Parenting today feels like an unrelenting juggling act. Between the endless school drop-offs, extracurricular activities, work deadlines, and that ever-present list of “to-dos,” it’s easy to feel like you’re living in reactive mode—barely keeping up and constantly wondering where the time went. Sound familiar? Need better weekly planning?
What if I told you there’s a way to break free from that cycle? A simple, game-changing tweak to your weekly routine that not only keeps the chaos in check but also creates space for what truly matters: connection, joy, and even you time.
In this blog, I’ll share a strategy that transformed my family’s weeks from chaotic and stressful to calm and intentional. It’s not about adding more to your plate or chasing perfection. It’s about making your time work for you—intentionally and meaningfully. Curious? Let’s dive in.
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Busy Schedule? Here’s the Trick to Make Time for What Truly Matters
If you caught the last episode of my podcast, then you know we dove right into the very real and overwhelming challenges modern parents face today. And guess what? Even the government has validated it – we’re all dealing with skyrocketing stress levels. But let’s be real, has parenting ever been a total cakewalk? Probably not. (Do you think you were an angelic child who made life easy for your parents? I doubt it!)
What makes today so different is the sheer volume of information and increased societal expectations pulling at us from every direction. It’s no wonder parenting feels more overwhelming than ever.
So today, I want to share one of the most game-changing shifts I made in my own life to be more intentional with my time. This simple tweak has transformed how I approach my weeks, allowing me to feel more in control and more connected with the people and things I care about.
Parenting and Mental Health: The Report That Validates Your Struggles
The Truth About ‘To-Dos’
Let’s start with what you’re probably already doing. Like most parents, you’re tracking your:
- To-dos: The endless stream of tasks that pop into your brain, from meal prep to school projects.
- Logistics: Keeping up with your family’s increasingly packed calendar of activities, extracurriculars, appointments, and events.
Maybe you’re using a combo of apps, post-its, and color-coded calendars. And you might even have a weekly planning session with your spouse or partner to review the chaos ahead.
That weekly check-in? It’s a habit I also swear by. When my husband and I prioritize this time, the following week feels smoother—and far less panicked. But if we skip it for whatever reason (like a busy Sunday or holiday), by Tuesday, we’re in chaos-mode: frantic, last-minute “Who’s doing pick-up today?” conversations and scrambling to address overlooked needs.
Weekly planning isn’t the game-changer I’m talking about—it’s just good sense. But there’s a next-level twist I added that changed everything for my family.
The Game-Changing Shift: Add the “Want-To’s”
Here it is: When planning out your week, don’t stop at the logistics and to-dos. Also plan out the things you WANT to do—the moments and activities that bring you joy.
This may sound simple, but let me explain why this approach is so powerful.
How you spend your days is how you spend your life.
Let that sink in for a moment.
When we get caught up in the mindless cycle of daily obligations without carving out intentional time, we unintentionally miss out on what matters most. Days blur together. You look back and think: What did I even do today? Did I spend meaningful time with my family? Did I do anything that made me happy?
Too often, the answer is no.
But when I started separating the “have-to-do” tasks from the “want-to-do” activities, suddenly, my weeks felt lighter, more joyful, and more intentional.
How to Apply This in YOUR Week
Step 1: Look Ahead
Take a few minutes during your weekly planning session to tackle the logistics—those must-do chores, pickups, appointments, and errands.
Step 2: Identify Small Pockets of Time
Now look for gaps in your schedule. These can be tiny windows of time (seriously, even 10-15 minutes counts). Identify opportunities to either create or utilize these pockets intentionally.
Step 3: Plan What You WANT to Do
Here’s where the magic happens. Ask yourself:
- What would make this week feel more meaningful?
- What fun activity can I do with my kids?
- Is there something I’d love to do for myself? A workout, a coffee with a friend, or even soaking up 20 uninterrupted minutes of quiet?
- How can I incorporate quality time with my partner?
Put these ideas on your calendar or create reminders for them. The activity could be as simple as:
- Taking your kids for ice cream.
- Having a family dance party after dinner.
- Sitting down to color or play a board game.
- Spending 5 minutes meditating, reading, or listening to your favorite song.
Why It Works
We live in a phase of life where leaving things to chance doesn’t usually work. Schedules are packed, time is scarce, and busy weeks can leave us feeling drained.
But when you pre-plan these joyful moments—whether for yourself, your kids, or your partner—you’ve already made the decision. No mental energy wasted trying to figure it out on the fly.
When the moment arrives, you’re ready to just do the thing—no second-guessing, no chores sneaking in to steal the moment.
A personal trick: I often set a timer during these intentional moments. It sounds silly, but it helps train my brain to let go of stress and be fully present. When the timer goes off, I’ll return to whatever else needs attention, but for those few minutes, I’m giving my full focus to what matters most.
Keeping It Doable
Before you roll your eyes and think, This sounds like another thing to add to my already-full plate, hear me out: This isn’t about Pinterest-perfect experiences or cramming every spare second with activities. It’s about:
- Keeping things simple and short (even just 3-5 minutes counts).
- Focusing on connection, not perfection.
- Letting yourself off the hook if it doesn’t happen every day or even every week.
Remember, this is the long game. It’s less about daily perfection and more about building a life that feels fulfilling and connected—despite the chaos.
Your Life, Your Rules
What works for one family might not work for another. And that’s okay. If your only opportunity for connection is during weekend breakfasts or morning school drop-offs, embrace it. Don’t compare yourself to the mom down the street who has more time in her afternoons or evenings.
You set the rules. You dictate the time windows that work for your family and your circumstances.
Start This Week
Give it a try this week! During your weekly planning session, review your logistics and add in a little joy. Start small. See how it impacts your week and how you feel by Sunday.
I’d love to hear how it goes! Share your experience by messaging me on Instagram @itslaurenmora.
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