Life with kids is all the things… joyful, exhausting, heart-expanding, nonstop. And yes, it’s typically a full blown logistical marathon. Between school drop-offs, snack prep, work meetings, laundry mountains, and trying to remember if you RSVP’d to that birthday party, there’s hardly time to think, let alone streamline your day.
That’s why I’m always collecting and sharing simple life hacks for busy parents. The little things that take the edge off any daily chaos and lighten the mental load. Whether you’re deep in survival mode or feeling like you’ve finally found your rhythm, these 15 quick and easy life hacks are here to make the day-to-day feel a little more doable.
- 1. Simplify morning routines with outfit planning
- 2. Streamline breakfast with make-ahead options
- 3. Use online grocery delivery
- 4. Meal plan and prep
- 5. Outsource where you can: cleaning, dog walker, dry cleaning
- 7. Have a Sunday synch with your partner
- 8. Prioritize some solo time
- 9. Create a bedtime routine
- 10. Set up auto fills and subscriptions for items you need every month
- 12. Prepare emergency kits for quick departures
- 13. Make stations in your house when you have a baby
- 14. Find an at home exercise program you love
- 15. Prepare for the unexpected
15 essential life hacks for busy parents
As a busy mom, my priority is to show up with as much presence and intention as possible. I juggle a lot of roles, like we all do, and these parent hacks have been key to helping me manage life while still making space for what matters most.
1. Simplify morning routines with outfit planning
I have two toddlers, both with very specific opinions, and I am not trying to start the day negotiating with what shirt gets worn while also scrambling to make breakfast and get out the door. Picking outfits the night before helps everything run smoother. If your child likes having a say, involve them in choosing. You can even plan a whole week's worth of outfits on Sunday night together. For us, weekdays can get the grab-and-go treatment since those tend to be our busiest days, and weekends have more flexibility.
2. Streamline breakfast with make-ahead options
Speaking of mornings… This is one of those life hacks for parents that benefits everyone. We do a weekly grocery order, and I always wash and prep our fruit right away so it’s ready to grab, especially in the mornings. I keep a few simple breakfast options on hand for the kids, like toast with nut butter or yogurt and fruit bowls. And now that I’m working out of the house more, I’ve been leaning on make-ahead breakfasts like frittatas and overnight oats for myself. A little prep = a much smoother morning for all of us (especially when it means filling our bellies so no one’s hangry).
3. Use online grocery delivery
After ordering groceries during COVID, I never looked back. This is hands down one of the most efficient, sanity-saving life hacks for new parents. Grocery shopping with a baby or toddler in tow can be a lot. And while a leisurely trip to the store can be fun every now and then, the convenience of delivery wins for me every time. It takes something that used to eat up a big chunk of my weekend and turns it into a 10 minute task I can do from my phone.
4. Meal plan and prep
A little planning on the front end means way less stress later. We like to cook most nights (for health, budget, and TBH, control over what our kids actually eat). Meal prepping helps us stick with it and saves so much decision fatigue during the week. If you want more on how we plan meals and streamline our shopping, check out my weekly meal prep and grocery list blog. It's a system that helps us eat better, save time, and stay out of the “what’s for dinner?” spiral.
5. Outsource where you can: cleaning, dog walker, dry cleaning
Pick a few things (or even just one) that will help lighten your load and shrink your to-do list. It could be hiring a cleaning service once a month, scheduling dry cleaning pickup, or outsourcing dog walks a few days a week. I guarantee having even a couple of these tasks off your plate makes a big difference. We’ve even hired a house manager, which means a lot of these outsourced tasks are being taken care of by one person. It’s amazing, honestly.
6. Use a family calendar app to coordinate schedules
The mental load of managing everyone’s schedules shouldn’t fall solely on mom’s shoulders (even though it often does). One of my favorite life hacks for parents is integrating a shared family calendar. We use Hearth Display and love it (you can check out my full review here). It’s helped us stay more organized and on the same page without constant back-and-forth.
