Being a mom is a rewarding yet demanding job and when you have three kids with different schedules and commitments, it can often feel like you’re juggling multiple plates at once.
ALSO READ: Should You Give Someone Space in a Relationship?
From school drop-offs to extracurricular activities, medical appointments to playdates, managing your children’s various engagements can be overwhelming. However, with the right mindset and a few strategies in place, you can navigate these busy times while maintaining your composure and finding moments of tranquility amidst the chaos.
Here are some valuable tips on how to stay calm when you’re a mom with three kids who need to be in different places at different times.
- Embrace Effective Planning and Organisation: The foundation of managing multiple schedules lies in effective planning and organisation. Invest in a reliable calendar or planner and establish a centralised system to keep track of each child’s activities, deadlines and appointments. Colour coding or using different symbols for each child can help you quickly identify their commitments at a glance. Dedicate a specific time each week to review and update the calendar, ensuring you’re aware of all upcoming events.
- Prioritize and Delegate Responsibilities: Trying to be everywhere at once can quickly drain your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Learn to prioritise tasks and commitments, focusing on what truly matters. If possible, delegate some responsibilities to your spouse, family members, or trusted friends. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and share the load. Effective delegation not only reduces your stress but also allows your children to build stronger relationships with other family members or caregivers.
- Practice Effective Time Management: Time management is crucial when you’re constantly on the move. Look for ways to optimise your daily routine and make the most of the available time. Wake up a little earlier to prepare for the day, pack lunches, or engage in some self-care activities before the kids wake up. Optimise travel time by listening to educational podcasts, audiobooks, or calming music. Additionally, try to synchronise schedules where possible to minimise back-and-forth trips.
- Nurture Self-Care: As a mom of three children, it’s easy to neglect your own needs while focusing on your children. However, self-care is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional well-being. Make it a priority to schedule regular moments of relaxation and self-care amidst the chaos. Whether it’s indulging in a hot bath, reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby, carving out time for yourself will help you recharge and stay calm.
- Develop a Support Network: Building a support network of fellow moms or friends who understand the challenges you face can be invaluable. Join local parenting groups, attend playdates, or connect through online communities. Surrounding yourself with individuals who can relate to your experiences provides an outlet for sharing advice, venting frustrations, and seeking support when needed.
- Cultivate Flexibility and Acceptance: While planning and organisation are crucial, it’s essential to cultivate flexibility and acceptance when things don’t go as planned. Unexpected delays or last-minute changes are bound to happen, and learning to adapt will help you stay calm. Embrace a mindset that acknowledges that not everything is within your control and that’s okay. Take a deep breath, be adaptable, and find alternative solutions when necessary.
Being a mom to three children with conflicting schedules can undoubtedly be challenging, but with the right approach, you can stay calm and navigate the chaos. Effective planning, prioritisation, time management, self-care, and building a support network are all essential elements in maintaining your composure. Embrace flexibility and accept that some things may not go as planned.
YOU ARE DOING GREAT.