6 Tips for Making Life a Little Easier as a Toddler Mom
I can’t believe it, but my kids are growing up. My son will be four in a few months, and my daughter is now a year and a half. We’ve officially entered the toddler years—and while some things have gotten easier (read my take in the blog post “It Gets Easier—Kind Of”), we’re still very much in the thick of it. Even when nothing major is happening, life at home feels nonstop.
If you’re anything like me, you’re probably always looking for ways to reduce the chaos and make daily life run a little smoother. What are those other moms doing who show up to birthday parties with coordinated outfits, hair bows, and a perfectly wrapped gift? While I’m still figuring that out myself, I wanted to share a few tried-and-true strategies that have helped make our household feel a little more manageable.
Tip 1: Meal Plan & Create a Shared Grocery List
One of the more discouraging parts of adulthood is realizing you have to decide what to make—and then actually make dinner—every single night. In our house, the post-work/daycare window is hectic. There’s a lot to do before bedtime, and we don’t have time to debate dinner options.
That’s why one of my biggest hacks is using a shared grocery and meal planning list. We keep a magnetic pad on the fridge (this one from Amazon is great), and throughout the week, either my husband or I add items as we run out or think of something we need. On weekends, we sit down and plan meals for the week, then write out the grocery list. Having a plan makes shopping easier and ensures we have everything we need for dinner each night. The best part? It’s a shared system, so one person doesn’t carry the full burden of mealtime.
Tip 2: Designate Laundry Days
Yes, most of my tips revolve around chores—but that’s real life. I’m in charge of laundry in our house, and while working from home makes it manageable, it’s definitely more time-consuming as our family grows.
What’s helped me is assigning specific laundry days. For example, I always wash towels on Wednesdays and Sundays, and Fridays are for the kids’ sheets. This system keeps things from piling up and removes the mental load of remembering what needs to be washed. I just handle it on the designated day and move on.
Tip 3: Prep Snacks Ahead of Time
Beyond meal planning, prepping snacks in advance has been a game-changer. It makes packing lunches and heading out the door easier, and it keeps healthy options within reach.
Each week, I cut up fruit and portion it into small containers. I do the same with veggies. I also keep homemade muffins or waffles in the freezer to defrost as needed. For convenience, I buy individually packaged staples like applesauce pouches, yogurt bites, and popcorn. For bulk items, I portion them out into containers at the start of the week. Anything that makes food time faster and less stressful is a win.
Tip 4: Use a Shared Family Calendar
Our shared digital calendar is the backbone of our household. With two busy work schedules and frequent travel, things can get chaotic fast. We use our work calendars and send each other invites for anything family-related—dentist appointments, birthday parties, playdates, travel plans.
(Pro tip: Since we both travel for work, we agreed that whoever adds their trip to the calendar first gets priority for that week.)
I color-code all family events in purple so I can quickly see what’s coming up. As the kids get older and our schedules get fuller, this system has become essential.
Tip 5: Regular Check-Ins with Your Spouse
My husband and I talk constantly about what’s working and what’s not. Our calendar system works because we’ve discussed how to use it. Same with our grocery list—we both know to add items as needed because we’ve agreed on the process.
While we don’t have a formal check-in schedule (aside from our annual goal planning), I’d recommend it to anyone trying to streamline their household. I remind myself often: I can’t expect my husband to know something I haven’t told him.
Years ago, chores were a point of tension. One of us always felt like we were doing more and resenting the other. So we talked it out and restructured. Now, we split most tasks. I handle laundry, he empties the dishwasher. We help each other when needed, but having clear responsibilities works for us. Will it always? Who knows. But we’ll keep checking in and adjusting as needed.
Tip 6: Create a Shared Packing List for the Kids
This one’s for the traveling families. My husband and I share a note on our phones with a master packing list for the kids. We started it when our son was a baby and have added to it over time.
It includes everything—jackets, swimsuits, toys—and is even organized by where items are stored in the house. Before each trip, we duplicate the note, add checkboxes, and tailor it to the destination. For example, before our recent beach trip, I unchecked snow gear and breastfeeding supplies (no longer needed), but kept them on the list for future reference.
This system keeps us organized and ensures we don’t forget anything. It also shifts some of the packing responsibility off me and gives my husband equal access and accountability.
There you have it—six tips that have helped make life a little easier in our toddler-filled household. I hope you found something helpful here. This is by no means an exhaustive list (anyone interested in a part two?). I’d love to hear your go-to hacks too.
Until next time, XXX McKenzie