Women Empowerment

Category: Parenting

Why Is My Baby So Fussy? 10 Gentle Ways to Comfort
FUSSY. You’ve fed the baby.

You’ve changed the diaper. You’ve rocked, bounced, walked, shushed, and maybe even cried a little yourself. So why is your baby still fussy?

First, take a deep breath. We have all been there. It is so very difficult. Babies cry. It’s one of the primary ways they communicate. Sometimes the answer is obvious, and sometimes it feels like solving a mystery with very little sleep. Still fussy.

The good news is that there are several common reasons babies become fussy, and many can be gently addressed with simple lifestyle habits and comforting routines.

Let’s take a look.

1. Your Baby Is Hungry (Again!)

Just when you think they can’t possibly be hungry…they’re hungry. Growth spurts often cause babies to feed more frequently than usual. If your little one suddenly wants to nurse or take a bottle every hour, a growth spurt could be the reason. So fussy. I found this was usually with a fast frantic cry, four kids later.

2. They’re Overtired

Fussy. One of the biggest causes of fussiness isn’t too little sleep… It’s staying awake too long. Watch for sleepy cues like:
- Rubbing eyes
- Yawning
- Looking away
- Fussing for no obvious reason
- Arching their back
Sometimes getting your baby to sleep before they become overtired makes all the difference (for your baby and you) – ta he he. I do better when I go to bed before I hit a wall, how about you?

3. Too Much Stimulation

The world is brand new to babies. Bright lights. Loud televisions. Visitors. Dogs barking. Phones ringing. (I get fussy too).

Even a fun family gathering can become overwhelming. If your baby has had a busy day, try:
- Dimming the lights
- Turning off the television
- Speaking softly
- Holding them close
- Moving to a quiet room
Sometimes less really is more.

4. Gas or Tummy Discomfort

Fussy: Tiny tummies are still learning how to digest. Gentle ideas that may help include:
- Burping after feeds
- Bicycle leg exercises
- Tummy time (when appropriate)
- Keeping baby upright after feeding
- My favorite: warming their bellies with my hand as I prayed for them. It brought my babies and me peace.
If symptoms seem severe or persistent, contact your pediatrician.

5. They Need Connection

Sometimes babies don’t need another toy. They need you.

Skin-to-skin contact.

Rocking.

Snuggling.

Talking softly.

Or my favorite: patting their bottoms like a heartbeat. On rough days, I still tell me kids I need someone to hold me and pat my butt – ha!!

Your heartbeat was their favorite sound for months. Never underestimate the power of simply being present.

6. Check the Temperature

Fussy: Babies can become uncomfortable if they’re too hot or too cold. A quick check of their clothing and room temperature can sometimes solve the mystery.

One of my Fantastic Four kids hated to be swaddled. His hands had to be out or he would fuss the paint off the walls.

Another Fantastic Four, was only ok if she had a onesie on, a blanket sleeper, and a blanket tightly swaddling her. Every child is different. Some kids go through cycles where they want different things.

7. Teething May Be Starting

Fussy: Depending on your baby’s age, teething discomfort can make little ones more irritable. Signs may include:
- Drooling
- Chewing on everything
- Swollen gums
- Increased fussiness
Offer age-appropriate comfort measures recommended by your pediatrician. If only they came with teeth, so many fussy nights would be averted. Ha! A girl can dream, right?!?

8. Changes in Routine = Fussy.

Travel.

Visitors.

Missing naps.

A different bedtime.

Even exciting days can be exhausting for babies. Whenever possible, returning to familiar routines can help everyone settle down.

9. Your Baby May Need a Sensory Reset

Sometimes babies simply need fewer inputs. Try creating a calm environment:
- Soft lighting
- White noise
- Gentle rocking
- Swaddling (when age-appropriate and following safe sleep guidelines)
- Quiet cuddles
Simple routines often become powerful comfort signals. I have to state that three of my fantastic four are spectrum kiddos. As babies, I found it odd, that at times those three just wanted to lay down alone. They stopped fussing when I let them lay in their cribs or play pen.

Not to say, that kids that need alone time, may be autistic. Just for me, I observed my spectrum kiddos needed way more time to decompress by themselves even as babies.

