7 Time Hacks for Large Families | Mega Motivation Collab

I don't feel like we have to manage a big family anymore, now that our 3 oldest are out on their own.

But I still rely on these things to make our lives run smoothly.

0:00 Intro

0:20 Minimalism.
If you found me through the Mega Motivation playlist, I know you've heard from minimalists already, but I have to say it: If you want more time, get rid of all the non-essential items in your home, in your car, in your garage, on your calendar - basically, go all-in on minimalism, and you will have more time and less need for time management hacks.

1:22 Set up systems.
Math teachers teach a formula to do a math problem. There may be other ways to get the answer, but typically, if you follow the formula everything is done more efficiently, and there are fewer times where we have to go back and redo the work. That's what routines do for us. They are a formula to keeping a clean and organized home. Setting up a system or routine is simply noting what time you need to start to get it all done, and what order makes sense for the things you have to do.
My routines are:
✅ Girl(s) hygiene routines.
✅ Before-school routine.
✅ Morning reset.
✅ Laundry routine.
✅ After-school routine.
✅ Dinner routine.
✅ Evening reset.
✅ Boys Hygiene routine.
✅ Weekly reset.

7:29 Make time for yourself.
It seems counter-intuitive to say take time out to slow down when you're here looking for ways to get more squeezed out of your day. But it's true. When we take time out for ourselves to slow down, breathe, enjoy some fresh air, allow our mind and body to rest, the work we do will be more productive.

8:24 Have something easy in the fridge. Or the freezer.
I cook a lot of real food, I want to feed my kids healthy food I make, it's one of my things. But there are days that have a lot going on, and I will be tempted to order pizza or drive through. So I have pre-made options that I buy, that are not quite as healthy as cooking from scratch, but they are definitely healthier than fast food. Even eating a bowl of cereal for dinner sometimes is ok.

9:30 Batch-cook Breakfast.
Many people meal prep, but just like I never wanted to set aside a full day to clean, I've never wanted to set aside a full day to shop, chop, mix & freeze. But it does make sense to me to make large batches and eat leftovers for a few days.

10:19 Communicate & delegate.
I would love it if my husband and kids anticipated the things that I wanted to be done or had the same desires for the state of our home. But they don't. Those are my desires, I'm the one that wants a clean house, I'm the one that wants laundry done daily, I'm the one that wants to serve homemade food. So I've had to learn to communicate my desires and expectations to my husband and also guide my kids through the things that I want them to learn.

12:08 Let go of perfection. 
I know I've talked about it before, but it goes with point #6. If we're going to delegate to our family we have to be ok with things not done exactly like we want them done. The point is the dishes are done, it doesn't really matter how they were stacked in the dishwasher or the draining rack.

Mega Motivation Playlist:

Unfuss Your Home:

[momofmomof]

When I was raising my family, I made our children's lunches at night, right after dinner. This way they were done, and cold from being in the fridge over night. We prepped everything possible the night before. I would be up at least an hour before them, so I could have a peaceful cup of coffee. Because everything was done the night before ( home picked up, lunches made, clothes picked out, etc. ) our mornings were always calm. Do you have a crock pot? Or an Instant Pot? These make dinners quick and easy. tfs 🍃🥰🍂🌵🍁🏜️💗✝️

[Rachel_seethegoodandbeautiful]

Great ideas! I’m still working on a weekly whole family house cleaning.
We started having a waffle brunch after church on Sunday which yields leftovers for breakfast on Monday. And I have family buy-in to make Sunday night a popcorn and YO-YO dinner (you’re on your own - leftovers, fruit, cheese, etc). I’m letting my fantasy self off the hook of being the mom who prepares 21 unique and wonderful meals per week.

[allioakley]

I would make lunches the night before. Also night before, Children would pick out cereal, muffin, granola bar... for breakfast. Place it on the table in a bowl covered and set a spoon and napkin. I would put small cups of milk in fridge for them to grab in the morn to drink or pour over their cereal. This way they could get up and eat breakfast on their own. I made hot breakfasts on weekends.

[joelandstephanieg]

"Done is better than perfect." <--- AMEN! With 6 kids ages 6 to 18, I've also learned to pair them for chores. Right now dishes are done by my 8 and 15 yr olds. The 15 yr old is training the 8 yr old and is much more particular about his work than I am. While he's not a fan of handwashing dishes, he does enjoy being a team with her. Teamwork makes the dream work, right? lol!

[Amandahugginkizz]

Love the Normalize cereal nights. It's weird when we have baby's we always hear "fed is best" weather formula or bottle, but when they are older we beat ourselves up for cereal nights or mac and cheese nights, let's Normalize fed is best for all stages of life

[cindynielson]

I'm an empty nester but remember those crazy days when I worked full time and besides school my sons were involved in so many sports. I really do not know how I survived, wish I had known some of these tips back then. TFS

[elizabethgoehring]

I appreciate your segment on your husband's "thing" versus your "thing, " communicating and delegating. it's a good reminder since we've added our 4th (thru adoption this time!) and I'm looking for ways to simplify our family.

[johannabjorkell]

excellent video again! Love your straightforward, no fuss style of doing this. Greetings from Finland and a recovering maximalist gone minimalist since 2017 🥀

[jmljasmine]

I loved your relation of math to systems. I love math.

[mrsjudys]

Decluttering is my way of life! Most problems are caused by too much stuff!

[juliequates]

Yes on the systems and routines. I wish I had learned that long ago. And yes, delegating and communicating. My hubby just does not see or care about certain things.

[shattered]

#6 is my biggest issue. My husband wants lists. I don't want to make lists I am just saying if you see the trash running over if you see the dishwasher needs to be unloaded just do it but you are right I need to verbally or write and delegate.Yes #7 too my husband doesn't like to help me because I nitpick at how it is done I need to stop that as well thank you for this video.

[kennethbailey]

You have consistantly become more inspirational. Thankyou so much.

[natashatheresa]

Great video! I especially loved the tip about systems. I need to go through and evaluate my systems as I've just moved. Glad to be in this collab with you!

[Saforra]

Thank you! Such a clear video :) I especially appreciated the detailed breakdown of which routines you have in order to help us (re-)think ours.

Also, communication -- SO important in pretty much every aspect of life. Trying to wait for ppl to guess or read our minds or *just* notice what needs to be done (or how we're feeling, or what we need right now, etc.) is a waste of everyone's energy.

Clearly stating things makes it easier for everyone -- we get practice clear (concise? ;) ) expression of needs/desires + others feel relieved because they know what is expected/desired/needed. Wins all around :D <3

[charlenebrownlow]

PTL Rachel…I am new to your channel; I appreciate you sharing your experience and tips. I have selected several which work for me. I am so happy!!

[paularuotsalainen]

These tips are also good for single mother and their children... Thank you!

[NLYWAYU]

Do not have a large family, but very helpful...thanks! I'll share with big families I know.

[ksbill]

Another great video! Yes just get it done, delegate and don't worry about perfection. Thanks

[TheAtWhatCostBlog]

So many helpful tips! Especially about being nit-picky. Guilty of that one, thank you for the reminder!