Ever wonder how today's moms make it through the day? Do they have some secret tricks they'd like to share with us? While every mom is different and every situation is unique, one thing is true -- we're all in this together. Take a look at the little things that get them through their day and beyond.
Meet Amy Clark.
Amy is the machine behind the amazing momadvice.com and our resident weekly book guru. She's also mom to two kids. Here's how she does it all.
Your best mom hack
These days, it is the beauty of grocery delivery. I signed up for an Instacart account and now when the kids come home and need something for school that they forgot to tell me (poster board, cupcakes, cookies with blue frosting and edible glitter, etc...), I now send my trusty shopper on the mission to find these things. If you can't afford online grocery delivery, larger chain stores offer free grocery pick-up now which is also an enormous mom blessing. Think outside the box and use this service to your fullest advantage!
Your lunch packing strategy, if any...
Our kids attend a school where lunch and breakfast is provided free of charge. I take advantage of this. Also, can I give a shout out to the parents who have made it to the teen stage? Although the hormonal shifts are strong, it is SO wonderful to have two kids who can pack their own lunches now!
When is your me time?
I have a health condition that really has required me to slow down and listen to my body. Thursday is my implemented, "sick day," that happens weekly whether I feel my best or not. I know my body requires it so I utilize this day to do self-care things for me. I'm a frugal gal so self-care isn't fancy massages or manicures. Self-care is savoring my cup of coffee, reading a good book, having a binge Netflix session in my pajamas, a long soak in the tub, and squeezing in a nap. I feel really lucky that I work from home and can create space for this day.
After the kids are in bed, I...
am usually already in bed too. With older kids, they usually can outlast their old mom these days. I am trying to implement better sleep habits so I am usually curled up in my bed by 8 with a good book. I still stay up late on weekends and my favorite thing to do is to do some wine sipping, jigsaw puzzles, and listen to a podcast with my husband. I know, we are WILD.
When I dream of an escape, I picture...
Exploring any new part of the world with my husband. We both got our passports just a few years ago and it was so much fun to go to a different country and explore it. I married my high school sweetheart and it is really amazing to do life with someone and share those big moments for the first time together.
Shower time? AM, PM -- never???
Okay, I hate washing my hair. Like, I bought a hair washing flow chart to hang in our bathroom that almost always leads to the answer of not washing your hair. I prefer an evening soak in the tub, but this is complex with hair washing. I have started washing my hair in our utility sink while I fill our bathtub so I can have it air drying in the tub and I can get in a good bath. My complex routine includes a FULL-BODY bathtub pillow, a bath tray, a sparkling water, a book, Epsom salts, and a few drops of lavender. It's like an Olympic event. The longer the bath, the less I have to blow dry my hair. How's that for an answer?
Your mom philosophy in one sentence...
The best thing you can do for your kids is to just show up.
Mom vice...
Hormones bring on a lot of unrighteous anger and door slamming. I have gotten even more of it because when it is so unwarranted and unnecessary, I have a bad habit of laughing. And, lemme tell you, a tween girl who has been laughed at can really bring the wrath.