10. Don’t Forget About Mom and Dad

Can I encourage you for just a moment? If you’re exhausted… tired of all the sleepless nights, extreme loud crying, and feel tapped out. This season will pass.

..Parenting is hard work. Some days success simply looks like loving your baby through another difficult afternoon. Give yourself grace. Babies don’t need perfect parents. They need loving ones.

To any parent who has a baby who screams for several hours, like my oldest son: put the baby down for a few minutes and walk away. Give yourself micro moments of self care: drink a cup of coffee, look outside, use the bathroom and don’t hurry out, eat a snack. Those micro moments bring sanity back. Remember, soon that fussy, screaming baby will be outside running around. It’s a tough season, but so incredibly worth it. You can do it!

Create a Peaceful Bedtime Routine: Baby Edition

One of the greatest gifts you can give your little one is consistency. Babies thrive on predictable routines because they learn what comes next. Your bedtime routine might include:
- A warm bath
- Gentle baby massage
- Feeding
- Reading a favorite book (I read to my babies before they could sit up, I think it’s just good practice).
- Sing a lullaby
- Soft music or white noise
- Dim lights
- Lots of cuddles
These simple habits send gentle signals that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep.

A Gentle Bedtime Routine with Young Living Seedlings®

As a mom, I’ve learned that babies often respond beautifully to routines. They may not understand the clock, but they quickly learn the rhythm of “it’s time to slow down.”

One bedtime routine I love includes the Young Living Seedlings® collection. These products were thoughtfully created with little ones in mind and can help turn bedtime into a peaceful, comforting experience for the whole family.

Seedlings® Baby Wash & Shampoo

A warm bath is often the first signal that the day is winding down.

Seedlings Baby Wash & Shampoo gently cleanses baby’s delicate skin and hair with a mild, plant-based formula, making bath time a relaxing part of your evening routine. And it smells so fresh just perfect for babies without the concern for the ingredients. These are products are truly trust!

Seedlings® Baby Lotion

After bath time, I love applying Seedlings Baby Lotion. Its rich, moisturizing formula leaves baby’s skin feeling soft and cared for while adding another calming moment of connection through gentle touch.

Seedlings® Baby Oil

One of my personal favorites is the Seedlings Baby Oil.

It’s wonderful for a gentle baby massage after bath time and helps keep delicate skin feeling soft and moisturized. Taking just a few extra minutes to massage your baby’s arms, legs, feet, and back can become a beautiful bonding experience while helping signal that it’s time to rest.

Moms: this is a great product to have around for EVERYTHING! I’ve used it to support healing with blisters, cracked skin, dry skin, etc. If any of my kids had skin that was itchy, I would put a tiny dab on it. My kids ran away like, “Thanks mom, that helped.” It has been and continues to be a staple in my home.

Seedlings® Calm

For children who are old enough according to the product’s directions, many families enjoy incorporating KidScents® Calm into their evening routine.

Its pleasant aroma can become another comforting cue that bedtime is near. I love this in my diffusers at bed time.

Always follow the product label, use as directed for your child’s age, and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Remember…

Products are only one small part of creating peaceful evenings.

The real magic happens when you combine:
- Consistent bedtime routines
- Gentle cuddles
- Soft lighting
- Reading together
- White noise or calming music
- Loving connection
Those simple moments often become the memories our children carry with them for years to come.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Can I leave you with one encouragement? You don’t have to solve every parenting challenge today. Celebrate the little victories. Maybe your baby settled five minutes faster tonight. Celebrate those are wins.

Small victories become big victories over time. You’re doing better than you think. Thank Goodness babies aren’t fussy forever.

Free Gift for Parents

If bedtime has become the hardest part of your day, I’d love to help.

Download my FREE Nighttime Routine for Children and discover simple, practical ideas to create a peaceful bedtime rhythm your family can actually stick with.

Take the dread out of going to bed with this free E Book to help make going to sleep way better.

Inside you’ll find easy routines, calming ideas, and gentle habits that can help make evenings feel a little less stressful and a lot more peaceful.

Sometimes the smallest routines create the biggest sense of calm.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If your baby has persistent crying, feeding difficulties, fever, breathing concerns, or other symptoms that concern you, contact your pediatrician promptly.

