Tips On Managing The Chaos
Tips on How to Manage the Chaos
Let’s be honest: motherhood can feel like pure chaos some days. From the second you walk in the door, someone is yelling, something is spilling, the laundry is overflowing, and your brain is already five steps behind. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
Over time, I’ve learned that managing the chaos isn’t about eliminating it (because, let’s face it, that’s impossible). It’s about finding ways to cope, reset, and create habits that make the chaos feel less overwhelming. Here are some tips that have helped me—and might help you too. But please note, I am still working on this myself, if I come up with more ideas I will be sure to share. I’ll keep you posted on what has worked for us and what doesn’t. We can all learn from sharing experiences and helpful tips! Make sure to drop a comment below with your ideas and helpful tips.
1. Try to Stay Rested
I know, easier said than done. But even an extra 30 minutes of rest can change your whole day. Prioritize sleep where you can—whether that’s going to bed a little earlier or sneaking in a quick rest when the kids are busy.
2. Get Up Before Your Kids
Boy, is it quiet in the morning! Even just 15–20 minutes to sip coffee, read, or knock out a small task makes such a difference. That little pocket of peace sets the tone for the whole day. I recently started doing this, and boy does it really just set the day off better than trying to rush around the house like a crazy person.
3. Take Time for Yourself
It’s not selfish—it’s survival. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a hobby, small breaks just for you recharge your energy (and your patience). I struggle with this one the most, but I am trying to be better about this. I hear it is the best way to rest.
4. Prepare for the Chaos
You know what’s coming when you walk in the door, so set yourself up. Maybe it’s laying out dinner prep earlier in the day, or giving yourself five quiet minutes in the car before heading inside. Anticipating the chaos helps you face it with less shock.
5. Routines (and Stop the Multitasking!)
Multitasking often makes things feel messier. Establish routines where possible, and try tackling one thing at a time. It’s amazing how much calmer everything feels when you aren’t pulled in five directions. This is something we are working on, I am that mom that multitasks a lot, especially working full time, having a side gig, sports and so much more. Now throwing homeschooling into it. I have told myself we have to figure this out. It may take us a little bit but we will get there. It’s all trial and error right now to see what works best. It’s ok to change it and figure out something better.
6. Declutter the House
I hate cleaning, but dang does it feel better when it’s done. A clutter-free space clears your head and reduces stress. Start small—one drawer, one corner, one room—and you’ll feel the weight lift.
7. Identify Your Triggers
What sets you off as a mom? Maybe it’s whining, messes, or constant interruptions. Once you know your triggers, you can work on coping strategies—like deep breathing, stepping away, or having a go-to plan for those moments.
8. Don’t Take Things Personally
This one’s tough. Kids’ meltdowns or backtalk often have nothing to do with us—it’s them learning how to navigate big feelings. Reminding yourself of that makes it a little easier to stay calm. They are still learning how to get emotions out the correct way. Just keep working on it with them as hard as that may be. They need to know you are a safe space.
9. Step Away Instead of Punishing in the Moment
When kids are angry, they can’t process lectures or consequences. Step back, let them calm down, and then come back together to talk through what happened and how to fix it.
10. Take Responsibility for Your Actions
I’ve had moments where I’ve blown up at my kids over something they couldn’t control—and boy, do I feel like the world’s worst mom afterward. Owning those mistakes, apologizing, and trying again teaches them it’s okay to be human.
11. Stop, Breathe, Think
Before reacting, pause for just a few seconds. Taking a breath creates space to respond instead of explode.
12. Embrace the Chaos
Sometimes the best thing to do is lean into it. Read a book together, have an impromptu dance party, or throw on a movie and just enjoy the moment.
13. Put Your Thoughts Into Something That Helps
This blog blossomed because I needed an outlet. Whether it’s journaling, talking to a friend, or getting creative, find a healthy way to release what’s on your mind.
14. Recognize Your Breaking Point
We all have one. When you feel yourself hitting it, take a step back—go outside, close your bedroom door for a few minutes, or do whatever helps you reset.
15. Keep on Learning
What works for one family may not work for another. And what works now may not work six months from now. Be patient with yourself. It might take time to figure out what works best for your family—but you’ll get there.
Final Thoughts
Chaos will always be part of motherhood—it’s unavoidable. But with a little preparation, patience, and self-compassion, you can learn to manage it instead of letting it swallow you whole.
And when in doubt, remember: you’re not failing, you’re growing—right alongside your kids.