How I Get Things Done With Toddlers at Home (Without Screens) -

A Day in the Life of an Overwhelmed Mom

It’s 8:43 am and the microwave beeps.

Ahh. My coffee’s finally reheated. I’d love to just sit and—

“Mom, I need a snack!” my oldest yells from 4 feet away. Is yelling really necessary when I’m that close?

Before I can even reach the pantry, I hear a thud and the sound of my youngest wailing.

As I run to check on her, I remember that my bladder has been full for far too long…

“MOM WHERE’S MY SNACK?”

The microwave beeps at me to remind me that my 2-hour-old coffee is getting cold again.

Ugh, the doctor’s office is returning my call. Now? Ha.

I trip over the open dishwasher as I grab my phone. The pain in my shin reminds me that I never finished unloading the clean dishes.

“Hello,” I sound as chaotic as I feel. It’s not likely they could hear that in my voice anyway over the noise in the background.

Then the dog starts dry heaving.

I literally just need a minute.
Just one.

Sound familiar? If you’re a mom, of course it does.

I tried SO many things.

Have a better schedule.
But also a more flexible schedule.
Simultaneously, of course.

Invest in better toys. Ours MUST be faulty if they can’t buy me five minutes of peace.

And, of course, screen time.

I’ll trade you my IPad for my sanity.
But I would…

I thought the solution was keeping my kids busy.
But it wasn’t.
Because keeping them busy was just another thing on my plate.

How to Get Things Done With Kids at Home

Instead of constantly trying to keep them busy, I started finding ways to include them in the things I was already doing.

Not entertaining them. Not managing them.
Just… living life with them there.

And I’ll be honest… At first, it was a nightmare. Clean laundry on the floor while the baskets became “race cars”. Inedible muffins that had been over-stirred and probably have some play-doh & toddler drool baked into them.

But the more that I practiced, the better we all got at doing life together.

And that’s the whole point, anyway. Living beautiful, connected lives. Together.

4 Simple Ways I Get Things Done With My Kids Around

Fill Their Mom Cup First
Best for: clingy mornings, post-nap resets

Nobody runs well on empty. Toddlers are especially prone to struggle if their mom tank is on empty.
So fill it up.
With your phone and other distractions away, spend a solid 10-20 minutes of mom-time with your little(s). Read books. Play with their favorite toy. Color together. Play tickle monster. Give them your full attention so that their tank is full when you start your task.
Give Them a Job
Best for: cooking, cleaning, anything hands-on

Making muffins? Let them stir or pour. Want your muffins to turn out yummy while still letting them help? Give them a random bowl of flour and water and let them stir that. (Water & cornstarch is a fun one that dries into a powder that’s easy to clean, by the way. You’re welcome).
If you’re cleaning, give them a rag and a spray bottle filled with water.
Their job can be passing you hangers while you put away laundry.
Your tasks will likely take longer, but my 3 year old has been putting his pjs, underwear, and socks away for 6 months now.
He sweeps up messes with his toy broom (poorly, but he really tries).
Kids are like sponges and will soak up what you surround them with.
Snack & Watch Me
Best for: when you need them contained but calm

Think of it like popcorn and a movie… except the movie is you folding laundry.
Seriously, give your kids a snack and invite them to watch you fold the laundry, do the dishes, sort the mail, or file your nails.
Whatever it is, set the stage for them. “Eat your cheerios and watch mom put away the dishes.”
The snack will help keep them still and the fact that you invited them to watch sets the expectation that it’s time to watch Mom. Not time to use the dishwasher as a jungle gym.
And, if they do, redirect.
“It’s time to sit, eat, and watch now. We will play after.”
Narrate & Include Them
Best for: getting ready, slower routines
I can’t tell you how many times my kids have watched me do my hair. I invite them into that space, which gives me listening ears for when I explain things like how the iron is hot and only adults can touch it. And spray keeps mom’s hair safe from the heat. You can look with your eyes but not your hands. Would you like your brush and spray bottle? I keep my kid’s combs and my daughter’s hair bows close by so they can join in a toddler-safe way.
Now, my oldest likes to remind his little sister that it’s not safe for kids to touch the curling iron. They truly learn so fast.

When it Doesn’t Work

This isn’t a perfect system. There are hiccups and days when my toddlers are… Toddler-ing.

Some days involve sick kids. Or clingy kids. Big feelings. Or over-stimulated mom.

(And some days, I frankly just want to put away the groceries without being asked 500 questions, taking three times as long, and spilling the blueberries all over the floor.)

But it does really help me get things done with toddlers on more days than not.

And on the days where it just isn’t working, pull out those distracting toys.
Send them to the backyard.
Let them have screen time.

Do what works for you.

I see you.

Even on the days it feels like nothing is getting done… you’re doing a lot more than you think.

Start Small

Pick one to try today. Try it on for size. See how your little one responds. Give yourself space to adjust it to whatever fits your parenting style.
Give yourself permission to abandon ship if it doesn’t work.
But, first, give yourself permission to try it messy.

You don’t need more ideas.
You need something that actually works in the middle of real life.

If you want the exact phrases I use plus simple, real-life ways to actually make this work with your kids, I’m putting together a guide you can save and come back to.
Join my email list to get early access (and a little launch discount 🤍).