PS. If you want to give your children the very best, (what parent doesn’t): consider these graphics below. Tap them, to look at switching your baby’s personal care products to all natural, pure, plant based products. Pure – it’s so much better!

For more parenting tips, read this post: Unwind, A Gentle Routine for Kids and Moms.
July 7, 2026
Calm Pets and Kids Over July 4th
How to Keep Kids and Pets Calm During Fourth of July Fireworks

Calm Simple Routines for a More Peaceful Holiday

For many families, the Fourth of July means cookouts, sparklers, and time with friends. But for young children, neurodivergent kids, and family pets, the holiday can feel overwhelming.

Loud fireworks, crowded events, changes in routine, late bedtimes, and unfamiliar noises can create anxiety, overstimulation, and stress for both children and animals.

The good news? You don’t need a complicated plan for calm. A few simple preparations can help create a calmer experience for everyone in your home.

At Women Encouragement, we believe in practical solutions that support families without adding more stress to your day.

Let’s walk through some easy ways to help your children and pets feel safe, secure, and comfortable during fireworks season.

Why Fireworks Can Feel So Uncalm

Fireworks affect children and animals differently than adults.

For Children

Kids may struggle because of:
- Unexpected loud noises
- Bright flashing lights
- Disrupted routines
- Sensory overload
- Fear of the unknown
Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety often experience these effects even more intensely.

Signs your child may be overstimulated include:
- Covering ears
- Crying or becoming clingy
- Irritability
- Increased hyperactivity
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional meltdowns
For Pets

Dogs and cats hear sounds at much higher frequencies than humans.

According to veterinary experts, many pets experience significant stress during fireworks because they cannot understand where the noise is coming from or when it will stop.

Common signs include:
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Pacing
- Excessive barking
- Panting
- Drooling
- Attempts to escape
Understanding these reactions can help us respond with compassion instead of frustration.

1. Prepare Before the Fireworks Begin for Calm

One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to start early.

A calm environment before fireworks begin often leads to a calmer evening overall.

Try:
- Closing curtains before dark
- Bringing outdoor pets inside
- Feeding pets and children at their normal time
- Finishing outdoor activities earlier in the evening
- Creating a comfortable “safe space”
Children and animals thrive when they know what to expect.

2. Create a Calm Corner

Every family benefits from having a designated quiet space.

Consider setting up:

For Kids
- Favorite blanket
- Books
- Headphones or ear protection
- Fidget toys
- Stuffed animals
- Soft lighting
For Pets
- Bed or crate
- Favorite toy
- Water bowl
- Familiar blanket
- Access to a quiet room
The goal isn’t to force anyone into the space.

The goal is to create a place where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

3. Use Background Noise for calm

Sometimes silence makes fireworks seem even louder.

Try:
- Soft music
- White noise
- Fans
- Television
- Nature sounds
Background noise can help mask sudden booms and create a more predictable environment.

Many families find this especially helpful for bedtime.

4. Burn Off Energy Earlier in the Day

A child who has spent the day indoors may have extra energy when fireworks start.

The same is true for dogs.

Before evening arrives:
- Go for a family walk
- Visit the park
- Play fetch
- Swim
- Enjoy outdoor games
Physical activity can help support a calmer transition into the evening.

5. Maintain Familiar Routines for Calm

Holidays often disrupt schedules.

While flexibility is important, keeping some routines consistent can provide a sense of security.

Try maintaining:
- Regular meal times
- Normal nap schedules
- Evening bath routines
- Bedtime rituals
Consistency helps reduce anxiety for both children and pets.

6. Consider Sensory Supports

Many parents find sensory tools helpful during fireworks season.

Examples include:
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Weighted blankets
- Compression clothing
- Fidget toys
- Quiet activities
Every child is different.

Pay attention to what helps your child feel safe and regulated.

7. Support a Calm Environment with Gentle Aromas

Many families enjoy incorporating essential oils into their evening routines as calming sensory cues.

Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. They simply provide an enjoyable aromatic experience that can become part of a relaxing bedtime ritual.

Popular choices for family wind-down routines include:
For pet owners, always use caution around animals.

Diffuse in a well-ventilated area, use short sessions, and make sure pets can leave the room if they choose.

