I’m going to be real honest for a second. Making this list was kind of hard to do. I know which hacks have improved our family’s life over the years and I share them in my “real life” with friends and family. But creating a list for the internet feels tricky. What works for me and my family is not always going to be what works for yours.
I have always been passionate about helping other Moms and building a community where we can share ideas and hacks and joy and hardships with each other.
Motherhood is not meant to be walked alone. We need community to mother effectively and intentionally.
Plus, who doesn’t like to learn a new trick to make life a little easier?
So, without further ado, here are a few “Mom Hacks” that feel important enough to share with you!
1. Grocery Pick-Up
I may be a total odd-ball, but I love to go grocery shopping. Like genuinely get excited to go spend an hour in the store picking up things we need and getting ideas for new recipes to try. BUT with 3 kids (one being a toddler who wants to run around), grocery trips aren’t near as easy. Any other moms feel me?
Grocery pickup to the rescue! I’ve been using Walmart’s pick-up service since 2017 and Aldi’s since 2020. It is super easy and quick (especially Aldi) and saves a little stress (and money)! I highly recommend both!
One downside is that sometimes the produce isn’t always the best quality. Often times I make a separate trip to get my own. Or if I’m feeling lucky, I’ll take a chance on what I get. They will refund you if needed.
2. Crockpot Meals
Since all the time at home in 2020, I have fallen in love with cooking, baking and all the kitchen things. As you can imagine, a new baby or clingy toddler doesn’t lend a whole lot of time to prepare meals most nights. Often times I would start a meal only to have to tag my husband in so I could nurse the baby.
Hence, the crockpot meals. I mean you dump everything in, turn it on and forget about it till dinner time! We use our crockpot at least once a week. It also helps keep the kitchen from getting too hot since the oven isn’t having to run. The only downside is forgetting to actually start it early on so that it’s ready by dinner. But hey, there’s always takeout!
Some of our fave go-to meals are breakfast casserole, poppy seed chicken, fajita tacos, Mississippi pot roast, “baked ziti” and chicken gnocchi soup.
3. Extra clothes for Mom? Yes please!
Unfortunately, this is one hack I have used way too often! Between breastfeeding and diaper blowouts, many of my shirts have become casualties. Luckily, I’ve had a spare that I carry around in my baby’s diaper bag!
I keep a black maternity t-shirt since I don’t wear it often enough to miss it in my closet, it’s neutral enough to go with anything, and doesn’t take up too much room. You could also just keep a change of clothes in the car as well if you don’t carry a diaper bag.
4. YouTube Kids App
Hear me out! I know someone is hard-core judging my decision to let my kids have screen time…but you are really missing out on a little slice of sanity! I recommend this app specifically because of the parental controls and ease of use for children. Of course, always use your own discretion as there is always a chance of something slipping through that may not be age-appropriate.
Being able to give my children something to watch has been a life saver in doctor’s offices, when I have a zoom meeting or even waiting in car line. Don’t knock it till you try it, Mama.
5. Always pack extra snacks!
Even if you think you won’t need them…you will. I cannot tell you the amount of times that having a small snack warded off a hangry meltdown (from both the kids and myself)!
Some of my kids favorites include: fruit snacks, applesauce pouches, goldfish crackers, granola bars, mini muffins. The easy-to-grab and easy-to-eat independently are the best. I throw a bunch into a gallon ziplock and off we go. Once the snacks are gone, that’s it!
We also always bring a water bottle or some sort of drink with us. My crew gets thirsty easily, so this is a must unless I am willing to share my own drink. (I’m not.)
6. Give Them A Job
You read that right. Kids love to be given a task to do. It offers a chance to practice their independence, feel helpful and take pride in their work.
This can be as simple or as complex as you’d like depending on the age and skill level of your child. My toddler loves to help fold washcloths while my 5-year-old is learning to fold her own shirts and pants. The middle-schooler is able to run the vacuum and handles most of the trash/recycling.
Sometimes they whine a little (I can’t blame them, sometimes I do too), but they do love the independence it gives them to take care of themselves. And I love the extra help taking care of the home!
7. Buy a Trampoline!
Okay, this one seems random and a little odd. I know. But trust me! I learned this trick from Ashlee Gadd and honestly I wish I would’ve heeded her advice sooner. Basically, buy your kids a trampoline (preferably with a net and a basketball goal) and watch how often they run outside to play on it.
Unless it is too hot or storming outside, my kids are out on ours jumping, playing basketball, play-wrestling, playing with superheroes, practicing tricks, the list is endless.
Our kitchen sink overlooks the backyard so I can watch them while making dinner, and sometimes I take a book out to the garden to enjoy while they play. The best bonus? It gets all of their energy out and bedtime is a little less of a struggle!
I hope you are able to give one of these “Mom Hacks” a try in your own family! Let me know what works (or doesn’t work) for you. And also, I would love to know what hacks you have for yourself or your kiddos.
Raising This Home 