Start Your Day with a Simple Routine That Works
You don’t need a 5 AM wake-up call and a power smoothie to be productive (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, power to you!). But having a loose, realistic morning routine can set the tone for the entire day.
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Wake up before the chaos (if possible) – Even just 10 minutes to yourself makes a difference.
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Have a go-to quick task – Whether it’s unloading the dishwasher, making your bed, or having a quiet coffee, a small win in the morning sets you up for success.
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Keep expectations realistic – Your routine should help, not stress you out. If the baby wakes up at 5 AM, guess what? Your routine starts at 5 AM today. It happens.
💡 Bonus Tip: If mornings feel overwhelming, prep the night before—set out clothes, pack lunches, and write down tomorrow’s top priorities.
2. Use Time Blocking (Because Multitasking is a Lie)
Trying to do everything at once just leads to doing nothing properly. Enter: time blocking.
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Chunk your day into sections – Example: Mornings for home tasks, afternoons for work, evenings for family time.
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Batch similar tasks together – Answering emails, cooking meals, cleaning—it’s easier to focus when tasks are grouped.
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Use a timer – The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focus, 5-minute break) works wonders, even if you only get through one cycle before a toddler emergency hits.
💡 Bonus Tip: If your day is unpredictable (like mine..), set “flex blocks”—buffer time for when life (aka kids) derails your plans.
3. Create a Kid-Friendly Productivity Plan
Because let’s be honest—productivity looks different when little humans need you 24/7.
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Involve the kids where possible – Little ones love “helping” (even if it’s more work for you). Give them small tasks like matching socks or “dusting” with a cloth.
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Have independent playtime activities ready – A special “busy box” for when you need focused time can be a lifesaver.
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Be okay with CBeebies when needed – Sometimes, a well-timed episode of Bluey is your best productivity hack. No guilt. And also, Bluey is actually cool – and no I didn’t cry at the Baby Race episode, and you can’t prove that I did.
💡 Bonus Tip: Rotate toys so they feel “new” and exciting when you need an extra 15 minutes of focus time.
4. Prioritise the Non-Negotiables (And Let the Rest Go)
Not everything needs to be done right now. Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters.
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Pick 3 key priorities each day – If nothing else gets done, these are your non-negotiables.
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Let go of perfection – A clean enough house is still a win.
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Embrace shortcuts – Pre-chopped veggies, click-and-collect groceries, and paper plates on hectic days? YES PLEASE.
💡 Bonus Tip: If your to-do list is overwhelming, rewrite it as a “could-do” list—instantly removes the pressure.
5. Give Yourself Grace (Rest is Productive Too!)
You’re not a machine. Some days will feel productive, others will feel like a write-off—and that’s OKAY. Rest is just as important as action.
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Take breaks before you crash – A 10-minute breather can save you an entire afternoon of burnout.
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Celebrate small wins – Finished a task while the kids napped? That’s a win. Drank a full cup of coffee while it was hot? LEGENDARY.
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Ask for help when needed – Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a frozen pizza doing dinner duty—use your support system.
💡 Bonus Tip: A productive mum isn’t a burnt-out mum. Your best days come when you actually have energy to enjoy them.
You’ve Got This, Mum!
Productivity as a busy mum isn’t about cramming more into your day—it’s about finding what works for YOU. Whether it’s time blocking, quick wins, or just surviving the toddler years with minimal chaos, you’re doing amazing.
What’s your go-to mum productivity hack? Let me know — I love hearing what works for other mums! 💛
Until next time — stay fabulous, stay flexible, and remember: your best is always enough.
💛 Jordan ✨