When introducing any new product around pets, consult your veterinarian if you have questions.

8. Stay Calm Yourself

Children and pets often take emotional cues from the adults around them.

If you’re anxious, frustrated, or stressed, they may pick up on that energy.

A few deep breaths, a slower pace, and a calm tone of voice can make a surprising difference.

Remember:

You don’t have to create a perfect Fourth of July.

You only need to create a safe one.

A Simple Fourth of July Calm Plan

Morning
- Outdoor play
- Exercise for pets
- Hydrate well
Afternoon
- Prepare safe spaces
- Close blinds and curtains
- Gather comfort items
Evening
- Turn on calming background sounds
- Begin bedtime routines early
- Use sensory supports if needed
- Offer reassurance and comfort
Before Bed
- Keep lights dim
- Read a favorite book
- Maintain familiar routines
Small steps often create the biggest results.

Bug spray is always needed for fireworks. You can get bug repellent or bug repellent wipes that are completely pure and non toxic.

A Gentle Option for Pets During Stressful Events to Stay Calm

Many pet owners notice that fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, visitors, and changes in routine can create extra stress for their animals.

While every pet is different, creating a calm environment can help support their comfort during overwhelming situations.

Along with a quiet room, familiar blankets, exercise, and predictable routines, some families choose to incorporate products from Young Living’s Animal Scents® line as part of their pet wellness routine.

Popular Animal Scents® Favorites

Animal Scents® T-Away

This blend was specifically created with pets in mind and is often used during:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- Car rides
- Grooming appointments
- New environments
- Household changes
Many pet owners enjoy diffusing it nearby (never directly around the pet) or applying it according to Young Living’s directions.

Animal Scents® Ointment

A soothing, plant-based ointment that can be used as part of a regular grooming and wellness routine.

Pet Safety Always Comes First

When using essential oils around animals:
- Use only products specifically formulated for pets.
- Allow your pet to leave the room if they choose.
- Never force exposure.
- Avoid applying oils near eyes, nose, ears, or sensitive areas.
- Follow Young Living’s usage directions carefully.
- Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns.
My Fourth of July Pet Comfort Routine

For our furry family members, I like to keep things simple:
1. Exercise pets earlier in the day.
2. Bring them indoors before fireworks begin.
3. Close curtains and blinds.
4. Turn on calming background noise.
5. Create a cozy “safe space” with favorite blankets and toys.
6. Use Animal Scents® Calm as part of our evening routine.
7. Stay nearby so they know they’re safe.
Sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer our pets isn’t a product at all—it’s our calm presence and a predictable environment.

A little preparation can go a long way toward helping your furry friends feel secure during fireworks season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fireworks harmful to pets?

Fireworks can cause significant stress and anxiety in many animals. Some pets may attempt to escape if frightened, which is why keeping identification tags current and bringing pets indoors early is important.

Should I take my dog to a fireworks show?

Most veterinarians recommend leaving pets at home in a secure, familiar environment rather than exposing them to loud fireworks displays.

Why do some children react strongly to fireworks?

Children with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, autism, ADHD, or simply a strong startle response may find fireworks overwhelming because of the sudden sounds and bright flashes.

Can essential oils calm my child or pet?

Essential oils should be viewed as part of a calming environment rather than a treatment. Consistent routines, sensory supports, and a safe environment remain the foundation of helping children and pets feel secure.

Final Thoughts

The Fourth of July doesn’t have to be stressful.

With a little preparation, you can help your children and pets feel safer, calmer, and more comfortable during fireworks season.

Focus on the basics:
- Predictable routines
- Safe spaces
- Physical activity
- Comfort items
- Calm environments
Sometimes the most powerful wellness tools aren’t complicated at all.

They’re the simple habits that help the people we love feel secure.

Free Resource

Want more family-friendly wellness tips?

Join the Women Encouragement community and download our Healthy Home Starter Checklist to discover practical ways to create a calmer, lower-toxin home for your family.
June 30, 2026
Unwind: A Gentle Bedtime Routine for Kids and Moms
Unwind at Bedtime. This can feel like the hardest part of the day. With four kids, I used to dread bed time because it included some of our worst behavior. That is, until I found an iron clad way to do without the chaos.

