Hey, They Call Me Connie…

It’s like constantly falling into a bottomless hole. There is no end when it comes to parental responsibilities. The beauty is you have this wonderful person who teaches you things you didn’t realize about yourself, and it’s a complete bonus if the kid is as cool as mine.

The downside… there is never enough time. Hence the hacks. I’m a sucker for a work smarter, not harder option. Less stress is always best in my book, especially when you’re midweek and trying to keep everything together. So, here are some of my favorite ways to get that much-needed reset when you’re in the middle of your week and life feels like it’s piling up.

1. The Power of 15-Minute Intervals: Time with Your Kids Counts

Parenting guilt is real. We’ve all been there, feeling like we’re stretched too thin to give our kids the undivided attention they deserve. But here’s the thing: quality time doesn’t always mean hours on end. Carving out 15 to 20-minute intervals throughout the day can make a bigger impact than you think.

In those small pockets of time, you can do something simple but meaningful:

• Play a quick game of cards or a board game.

• Have a mini dance party in the living room.

• Read a chapter of their favorite book together.

These short bursts of undistracted attention go a long way in making kids feel connected to you. It’s a reminder that it’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality. Trust me, sometimes 15 minutes is better than none at all.

2. Aluminum Foil: The Secret Weapon for Easy Clean Up

Next, let me share one of my favorite time-saving kitchen hacks: aluminum foil. No, seriously. On those busy midweek nights when you’re juggling dinner, homework, and your never-ending to-do list, skip the plates and lay down some foil. Not only does it make cleanup a breeze (just crumple and toss!), but it’s also eco-friendlier than you might think.

Did you know that 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today thanks to its recyclability? That’s right – when you choose foil, you’re not only saving yourself from a mountain of dishes but also making a sustainable choice for the environment. So, the next time you’re scrambling to serve a quick dinner before soccer practice or piano lessons, try using foil for those messy meals and watch how it frees up some precious time.

3. Break Up the Big Chores: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

We’ve all been there—facing a mountain of housework that feels impossible to conquer in the middle of the week. Here’s my hack: break up those larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. This method is a game-changer for anyone who feels overwhelmed by cleaning the whole house at once.

Take the bathroom, for example. Instead of feeling like you need to clean the entire thing in one evening:

• Wednesday: Wipe down the sinks and counters.

• Thursday: Tackle the toilet.

• Friday: Clean the mirrors.

By breaking it up, you’re maintaining a clean space without sacrificing all your free time in one go. Plus, it makes the whole chore list feel more doable.

4. Prep for the Week in Bite-Sized Pieces

A midweek reset is also about setting yourself up for the rest of the week. The key? Prepping in small, incremental tasks. You don’t need to meal prep for every single day or organize everyone’s clothes for the entire week all at once.

Here’s how you can chip away at the prep work without overwhelming yourself:

• Lay out outfits for the next two days (instead of the whole week).

• Prep some easy grab-and-go snacks for school lunches.

• Do a quick fridge check and toss any leftovers that have overstayed their welcome.

It’s all about tackling small tasks that make the next few days easier without eating up all your time or energy.

5. Self-Care is Non-Negotiable

Here’s a reminder we all need: resetting isn’t just about your home and kids; it’s about you too. Even if it’s just 10 minutes, take some time for yourself. Whether it’s a quick meditation, a hot shower in peace, or just sitting down with a cup of coffee, make sure you carve out that moment. You deserve it, especially during a busy week when everything feels like it’s flying at you at once.

Midweek resets don’t have to feel like a mad dash to get everything done. With these hacks, you can reset your space, your schedule, and your mind, all while making time for your kids—and yourself. It’s all about taking small, intentional steps to stay on top of things without the stress. After all, the goal is to work smarter, not harder!