Motherhood doesn’t come with a pause button. Your coffee goes cold, your toddler paints the dog, and you haven’t washed your hair in three days. Some days, you feel like you’re barely keeping up. On other days, you feel like a superhero. Most days, it’s a bit of both.
If you’ve ever tried twisting your hair while holding a baby on your hip or cooking lunch with a toddler clinging to your leg, this post is for you.
Let’s walk through what a real day looks like for moms who are doing their best without trying to do it all.
From quick hair hacks to managing the chaos, here’s how you can simplify your routine and feel a little more yourself again.
Getting Out the Door (or Not)
The day usually starts with a small human climbing into your bed.
Before you’ve had the chance to blink, someone’s asking for a snack. Breakfast happens in stages; some cereal here, a half-eaten banana there. The dog is barking. There’s already yoghurt on your shirt, and you still feel like you’ve not woken up yet.
Getting dressed? That’s a win. Brushing your hair? That’s a luxury.
On days like this, you need a fast fix; learn how to twist your hair. It looks neat, takes two minutes, and works even if your hair is three days past washing. You don’t need to be polished. You need to feel comfortable enough to handle what’s coming next.
Hair, Clothes, and Keeping It Together
Stop aiming for perfection. Choose clothes that feel good, stretch, and let you move. Leggings and oversized shirts are signs of giving up.
Very smart, practical choices that make the day easier. Keep a few basics within reach: dry shampoo, tinted lip balm, and a soft hair tie can make a big difference in 5 minutes.
A clean face and pulled-back hair can feel like a fresh start, even when the rest of the house is upside down. Having a couple of outfits you actually like can help you wear them for yourself, even if the only person who sees you is the one demanding snacks every hour.
Meal Chaos and Kitchen Shortcuts
Feeding kids is messy and unpredictable.
One day, they love something; the next, they throw it on the floor. Sometimes dinner is whatever you can put together in five minutes. If your toddler needs crackers and yoghurt while you really want leftovers, you’re still winning.
Not every meal needs to be planned, not every chaos is a disaster. Fuel when you can. Make an extra batch of fruit in the evening while they’re distracted.
It’s not about creating a perfect system; it’s about the small wins that make tomorrow a little smoother. Use what saves your sanity, whether it’s frozen meals or takeout. The goal is to get through the day.
Nap Time: The Hour of Hope
Protect it. Don’t use it to catch up on chores. Let yourself rest, too. If the dishes wait, they wait. Put your feet up, call a friend, or sit in silence, even for 15 minutes.
Quiet time can help settle them with books, puzzles, or soft music. It may not be perfect, but it gives both of you a break. This is your chance to pause, breathe, and remember that you’re more than just the person managing the chaos.
Managing the Clutter Without Losing Your Mind
Toys spread around your home fast.
Some days it feels like the house is being eaten alive by plastic, but you don’t need a spotless home; you need space to move and breathe. Instead of trying to clean everything, focus on clearing small areas.
A clean kitchen counter or a swept hallway can make the whole place feel better in four, five, or ten minutes.
Ask the kids to help, even if they only put away a few blocks. You’re not aiming for perfection; see you later! Just enough calm to make the rest of the day easier.
Rotating toys and keeping some out of sight helps too. Fewer options mean less mess and more attention.
Feeling Touched Out and Needing Space
Some days, you crave space. You love your children, but your body and brain need a break. Out loud, let your partner know.
Step outside, lock the bathroom door, and breathe. Even small moments of alone time make a difference.
A walk around the block, 10 minutes with your headphones in, or a solo trip to the store—you’re still you, even when most of your days are about someone else. Make room for that person; she matters.
When the Guilt Creeps In
Guilt can show up often, for turning on cartoons, for skipping playtime, for losing your patience. It whispers that you should be doing more, but guilt lies.
Your kids don’t need a perfect mom; they need a safe one, a present one—one who keeps showing up. When guilt creeps in, shift your focus.
What did you do today? You fed them, you housed them, you got through a hard moment. That’s what they will remember—the way you comforted them, the way you stayed even when it was hard.
What Helps When It Feels Like Too Much
Not every day feels manageable; some feel like survival mode. Have a few things that help you push through: text a friend, step outside, play loud music, and dance with your kid in the kitchen. Let go of the plans, lower the bar when you need to.
Let the mess stay. Let dinner be frozen pizza. Give yourself permission to not do it all. You don’t need to bounce back or catch up; just breathe. One moment at a time is enough.
Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Your toddler said a new word, so it’s clearer now. It’s the small matters that count. It’s easy to overlook the small moments, but they’re the ones that stay with you: acquired cuddles, a shared laugh, a coffee you drank while it was still warm.
Motherhood is built on these small, quiet victories. Notice them, celebrate them; they are what makes the long days worth it. You’re not alone.
This stage is messy and intense, but it won’t always be this hard. You’re doing more than enough; you’re raising tiny humans with love and care, and that’s everything.
