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“Any tips for surviving having two littles? I have a 2 1/2 year-old and a 5-month-old and I’m struggling to keep on top of everything.” -A follower
1. Start Your Day with Jesus.
Even if it means listening to the Bible on audio while you push your kids in the stroller, begin your day relying upon the Lord and filling yourself up with His word. You can do this on your own; lean on Him.
I usually read a little bit of my current She Reads Truth study and write in my gratitude journal in the mornings either before the little ones get up or while they play nearby in the mornings. And then I pray over my day while walking on the treadmill (Kierstyn and Baby D play nearby while I do this or sometimes Jesse will have one of them out on errands with him or upstairs with him).
2. Create a Simple Routine.
Plan a few things to do in the same order every morning, after lunch, and in the evenings. This makes a world of difference in how my days run. Without a simple plan, I just run around putting out fires.
This could just look something like:
- Wake up
- Get Dressed
- Have Breakfast
- Quick Clean Up/Laundry
- Figure Out Dinner
- Go Out on a Walk
- Lunch Time
- Read Aloud
- Nap Time/Quiet Time
- Play Outside
- Toddler Watch a Show (Make Dinner)
- Quick Clean Up/Laundry
- Dinner Time
- Bath Time
- Bed Time
3. Simplify Wherever You Can.
How can you make things easier? What can you simplify and cut back on in this season of life?
Maybe you use paper plates, or stick with quick meals that use some pre-made ingredients, use your crock pot or Instant Pot, or double any cooking you do to stick in the freezer.
4. Get Out of the House.
Even if it’s just to go on a walk or to the library, get out of the house. A change of scenery can do wonders for your sanity.
We will sometimes go out for a drive (not to go anywhere, though you could go through a drive-thru for a little treat!), just to change things up — especially if the little ones are being quite fussy.
I also love to meet a friend at the park to talk and walk our little ones in the stroller or to let them play at the park (a fenced in park is the best option!)
5. Have Daily Quiet Time.
Have an afternoon nap time/quiet time every day. This is time for you to put your feet up, eat some chocolate (or a healthy snack!), and do something to refresh your spirit.
If your 2 1/2 year old is no longer taking a nap, you could put together some tubs with special things to play with that your toddler only gets to play with during quiet time. Start with 10 minutes and gradually work up to 20 and then 30 and maybe all the way up to an hour.
When our older three were little, we had quiet time for quite a few years — even as the kids got older. I think it’s good for all of us to have a little quiet!
What advice and practical tips would you have for this mom who is struggling? Share in the comments!
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