As a new mom, planning out your week ahead is key to achieving your monthly goals effectively. Having a concrete idea planned out, broken down into small tasks, and scheduled in advance gives you little time to second guess yourself. When everything is planned out ahead of time it boosts your confidence that you can manage the tasks ahead and makes you feel productive.
Structured Planning vs. Motherhood Realities
However, planning out every single day hour by hour is almost impossible when you have a toddler in tow. I often reminisce about the structured schedules we followed when we were in high school or university. Those schedules were strict but they made it easy to allocate the time to cook meals, do laundry, and work out.
Now, as a mother to a nearly 2-year-old, my daily success centers on our morning routine. Despite varying wake-up times, we begin each day with teeth brushing, face washing, and hair brushing. This consistent start to our day leaves us feeling prepared and poised for whatever the day brings. Let me provide you with some tips that I have learned along the way when it comes to planning your schedule around your toddler.
Stay Flexible by scheduling your day by blocks of time
As a first-time mom, I kept breaking my head trying to schedule my day around her wake and sleeping windows. And I was breaking my heart every night when I didn't accomplish half of the things I set out to do. I realized I was craving control and normalcy, trying to plan my day down to the hour like I used to before my little one arrived. It took time to let go of that mindset and embrace my new reality.
Accepting this change was the key to finding my stride as a mother. I shifted away from rigid schedules and perfectionism, learning to be flexible and calm amidst my child's needs. Motherhood demands constant readiness unlike any other job, but it's also incredibly rewarding.
To stay organized yet flexible, I divide my day into manageable blocks: morning routines, nap/word time, evenings, and nights. I set goals for each block but remain adaptable with tasks and timing. It's crucial to make time for both chores and personal interests. Remember, it's okay to pause and recharge - your responsibilities will wait.
Have Low Expectations when planning your week ahead
It feels good to have your day all planned out. I love seeing my planner filled with ideas for fun outings and activities, envisioning a week full of enjoyment and accomplishment. Yet, more often than not, I find myself only managing a fraction of what I intended. This used to leave me feeling disappointed and questioning my effectiveness as a mom. I eventually realized I was overloading our schedule, misjudging both our energy levels.
As the saying goes, ' Shoot for the moon and you'll land among the stars.' This mindset can be helpful in planning, but as a mother, it's important to temper expectations. Anticipating and organizing your day fosters good time management, but it's equally crucial to remain flexible and responsive to your child's needs.
Give Yourself Grace to rest between hectic schedules
On days when you feel you're not doing enough as a mother, consider how you'd treat a nanny or chef you hired. You'd likely be reasonable and kind, not overly demanding. Take a step back and coach yourself into a more balanced mindset.
When even simple tasks seem overwhelming, it's a sign to pause or slow down. Your mind, body, and soul need breaks - maybe even a bit of fun. Our relentless schedule without breaks between chores and childcare can leave us feeling defeated by the day's end.
Remember, you have the power to redefine motherhood on your terms because every journey is unique. Let go of comparing yourself to an idealized image. Be gentle with yourself.
Conclusion
As you find your way through motherhood, planning your week can be a powerful tool for achieving your goals and maintaining a sense of productivity. It can be tempting to schedule every hour meticulously, but the reality of parenting small children calls for flexibility and adaptation. Embracing this flexibility has been life changing for me. It has allowed me to find balance and joy in our daily routines.
Dividing my day into manageable blocks and setting realistic expectations has been key. It's okay if plans change and tasks go unfinished - what matters most is nurturing a gentle, positive environment for both you and your child. Remember, you're not alone in feeling the vast weight of expectations. Give yourself the same compassion and understanding your give to others in your care.
Motherhood is a journey filled with surprises and challenges, but also immense rewards. Cherish the uniqueness of your experience and allow yourself the grace to grow alongside your child. Together, let's celebrate the small victories and embrace the joy that makes this journey so special.
