momma mommy bwuh

I’ll admit, finding a solid daily routine for the boys has been a challenge.

They’re making strides in their independence every day, handling various chores and managing to get themselves ready for school and practices. I’ve been on a quest to create a structured schedule that’s both effective and manageable for them. I experimented with charts, calendars, and alarms, but nothing seemed to click. The solutions I tried required help from me or their brother, which was counterproductive for Boy1, who thrives on doing things on his own.

Enter the Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine and Nightlight—thanks to a brilliant recommendation from a coworker.

While this device is primarily designed to support bedtime routines, it has a fantastic feature that allows you to program the light to display different colors (and sounds) at various times throughout the day. It’s been a game changer! The boys no longer need to ask, “Can I?” Instead, they just glance at the light, see the color, and know exactly what activities are appropriate for that time. Green means they’re free to do as they please (as long as they’re not restricted). Orange signals that it’s time to prepare for school or bed, depending on the time of day. Blue indicates quiet time, and purple means bedtime. Both boys are enjoying the new system, and Boy1 has adapted really well, which makes it all worth it!

Balancing the demands of being a busy mom, especially while working from home, can be tricky. When the boys can manage some tasks independently, it gives me more time to focus on my work. Automating parts of our daily routine not only helps me be more productive but also supports their growth into responsible and self-sufficient young men. Of course, I always keep an eye on them (thank you, Wyze cameras), but having this system in place makes managing both work and family life much easier.

How do you keep things running smoothly in your daily routine?

Featured image courtesy of mom mommy bwuh.