How I Made Motherhood Easier By Embracing Routines And Faith

Hey there, mama! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re right in the thick of it—motherhood, that is. The beautiful, chaotic, and sometimes overwhelming journey of raising toddlers. I’m so glad you’re here because today, I want to share a bit about myself and how I’ve learned to navigate this wild ride.

Let’s start with a little confession: I’m a bit of a systems and organization nerd. I love finding ways to streamline daily life, especially when it comes to managing the ups and downs of toddlerhood. Some might call it “life hacking,” but for me, it’s essential to not just survive but actually thrive as a mom. Because let’s be real—who doesn’t want to make things a little less stressful?

As I’ve journeyed through motherhood, I’ve found myself constantly asking, “How can I make this easier for myself and my little ones?” And here’s the big revelation I’ve had along the way:

Toddlers thrive on rhythms and routines.

Yep, it’s true. At first, it might seem like a lot of work to implement, but with a little persistence, those rhythms become second nature—for you and your kiddos. And the benefits? They’re huge. Routines provide a sense of predictability and comfort, making your little ones feel safe in a world that’s still so big and unfamiliar.

Why is this a big deal?

Let’s dive deeper into why toddlers thrive on rhythms and routines and how that can be a game-changer for us overwhelmed moms.

Why Toddlers Thrive on Rhythms and Routines

1. Predictability Provides Security:
   Toddlers are little explorers in a big, often overwhelming world. Everything is new to them, from the way the sun rises to the routine of bedtime. When they know what to expect each day, it creates a sense of security and stability. This predictability helps them understand what’s coming next, which reduces anxiety and tantrums.
2. Routines Help with Emotional Regulation:
   The toddler years are full of big emotions. Because their emotional regulation skills are still developing, they often struggle to express themselves in calm and controlled ways. Routines provide a consistent structure that can help them feel more in control of their environment, which in turn helps them manage their emotions better.
3. Rhythms Encourage Independence:
   When toddlers know the rhythm of their day—like the sequence of getting dressed, eating breakfast, and playing—they begin to anticipate what comes next. This understanding fosters independence as they start to take on small responsibilities within those routines, like putting on their shoes or helping to set the table.
4. Consistency Reinforces Learning:
   Repetition is key to learning at this stage. When daily activities are part of a routine, toddlers have multiple opportunities to practice and master new skills. Whether it’s brushing their teeth, putting away toys, or washing hands before meals, routines help reinforce these important habits.
5. Routines Reduce Power Struggles:
   Many moms know that getting a toddler to do something they don’t want to do can lead to a battle of wills and full blown meltdowns. Routines can reduce these power struggles because they remove the element of surprise. When something becomes part of the daily rhythm, like bedtime following bath time, toddlers are less likely to resist because it’s simply “what we do.”

Why Routines Are a Lifesaver for Overwhelmed Moms

1. Less Decision Fatigue:
   Motherhood is full of decisions, big and small. When you have established routines, you don’t have to constantly think about what comes next—it’s already decided. This reduces decision fatigue, freeing up mental energy for other things.
2. Creates Predictable Time for You:
   With routines, you can carve out consistent pockets of time for yourself. Whether it’s during nap time, after bedtime, or in the early morning before the kids wake up, having a predictable routine allows you to plan and actually take time for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes.
3. Eases the Mental Load:
   The mental load of motherhood—keeping track of everyone’s needs, schedules, and activities—can be overwhelming. Routines simplify this load by creating a predictable pattern. You’ll spend less time thinking about what needs to happen next because it’s already part of your daily flow.
4. Reduces Stress and Overwhelm:
   When you have a routine in place, you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the chaos that can come with raising toddlers. Knowing that there’s a plan, even a flexible one, for how the day will go can make you feel more in control and less stressed.
5. Improves Family Harmony:
   When everyone knows what to expect, there’s less confusion and more harmony in the household. Routines help everyone get on the same page, which means fewer arguments, less resistance, and more cooperation from your little ones.
6. Fosters a Joyful Environment:
   By reducing chaos and creating a more predictable environment, routines help make room for JOY. You’ll find that you have more energy to enjoy those spontaneous moments with your children because the basics are already taken care of.

How to Start Implementing Routines

1. Start Small: If routines are new to your family, start with one or two small changes. Maybe it’s a consistent bedtime routine or setting a regular time for meals. Once that’s established, you can add more elements over time.
2. Be Flexible: While routines are helpful, it’s important to remember that flexibility is key. Life with toddlers can be unpredictable, so give yourself grace when things don’t go according to plan. The goal is to have a general rhythm, not a rigid schedule.
3. Involve Your Toddlers: Engage your little ones in the process. Let them know what the routine will be and encourage them to participate. This can help them feel more ownership and less resistance.
4. Have Faith & Trust The Process: Understand that it will take time to implement consistent rhythms. Stand firm in your faith that trusting the process will pay off in the long run.
5. Celebrate Progress: As you establish routines, celebrate the small victories. Notice how your days start to feel a bit smoother, and acknowledge the positive changes in your home. This will motivate you to keep going.

By establishing rhythms and routines, you’re not only creating a nurturing environment for your toddlers, but you’re also giving yourself the gift of a more peaceful, manageable day. It’s a win-win for everyone!

So mama, if you have been feeling overwhelmed I hope this has been encouraging to you and are motivated to take action. If you’re needing some structure in your own rhythms and routines, feel free to grab my FREE Daily Rhythms for a Tidy Home Starter Kit today!

Share with me what new rhythms you are going to begin doing with your family! OR if you already have systems in place that are working well for you share below that might be helpful to another mama!

Here’s to thriving toddlers and less overwhelmed mamas.

joyFULLY mama,

Kenna