My Top 10 Daily Habits That Have Made Me a Better Mother

Simple rhythms that have made me a more patient, creative, present, and fun mama to be around.

When I stop and consider what motherhood has meant to me since entering this journey 10 years ago, it seems less about the big milestones and more about the little rhythms I’ve learned that have quietly shaped me. Rhythms that make me more patient, creative, present, and honestly more fun to be around.

I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but the journey has been far from what I expected— in many wonderful ways. Never did I think I’d have four (soon to be five, coming in March!) children that depend on me, night and day, as their daily example.

Their zest for life compels me to keep striving to improve— because I see how much richer life can be when lived well.

I’ve been reflecting on my own daily habits lately and pondering how I’m using my time before we transition again in a few months to the addition of one more final baby. So in this post, I wanted to share the 10 habits that have made (and continue to make) the biggest difference in my motherhood journey.

Maybe a few will spark an interest in your life? And if you have daily habits that have shaped you as a mother, I’d love to hear those as well!

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10 Daily Habits That Have Made Me a Better Mother

1. Wake up at least an hour before my kids.
I’ve always been a morning person ever since childhood, so this one is not a painful habit for me like I know it might be for others (like my husband!). The house is so wonderfully quiet at this hour before anyone is awake, which invites me to take advantage of the stillness.

I prep my French press the night before, so all I have to do is grind and brew before sitting down to some prayer and Bible time before the day begins. By the time the kids’ feet hit the floor (after their light has turned green, of course), I’ve had a chance to prepare my mind for a new day.

2. Daily chores and chore charts for kids.
Teaching my kids that daily chores are a regular part of our routine is one of the biggest ways I thrive with many kids at home 24/7! It’s not about perfection—it’s about learning responsibility and life skills. Having their own chart keeps them on track and accountable— and saves me from having to pick up toys and clear dishes all day long.

3. A flexible but predictable rhythm.
Our homeschool days follow a structured but flexible routine, and even summers have their own rhythm—more relaxed, but still steady. My kids know what to expect, and I find the day goes smoother when there’s a backbone of structure.

4. Daily quiet time for everyone.
Nap for the toddler, independent reading for the older kids, and for me—a chance to write, read, or just rest. The hours of 2:00pm-4:00pm are a cherished time for me— they’ve become a simple, tried-and-true rhythm that’s been etched into the portion of our day and continues to bring that little bit of stillness we all need.

5. Do things I genuinely enjoy with my kids.
I finally gave myself permission not to force the stuff I dread to play with my kids (sorry, Barbies). Instead, I lean into what I do love—creek stomping, playground time, or baking together. They get a more joyful, genuine version of me and can save the super-hero make-believe play for their siblings!

6. Have a creative outlet for myself.
For years it’s been blogging, starting a lifestyle photography business, or trying new recipes. Having a little corner of life that’s just for making and experimenting reminds me that there can and should be creativity in life, not just necessity. Making sure to carve out time for these hobbies or pursuits has fueled me to try new things and resist complacency.

7. Practice gratitude, even with my kids.
Five years ago, I started writing a gratitude journal for myself, and now my kids and I have started one during our morning Bible time. And at dinner, we each name our “one good thing” about the day. These little habits shift the atmosphere and redirect our thoughts to our blessings rather than complaints.

8. Keep tech boundaries.
For me, this looks like stepping away from most social media (Substack is the exception!). For the kids, it means that passively watching tv shows aren’t a daily default anymore. Friday movie night has become special because it’s the one time we all watch something together.

9. Refresh our spaces each night.
It’s amazing how different a morning feels when I walk into a clear kitchen instead of a cluttered one. Before the kids run off and play outside after dinner, they each have their designated areas to tidy up. Everything makes its way back to its home, messes from the day are restored back to normal, and those two-minute tasks are tackled by my husband and myself.

10. Simplify small things with routines.
Meal planning is my sanity saver. I plan our meals over the weekend, order groceries to be delivered on Monday morning, and rotate simple go-to dinners that everyone eats. For the past two months, I’ve even planned a whole month out—it’s one less decision weighing on me every day.

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Of course these daily habits don’t go as planned 100% of the time or even work great in every season of life, but right now I’m living in the season I’m in and striving to shape my habits around what matters most.

As always, thank you so much for reading and being here! I greatly appreciate connecting with so many of you through comments and messages and hearing what resonates with you. Feel free to share this post with someone else who may find it helpful!