Ever feel like you’re just surviving the day—jumping from snack time to nap time to meltdown time—without ever catching your breath?
That was me. For a long time. I didn’t think routines really mattered. I assumed we’d just wing it each day and somehow things would fall into place. (Spoiler: they didn’t.)
But everything changed when I decided to finally take structure seriously—and it’s made all the difference for me, my kids, and our home.
Why I Needed a Routine
A few months ago, an influencer named Kylie Perkins went viral for her no-excuses message: stop making excuses and get it done. She talked about the importance of having a daily routine and getting your house back to baseline every night—meaning everything is tidy and ready for the next day.
At first, I didn’t buy into it. I figured motherhood was just messy and unpredictable—and yes, that’s still true—but when my semester ended (which I’m proud to say I finished with all A’s! 🙌), I realized I needed more structure. I knew I’d be starting my internship soon, and I wanted to have a rhythm in place so that when things got busier, our house wouldn’t fall apart.
It took us a while to find our groove. I tried things, changed things, gave up, started again. But once we found something that worked, I couldn’t believe how much easier the days felt—even with two little ones at home.
Our Daily Routine (Give or Take)
Here’s what our typical day looks like:
- Early Morning – I usually wake up and hit the gym first thing.
(But let’s be real: some mornings, I just can’t. And that’s okay. Our routine is flexible enough to adjust.) - Morning Reset – I shower and get myself ready for the day.
- Breakfast Time – I wake the girls and make breakfast.
- Clean Up + Dress Up – We clean up and get everyone dressed for the day.
- Planned Activity – We do whatever’s planned: crafts, outings, errands, or time outside.
- Midday Flow
- Nap #1 for MJ + one-on-one time with Lala
- Then nap time for Lala + solo time with MJ
- Later, nap #2 for MJ while Lala finishes her rest
- Dinner Prep – I use this time to cook and get things set up.
- Dinner – We eat around 4:30, just as Daddy walks through the door.
- Evening Wind Down
- Bath time for MJ
- Post-dinner walk and sometimes a trip to the park
- Bath time for Lala
- Family playtime before bed
- Bedtime for the Girls – We get them tucked in and settled for the night.
- Clean Up + Reset – I clean up dinner and toys.
- Our Turn – I head to bed, and my husband hits the gym.
Letting Go of Perfection
Do we stick to this schedule perfectly every day? Absolutely not.
Sometimes the girls and I will spend time at Disneyland or splash around at the water park with Lolli (my momma). Sometimes I skip the gym or let the dishes sit a little longer. But having a foundation helps. Even when the day gets derailed, we have a rhythm to return to.
And honestly, that’s the biggest mindset shift I’ve had: a routine doesn’t mean rigidity…it means reliability. It’s about creating space for what matters, without the overwhelm of making decisions all day long.
What I’ve Learned
- You don’t have to be a “routine mom” to benefit from routine.
- It takes time to figure out what works—don’t expect it to happen overnight.
- Flexibility is key. Build a routine that adapts to your real life, not someone else’s.
- Even a simple structure makes a huge difference.
Thinking About Creating Your Own Routine? Start Here:
- Start small – Pick 1–2 anchor points in your day (like breakfast and bedtime) and build around them.
- Plan for rest – Don’t fill every moment. White space matters.
- Be kind to yourself – Every day won’t look perfect, and that’s okay.
Let’s Chat, Mama 💬
Do you follow a routine? Are you still trying to figure one out? What’s worked for you—and what hasn’t?
Would a downloadable template help you create your own routine? I’m thinking of making one accessible for you!
Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your story. And if this post encouraged you, share it with another mama who could use the reminder that Mama, You Got This. 💕
Mama, You Got This 
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