Finding daily routine hacks that work for you is crucial to making the most of your time.

Being a stay-at-home mom is like running a never-ending marathon. But when you have a nonverbal 11-year-old on the autism spectrum and a lively 8-year-old daughter?

Well, now you’re not just running — you’re running while juggling, dodging Legos, and answering a hundred “Mom, can I…?” questions. Still, no matter how overwhelming life gets, time management can be your secret weapon.

Here are 10 tips to help you manage your time, keep your sanity (mostly), and maybe even find a few minutes to finish that cup of coffee before it gets cold.

1. Master Time-Blocking (Yes, Even for Meltdowns!)

Time-blocking might sound like a strategy for corporate meetings, but trust me, it’s a lifesaver for stay-at-home moms. Break your day into chunks of time dedicated to specific activities, whether it’s preparing breakfast, therapy sessions, or an hour for schoolwork.

Even schedule time for inevitable meltdowns and sibling squabbles (because, let’s be real, they’re going to happen).

Pro Tip: Keep each block flexible! Some days your child might breeze through the morning; other days, getting dressed might take an hour. And that’s okay.

2. Set Daily Routine Priorities — Keep Them Realistic

Forget the super-long to-do list that no one in real life actually accomplishes. Instead, choose three must-do tasks for the day. Maybe it’s finishing a load of laundry, meal prepping, or getting through speech therapy. If you get through all three, reward yourself (even if it’s just with five minutes of scrolling Instagram in peace).

Bonus Tip: Learn to let some things go! Some days, your priority might just be keeping everyone alive and fed. That’s enough.

3. Use Productivity Apps (Mommy Brain Approved)

Ever tried to remember a therapy appointment or when to reorder diapers, only to have that mental note vanish into the chaos of daily life? Productivity apps like Trello, Google Keep, or Todoist can be your digital brain.

You can create boards or lists for everything: meal plans, therapy schedules, even reminders for those rare “me time” moments you swear you’ll get.

4. Create a SAHM Daily Routine That Works for You

A consistent daily routine helps manage expectations — for your kids and yourself. Of course, routines with a child on the spectrum might look different from traditional ones. Perhaps your child needs more transition time between activities or has a favorite calming ritual that helps smooth over tough moments.

Build flexibility into your schedule. You can try rotating different tasks each day to avoid monotony. For example, Mondays could be grocery days, Tuesdays for therapy, and Wednesdays for catching up on housework.

5. Implement the “Two-Minute Rule”

This rule is simple: if something takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Did you get a text from the speech therapist? Reply. Did the dishwasher just finish? Unload it. These tiny tasks tend to pile up when left undone and can make you feel like you’re constantly behind.

Fun Twist: Get the kids involved! Even if your child can only help with simple tasks, it still fosters independence. Your child will love being your “assistant” — you’d be amazed at how quickly a game of “who can clean faster” gets results.

6. Practice Mindful Multitasking

Multitasking is usually a trap, but in a busy SAHM household, it can be an asset. Combine tasks that don’t require too much brainpower, like folding laundry while watching a therapy session online or prepping tomorrow’s breakfast while listening to your daughter’s endless stories about school.

Just don’t overload yourself — some tasks need your full attention, especially those precious moments with your kids.

7. Routine: The Magic of Meal Prep (And Freezer Meals)

You’ve heard it before, but meal prepping really can save your sanity. Dedicate a few hours on Sunday to prepare meals or snacks for the week. This will cut down on the last-minute panic when everyone is hungry, and you’re not sure what to serve.

Freezer meals are a godsend. On particularly chaotic days, popping something pre-made into the oven can feel like a win.

Pro Tip: Double recipes when you cook, and freeze half for another day. Future you will thank you when you’re dealing with an unexpected sensory overload day.

8. Learn to Say No (Without Guilt)

It’s okay to say no. No to the playdate. No to the extra activity. No to your own inner critic telling you that you need to do everything. Prioritizing your mental health means acknowledging that you can’t do everything, all the time. And that’s perfectly okay.

For moms with kids on the spectrum, your time and energy can get drained quickly. Learn to guard them fiercely.

9. Embrace “Good Enough” — Perfection Is Overrated

Let’s face it, no one’s house looks like those Pinterest-perfect homes. Your living room will probably always have toys scattered around, and dinner might look like a smorgasbord of leftovers more often than not. And guess what? That’s fine.

Instead of striving for perfection, aim for “good enough.” It’s about progress, not perfection.

10. Take Time for Yourself (Even if It’s Just 10 Minutes)

I know what you’re thinking: “Ha! Time for myself? When?” But it’s so important to carve out a little time each day for YOU. It might just be 10 minutes to read a book, meditate, or simply hide in the bathroom scrolling through your phone.

Yes, we’ve all been there.

Mom Survival Hack: Lock the door, run a bath, and soak in the rare quiet. The world won’t fall apart while you take a breather.

Wrapping Up

Being a stay-at-home mom is tough. Being a stay-at-home mom with a nonverbal child on the spectrum and an energetic younger sibling? That’s next-level!

With the right strategies and a lot of flexibility, you can manage your time and make your days a little smoother. Just remember, you’re doing an amazing job, even on the days when it feels like everything is falling apart. And in those moments, laugh — because sometimes, it really is the best medicine.