7. Have a Sunday synch with your partner
One of the best parenting life hacks I’ve implemented is what I call the Sunday Sync with my husband. It’s a quick weekly check-in (sometimes it happens during our Monday dog walk, and that’s fine too!) where we get on the same page about three things: what worked last week, what’s on the calendar this week (and any childcare shifts we need to plan for), and which meals we’re cooking at home. It keeps communication clear, expectations aligned, and helps us start the week feeling like a team.
8. Prioritize some solo time
Making time and space for yourself is one of those non-negotiables that too often falls to the bottom of the list. But prioritizing even a little solo time will make you a more present, grounded parent. I’ve found that some seasons allow for more than others, but even if it’s just a 30-minute walk with a favorite podcast or a quiet bath a few nights a week after bedtime, carve it out. It matters. You matter.
9. Create a bedtime routine
Next up: a routine, a rhythm, whatever feels most doable for your family. Our lives are full, so in our house it’s not the exact same thing at the exact same time every night, but we’ve landed on a flow that helps our kids know what to expect (think bath, bedtime snack, books, then bed). Do we still find a toddler (or two) sneaking into our bed some nights? Yep. Does the falling asleep process sometimes stretch out longer than we’d like? Of course. But having a consistent routine helps all of us wind down.
10. Set up auto fills and subscriptions for items you need every month
This one’s easy and well worth it. There are a handful of items we use on repeat, like our go-to toddler vitamins and our favorite diapers, so they’re set to auto-ship monthly. It’s one less thing to remember (or forget), and it keeps me from scrambling last minute. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to know the essentials just… show up.
11. Buy birthday party and hostess gifts in advance
Once you have kids, your social circle expands. Suddenly you’ve got weekend birthday parties, teacher appreciation days, and playdates on the calendar. One of my favorite life hacks as a parent is to keep a small stash of go-to gifts on hand. Nothing over the top, just a few thoughtful things like cute dish towels, my favorite local coffee beans, or kid-approved play kits. Your future self (and your rushed Saturday morning self) will thank you.
12. Prepare emergency kits for quick departures
One of the DIY parenting hacks that gives me peace of mind: having pre-packed emergency kits ready to grab and go. Each of our kids has a folder with key documents like a copy of their insurance card and any medical info. We also keep a gallon Ziploc in the car with a change of clothes, a diaper, wipes, and a snack. (Honestly, with baby number two, don’t be surprised by how many times you leave the house without the diaper bag. Something you’d never do with your first. Gasp.) You could also stash a small pouch with things like sunscreen, bandaids, and a backup pacifier if you’ve got a baby in tow.
13. Make stations in your house when you have a baby
One of those life hacks for new parents I always share with moms-to-be. Set up little stations around your house with the essentials: diapers, wipes, burp cloths, breast pads, snacks, a water bottle… whatever you reach for the most. That way, you’re not constantly running up and down stairs (or even getting off the couch) during those early weeks. You’ve got what you need, where you need it. I did this with my second and it was a lifesaver.
14. Find an at home exercise program you love
Honestly, many of my morning workouts happen in pajamas, with a toddler climbing on me and another one playing nearby. Done is better than perfect here. Moving your body supports both your mental and physical health and finding something you enjoy and can do at home makes it all the more doable. Whether it’s 10 minutes of stretching or a quick strength class, it counts.
15. Prepare for the unexpected
The life hack of all busy parent life hacks is this: expect the unexpected. Things will go off-script. Plans will change. Someone will spill, melt down, or wake up early from their nap. The sooner you can make peace with that reality, the smoother things feel. When it happens? Take a few deep breaths. Text your mom group chat at the end of the day to vent. Tap in your village. And do your best to let the little stuff go.
I hope these life hacks for busy parents give you a few new ideas to try or reminded you of ones worth coming back to. Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for more tips on building a fulfilling life, packed with wisdom on motherhood, travel, career, style, and self-care. And if any of these hacks are working for you, or you’ve got your own go-to tip that’s made a big difference, come share it with me over on Instagram. I’d love to hear what’s helping your family!
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