10 Things Every Mom Should Know to Make Life Easier

10 Things Every Mom Should Know to Make Life Easier

Right before my 1st wedding anniversary… I started to feel very tired, cried easily, I sent several pregnancy test into a doctor’s office… of which I’d never been to. Not pregnant! Whew, that was close. But the odd symptoms continued, so yes, there must be something else the matter.

On this day I’m sitting with a dozen other women, waiting for an in-office test result. Suddenly I think I heard my name but I really didn’t hear it. A lot of the women were visibly pregnant, plus I was a bit shy, so I had my head down reading a magazine. I lifted my head and the nurse repeated… Mrs. Durham, you’re due October 13th.

 
An influx of heat ran all over my body, ME pregnant…

how can that be?

Well, I do know how that can be.

I’m not ready. Well, I guess I’ll get ready.

Do you relate to that? What’s your story? It’s definitely a marker in time. The beginning of something new, and of course I had no idea of the joy and yes… challenges motherhood would bring.

Mom’s are on the job 24/7 and often discount the importance of their job.

Motherhood and Fatherhood are right up there with making a living. You are raising the next generation. Will your little humans be respectful, truthful, thoughtful, kind, think for themselves, and stand firm on what they believe? What will be your relationship when they’re grown?

There are many unknowns, and we as parents just do the best we can. We’re practicing, looking for what works. Talking to others, getting advice from our parents and friends. The probability is that we will raise our kids the same way we were. Is that true for you, or have you thought a little more about it and made a few tweaks?

So, back to mom’s and the 24/7 thing. You know it’s true, but we love our kids and we’re proud to be moms. We’ll continue to balance all the things we do no matter what. But… if we you don’t give yourself a minute to REFUEL… you’ll be on EMPTY. Tell me, what does it look like when you’re on empty?

So… it’s not selfish to take care of yourself. On a plane you must first put the oxygen mask on yourself because, if you pass out, you can’t help anyone.

So, Mother’s Day is around the corner and today I’m sharing with you10 things to make your life easier…. Pick one or two and make them your own.

I’m Connie Durham… married over 40 years… mom of 3 and Nana of 15. Fifteen, that’s another story, but through my years I’ve encountered the ups and downs of motherhood and marriage. I’m a John Maxwell speaker, certified in how we all process information differently, react differently, are motivated differently, we assume our spouse should think and react just like us. This is what gets us in trouble. We’re unaware until there’s a problem, and then we don’t realize that we can move past it if we seek advice. That’s why I began “The Extraordinary Marriage Podcast” on Apple and Spotify.

Before I share the 10 things every mom should know to make her life easier, let me invite you to my FREE Online Marriage and Mom’s Inspirational Summit beginning in May 1st. Hear from real women sharing honest, uplifting ideas to make your life easier and your days happier. Don't miss this chance to be inspired and refuel. www.TheExtraordinaryMarriage.com/moms   Get it May 1sy - the 17th

Here we go. Every mom needs…

🍼 1. A Reliable Meal Plan that makes every day dinners easier. Chatting around the family dinner table brings your family closer.
• Apps like Mealime, Plan to Eat, or even a magnetic weekly menu board are helpful.
• Save time, reduce stress, and keep grocery shopping efficient.
________________________________________
☕ 2. A Good Coffee Maker or Tea Setup
• Because caffeine = survival. Something fast, reliable, and easy to clean is key.
• Bonus: A travel mug that keeps drinks warm for hours.
________________________________________
🧺 3. A Laundry System That Works for You
• Whether it’s color-coded hampers, laundry baskets on wheels, or a weekly laundry schedule, having a system saves you time and mental energy and I’ve found specifying one day a week helps me get it done and there are always clean clothes when needed.
________________________________________
📱 4. A Family Organizer App – If your family is headed in 5 different directions, it’s a must, so that you don’t lose your mind.
• Think Cozi, Google Calendar, or TimeTree.
• Sync schedules, appointments, grocery lists, and more.
________________________________________
🧹 5. A Robot Vacuum or Efficient Cleaning Tools
• A Roomba or similar can keep floors clean without lifting a finger.
• For quick daily cleanups: cordless stick vacuum, microfiber mops, or a good ol’ cleaning caddy.
________________________________________
👜 6. A Stylish but Functional Mom Bag
• Something roomy with lots of compartments.
Bonus: if it’s also cute and not just a diaper bag.
• Backpack-style bags are perfect for hands-free action. If you’re visual like me, something bright and fun… feeds my soul.
________________________________________
⏳ 7. Time for Yourself (Even in Small Doses)
• Audible subscription, Kindle, Journaling, Good Book, Chatting with a friend, A closed bedroom door, bubble bath
• Helps you recharge and feel human again.
________________________________________
🛒 8. Delivery & Pickup Services are popular although I find shopping relaxing when I have time to do it, and a great deal gives me a little zip in my step. But when time is short…
• Grocery delivery (Instacart, Walmart+), Amazon Subscribe & Save, or Target Drive-Up.
________________________________________
💖. 9. Married? – Time with your spouse is a must. Do you know that you and your Hubbie need 15 hours a week together in order to keep that romantic LOVE you started with? That’s hard as a parent but not impossible. Figure it out and make it a habit.
• How about a Bi-weekly date night
• Find things that are Free or low cost
• Meet at the house for lunch, while the kids are in school
• FREE Gift – The Chemistry of Lasting Love Guide …find what’s most important to each of you + 50 things you can do together. www.TheExtraordinaryMarriage.com/5NEEDS
________________________________________
💤 10. Sleep Support Tools
• High energy = happy mom… low = grumpy mom
• White noise machines, blackout curtains, a comfy mattress, or sleep-tracking apps.
• Go to bed at the same time each night
• Kids should be sleeping in their own bed

Are you ready to unlock your best life!

Join our FREE MOM’S Summit for fun ideas to boost your confidence and find joy at home, in marriage, and with kids.
Marriage & Mom’s Inspirational Summit
www.theextraordinarymarriage.com/moms 

—Jill Churchill said "There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one."

"Whatever you focus on expands. If you focus on the good, the good gets better."

Connie Durham
The Extraordinary Marriage Podcast
Fayetteville, GA