By evening, everyone is tired, overstimulated, and somehow still not ready to settle down. The lights are on, the energy is high, and your peaceful nighttime routine can start to feel more like wrestling caffeinated squirrels. If that sounds familiar, you are not doing anything wrong. Many families need simple, calming support to help the day come to a gentler close.

That is why Young Living KidScents Unwind has become one of those products many families keep nearby for evenings that feel extra busy. Young Living describes it as a supplement formulated for children to help promote a calm and relaxed state, reduce restlessness, and help with occasional sleeplessness. Its official product materials highlight L-theanine, 5-HTP, and magnesium, and say it is intended for children ages 4 and older.

And while it was designed for kids, I will tell you honestly that I have used it myself when I wake up in the night and cannot quite settle back down. For me, it has been one of those “lights out” supports that fits beautifully into a calm nighttime rhythm.

Why bedtime feels so hard sometimes

If you have ever wondered why bedtime can spiral so quickly, you are not alone. Kids carry a lot by the end of the day. School, activities, screens, emotions, noise, sugar, transitions, and plain old tiredness can all pile up. Even good days can end with wound-up energy.

That is why bedtime often needs more than one command to “go to sleep.” It usually works better when you create a rhythm that helps the body and mind slow down.

And that is where you become the hero of your home.

Not because you make bedtime perfect, but because you create calmer patterns. You notice what helps. You choose gentle tools. You build a nighttime routine that supports peace instead of pressure.

What is Young Living Unwind?

Young Living KidScents Unwind is a supplement in single-serve powder stick packs. Young Living says it is formulated to help promote a calm state, reduce restlessness, help with occasional sleeplessness, and support focus and mental clarity.

I originally bought it for those times when my kids have high anxiety and can’t seem to catch their breath. One of my kids completely loves this product, including the watermelon flavor. He says he can go to sleep after taking this.

The featured ingredients Young Living highlights are:
- L-theanine
- 5-HTP
- Magnesium
That makes it appealing for families who want a gentle bedtime support option that is not centered on melatonin.

What makes Young Living Unwind stand out?

What I like about Unwind is that it fits into a routine instead of trying to replace one. And it is not more pills! Yay!

It feels like a “help the evening go better” product, not a “force sleep now” product. That difference matters. A lot of moms are not looking for something harsh. They are looking for something that supports the kind of bedtime they are already trying to create: calmer lights, calmer voices, calmer bodies, calmer evenings.

Young Living positions Unwind for children ages 4+ and describes it as helping promote calm and relaxation while supporting occasional sleeplessness and restlessness.

That is exactly the kind of wording I think makes sense for bedtime content too. We are not talking about perfection. We are talking about support.

A closer look at the key ingredients in Unwind

L-theanine

Young Living says L-theanine occurs naturally in green tea and helps promote relaxation while helping ease occasional irritability. The company also says it may support next-day focus and mental clarity.

5-HTP

According to Young Living’s product information, 5-HTP works synergistically with L-theanine to promote a calm state and assists in relieving occasional stress.

Magnesium

Young Living says magnesium is involved in hundreds of metabolic reactions in the body and may help support a sense of calm and help with occasional sleeplessness.

How I would frame Unwind for bedtime routines

If bedtime has been feeling chaotic, Unwind does not have to be the whole plan. It can simply be one helpful part of it.

Think of it like this: you are not trying to win bedtime with one magic trick. You are building a softer landing at the end of the day.

That might include:
- dimming the lights
- turning off overstimulating screens
- keeping conversation quieter
- using a consistent bedtime sequence
- adding Unwind as part of that routine
That is where this product makes the most sense to me. It belongs inside a gentle rhythm.

My personal take on Unwind

This is the part I would share honestly because personal experience matters.

Unwind was designed for children, and I think it makes sense to keep that clear. But in my own life, I have used it when I wake up in the middle of the night and feel too alert to drift back off. For me, it has been one of those products that helps the night get quiet again.

That is not a promise for everyone. It is simply my experience.

And that is one reason I like it so much. It feels like something supportive to keep in the house, especially for families who want their evenings to feel less frantic and more peaceful.

