009 | How to Prioritize Yourself as a Mom
How I Rest with Three Kids Under Three
Listen to the Podcast:
How to Find Rest as a Busy Mom of Toddlers
As a mom of little ones, the idea of rest can feel completely out of reach. Your days are full of diaper changes, snack requests, and endless energy. But I truly believe rest is possible for you, even in the busiest seasons of motherhood.
I know this is a touchy subject because so much of our rest depends on things we can’t control—like whether our kids will nap or sleep through the night. But there are still things we can do to make rest a priority whether our kids are resting or not. Today, I’m sharing the tips that have helped me stay rested as a mom, even during my season of having three kids under three!
Time in God’s Word
Of course, a key part of resting is time in God’s Word. But before you skip this, I know, I know. It feels impossible right now.
But I believe it’s possible to make time for God’s Word even in a busy season of motherhood. I believe it so strongly that I wrote a devotional just for you! It’s called Bible Time Take Back. It’s not another unachievable plan or book designed to make you feel guilty about what you’re not doing.
It’s full of practical tips and gentle encouragement to help you get back into God’s Word and find time you didn’t know you had, even in this crazy season of motherhood.
Grab it in paperback or on Kindle over on Amazon.
1. Plan for Rest
I know—this sounds a little contradictory. But rest doesn’t just happen. If you don’t plan for it, your whole day will slip away before you know it.
I don’t mean you need to schedule spa days or have a detailed planner (does anyone actually use those?). But I do think it’s important to have a general rhythm for when you can slow down.
For me, this looks like:
Right after breakfast – Instead of jumping into dishes, I sit on the couch for a few minutes with my Bible and journal.
Quiet time – My kids have a daily quiet time in their beds, whether they nap or not. I use that time to rest instead of trying to be productive.
After bedtime – Most nights, I take a bath or read a book to wind down before bed.
I don’t feel rested when I spend time on screens, so I try to be intentional to read or close my eyes when I’m aiming to rest.
Your rhythms might look different, but the key is to build in intentional moments of rest throughout your day.
2. Go to Bed Early
I am a huge believer in sleep. If my kids are asleep, that’s my time to rest too. I try to wind down by 9 or 9:30 p.m. so I can get as much sleep as possible.
I’ve also never been the type of mom to wake up before my kids. I know that works for some people, but for me, sleep is more valuable than early morning alone time. I like to wake up slowly, snuggle my kids in bed, and ease into the day.
3. Take It Easy When You Need To
As a SAHM, I get to choose the rhythm of our day. If we have a rough night or everyone is sick, I don’t try to push through and be extra productive. The laundry and dishes can wait.
Some days, rest means pulling something from the freezer for dinner or canceling plans. I try not to overbook our schedule so we have flexibility when we need it.
4. Rest Around Your Kids
I used to think I could only rest if my kids were sleeping or if I was away from them. But now, I’ve learned there are so many ways to rest with them.
Some of my favorite ways to rest around my kids:
Reading my own book while they play
Doing a creative hobby like crocheting or calligraphy while they color
Snuggling on the couch and reading to them
It’s good for kids to see us resting, too! It teaches them how to slow down and recharge.
5. Work Ahead to Avoid Last-Minute Chaos
I try to stay ahead as much as possible so I’m not scrambling at the last minute. One of the biggest ways I do this is with dinner prep. I never start cooking at 4 p.m. Instead, I cook in the morning. I make a lot of crock pot meals or casseroles that I can just pop in the oven before dinner.
Anytime I can get ahead, whether it’s laundry, meal prep, or tidying, it helps my home feel more peaceful and gives me more room to rest.
Bonus Tip: Communicate Clearly with Your Husband
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be clear and specific about what you need from your husband. Instead of saying, I’m so overwhelmed, and hoping he reads your mind, try:
Hey, I need a nap. Can you be on with the kids for an hour?
I’m feeling overwhelmed by cooking dinner lately. Can we brainstorm a way to do this better?
I’d love to take a bath and call my friend. Can you handle bedtime?
Your husband probably wants to help, but he can’t read your mind. Vaguely talking about your emotions is not equivalent to asking for help. Clear, direct requests make it easier for him to step in.
I hope these tips help you find ways to rest, even in your busy season of motherhood. And if you’re looking for encouragement in making time for God, be sure to check out Bible Time Take Back!
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