A simple nighttime routine to tame bedtime madness

If you want bedtime to feel calmer, simpler, and less dramatic, here is a gentle routine to try:

1. Lower the stimulation

About 30 to 60 minutes before bed, start shifting the atmosphere. Turn lights down. Lower the noise. Help the evening feel different from the daytime pace.

2. Keep the routine predictable

Kids often settle better when bedtime happens in the same order each night. Bath, pajamas, brushing teeth, story, prayer, cuddle, bed. The exact steps matter less than the consistency.

3. Use supportive tools, not pressure

When evenings are especially restless, Unwind can be one supportive part of the routine. Young Living says it is formulated to help promote calm, reduce restlessness, and help with occasional sleeplessness.

4. Make the room feel peaceful

A cool room, soft blankets, low lighting, and less visual clutter can help bedtime feel calmer.

5. Stay calm yourself

This one is hard, but important. Children often borrow our nervous system. If bedtime feels tense, slowing your own tone and pace can make a bigger difference than you think.

Who might like Unwind?

This kind of product may appeal to:
- families who want a calmer bedtime routine
- parents of children who seem wound up at the end of the day
- moms looking for a gentle nighttime support option to keep in the house
- women who prefer a melatonin-free bedtime support category for their family routine
Important notes before using Unwind

Young Living’s product information says KidScents Unwind is for children 4 years and older. The label also advises checking with a healthcare professional if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition.

This blog post is for educational purposes and personal sharing. It is not medical advice.

Why this matters more than just one product

The real goal is not just getting through one bedtime.

The goal is helping your home feel calmer at night.

When you create a bedtime rhythm that works, even imperfectly, you are doing something powerful. You are shaping the tone of your evenings. You are helping tired bodies and busy minds settle down. You are making nighttime feel safer, softer, and simpler.

That is why I think products like Unwind can be so helpful. Not because they do everything, but because they support the kind of nighttime routine so many families are trying to build.

Want a calmer night?

If you are ready to make bedtime feel simpler and more peaceful, I created something just for you.

Download my Free Nighttime Routine for gentle, practical steps to help you create a calmer evening rhythm for yourself or your family.

Download My Free Nighttime Routine

PS If you are an adult, please don’t feel left out. Click here for some products that help even the grown ups sleep better.

For more along these lines, check out my post for Solving Kid’s Procrastination at Bedtime.

Reach out with any questions. I genuinely love to find the root causes of symptoms, and how to support each person’s body right where they are. I hope to hear from you soon!
May 4, 2026
Conquering Bedtime Procrastination: Tips for Parents
Bedtime Procrastinator: Master Level

I need to make a confession.

As a child, I was an Olympic-level bedtime procrastinator.

I had tactics. Strategies. Advanced negotiation skills.

My personal favorite was spotting a tiny spider or dust bunny in the corner of the ceiling and screaming like the house was on fire.

Suddenly I had all the attention I could ever want, although it was negative in nature.

Bedtime Procrastinators at Your House?

Do you have any of these creative, mischievous littles in your castle? Let me jog your memory:

water

needs to use the bathroom for the 8th time in 5 minutes…

another hug

another blanket

a stuffed animal they haven’t seen in ten years – slight exaggeration

the need to pray for children in Asia

a story

deep life questions, ALL of these ONLY happen after laying down in bed… anyone else?

If kids put the same energy into school that they put into avoiding bedtime, we’d have a nation of child geniuses.

Bedtime Procrastinators: The Motive

Possible reasons:

• they don’t want the day to end
• they want more connection time
• they’re overtired
• the routine is unpredictable

I’ve personally thought it is mostly fear of missing out and separation anxiety. But who am I?

Bedtime Procrastination Solutions

When my kids were younger, bedtime sometimes felt like negotiating with tiny caffeinated kittens.

What helped the most wasn’t being stricter. It was having a predictable nighttime rhythm.

And what finally brought the most peace? This may be a wet blanket on your hope, but… the biggest relief was when I decided to lay in the kid’s rooms until they fell asleep. Otherwise, I got more steps in after 8:30pm, then I did all day. (True story). Think massive trips with said items in hand over and over again.

These things did help:

• bath
• quiet time
• reading
• lights out routine

But what really brought peace is when I’d lay on their floors and read my grown up books silently, or catch up on emails. My presence helped them relax much quicker with so much less chaos. (Sorry, not sorry – it’s the truth).

Free (my favorite F word), Procrastinator Deciminator…

After going through years of bedtime chaos, I eventually wrote down the routine that helped our house settle down in the evenings.

I turned it into a little guide for other tired parents.

If you have a bedtime procrastinator in your house and want the routine, you can grab the guide here. (Although, I left out laying in their rooms until the “knock out moment”).

You can grab your free Peaceful Routine Sleep Guide Here. Thanks for stopping by today. Please share your kids procrastination schemes. It would help us all to take a break and giggle. We sure get creative when we want to avoid stuff.

Thanks for stopping by.

Restful Essential Oils – download the pdf here, free for you…

Favorite Products to Help Sleep.pdf – the exact items I use to herd my kittens, I mean four children 😂

PS For more parent sanity, check out this post.
March 16, 2026
How Overwhelmed Moms Can Get Organized (Without Doing More)
Introduction

How overwhelmed Moms Can Get Organized without doing more… if you are like me; there is most likely a pile of dirty laundry somewhere, a few dirty dishes in the sink, some strange unrelated toys on the floor, and at least one bed in the house that is completely unmade. Can you relate or is it just me? Don’t get me started on the backpacks, shoes, and jackets!

Overwhelmed mom, I see you, I am you too. Wouldn’t it be great if AI could come clean our homes like everything else? Ha!

Most moms including me, aren’t disorganized as much as we are completely overloaded. If you are like me, I get an area “decluttered,” only to find it in disarray a few weeks later. I wonder if there are gremlins who mess my organized areas up at night (ha! I am aware it was my little children often making a mess as they try to find their prized possessions, sigh).

When kids are young, the messes are normally toys, half eaten food, and dirty bibs. As they get older, it’s more sports equipment and uniforms strewn about. And even as kids age, it has been legos, craft supplies, and water bottles that litter my organized way of life. Anyone else? Anyone?

This article is about reminding ourselves (me included) that organization is not about perfection, but on reducing the mental load. When everything has a place, I feel lighter. Knowing where things go, and the confidence that it is being kept there, doesn’t just help me when I need to find things, it gives me so much more peace and joy.

“If your house feels messy and your brain feels full, this isn’t a motivation problem — it’s a systems problem.”

Overwhelmed Moms, Getting Organized:

Step #1: Start With ONE “Landing Zone”

(This is the highest-impact action)

Overwhelmed moms, getting organized starts with landing zones. Whether it’s the junk drawer for all the mysterious finds in the kitchen, hooks for hanging in the garage (on the way inside), or a nice basket with a lid by the front door, these are all known as the wonderful “landing zone.” I also love a good sized ottoman with storage to land the family room clutter.

What I love about landing zones, is that when the cleaning fairy bites, motivating organization, we can put what is in the landing zones away. This limits overwhelm immensely. It also makes cleaning up fast!

My favorite purchase when all of my children (The Fantastic Four) were under ten years old was the stair basket. Even with a crying baby in hand, I could put the items that needed to go upstairs in the “stair basket,” hidden away. Before I went to bed at night, I put what was inside the basket in its proper place (most nights to be honest – ha!).

Why it works:

Reduces visual clutter

Reduces decision fatigue

Prevents piles from spreading

“Don’t organize the whole house. Just give clutter a home.”

Overwhelmed Moms get organized — Organize Your Time Before Your Stuff

Step #2: Organized Moms organize their time before their Stuff

(This is where you sound different from Pinterest moms)…

When chaos is rushing by, clutter follow. So I tried to keep clutter at bay by cleaning up twice a day.

After making breakfast, I would clean the kitchen. Then, after I fed the kids lunch, I’d put them down for nap and tidy up the house. Finally, at night after dinner, before baths, we would clean up again. It was not rare to need to vacuum at this point too. The kids would make crumb piles like nobody’s business. (Face palm).

Simple actions:

Pick 2 daily anchors: these are two time a day that you straighten your home, keeping chaos at bay.

If you have neuro diverse kids like me, keeping their toys separated in clear containers with labels helped so much. This method assisted them in seeing what was inside. It kept their overwhelm at bay, when they wanted to explore.

Examples:

5-minute mid-day tidy

10-minute evening reset

“Your home doesn’t need hours of cleaning. It needs rhythms.”

Overwhelmed Moms Get Organized – Create a “Not Today” List

Step #3 Create a “Not Today,” List

(Mental organization = physical relief)

Moms often carry way too many invisible tasks. Does this sound familiar? “Timmy needs a haircut. The dog needs his flea treatment. Did I miss the deadline for gymnastics next month? Did I pay the classroom fees yet? When does Nora need her medicine next? Do we have enough mayo for BLT’s tonight?”

See all these thoughts fly through our heads like a hurricane constantly. No wonder we fight overwhelm!

I find keeping questions like these off my mind & in my phone or planner so liberating! It helps not carry the weight around.

Next, I have times of the day that I deal with these things. Normally, before the kids wake up, I start making appointment calls. Then, I order groceries.

Some might be giving me a look of judgment. Ordering groceries does cost extra. But, when I take my kids to the grocery store, it takes a couple hours of valuable time and we spend way more money. For me, it is such a HUGE when to oder the groceries; both financially and with time management.

How to do it:

Write down everything stressing you

Move non-urgent items to a “later” list

Why this helps:

Clears mental clutter

Reduces anxiety

Creates focus

“Just because it matters doesn’t mean it has to be done today.”

Overwhelmed Moms Get Organized — Simplify Daily Decisions

Step #4: Simplify Daily Decisions

(This lowers overwhelm fast)

When overwhelm is plaguing us, decision fatigue is all too real. Sometimes, not choosing is best! What I mean by this is give ourselves grace. Every now and then, a jammy day is ok. A night with no bath isn’t going to shatter anyone.

Sometimes, it is ok to have an extra half hour of screen time to keep peace and sanity. Often, choosing the path of least resistance simplifies decision making.

Has anyone else noticed when there are too many choices, tiredness tends to be around the corner. Limiting choices can bring relief, not to mention another layer of organization.

Examples:

repeat meals

simple outfits

set routines for errands, laundry, groceries

Real life story: My youngest melted down every single morning when it was time to get dressed. She would cry. Laying on the floor, she refused to get her clothes on.

We were always late to preschool. I was so embarrassed! She looked disheveled. During preschool, her dad and I unfortunately split up. Our pediatrician referred my youngest for counseling.

Once in counseling, they told me to limit her clothes to four outfits. I cried. Dressing my kids was one of my favorite tasks. So I went through, putting most of clothes away in trash bags (it still hurts thinking about it). At the counselor’s advice, all her clothes we kept could be interchanged.

I was skeptical, but no longer did we battle. She could go and get clothes out and they looked ok no matter what. This was one of those simplifying life made a giant impact. Try it, you might like it too.

Reframe:

“Repeating decisions isn’t boring — it’s freeing.”

Overwhelmed Moms, Organize for the Season We are In

Step #5 Organize for the season

(Compassion-based organization)

What worked last year may not work now. Times change. Getting ready for school in the family room, soon needs to be a private situation as kids age.

Let our organization practice be fluid with time. The diaper organizer only lasts a short time. Prune what is no longer needed, making room for the new.

We have to ask ourselves:

“What do I realistically have capacity for right now?”

“What system fits this season?”

Key message:

“Organization should serve your life — not shame it.”

CONCLUSION: Systems Over Hustle

Overwhelmed Moms Organizing Choose Systems Over Hustle

Organizing isn’t about being a better mom, it’s about giving ourselves breathing room. I find getting organized cuts down on the overwhelm, giving a sense of preparedness for anything.

Small systems bring great relief. Try living by the principle that everything has a place and is in its place. See how much better we feel!

“You don’t need to do everything. You just need a few systems that work.”

Don’t get more overwhelmed with organizing (ha! – the irony). Choose one small space and one small action each day. First: make landing zones. Second: organize your time. Third: Decide what you are not doing. Fourth: Simplify Daily Decisions. Fifth: Organize for the season.

If you want help building simple systems that fit your real life, I share more of what’s helped me inside my community.

If you would like my simple guide to organizing, click the form below this post.

For more on this subject, check out this post.

Thanks for stopping by. Talk soon =)

-Jenn

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February 23, 2026

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