Oh, checklists. There was a time I thought they were the key to being an organised, got-it-all-together mama. But here’s the truth: I have 19 checklists on my phone right now—and somehow I still forgot to pack spare clothes in the daycare bag this morning. Classic. I used to believe that lists were the golden ticket to productivity. And in some ways, they still are. But they’re also layered with guilt, pressure, and a false sense of control—especially when motherhood throws curveballs faster than you can tick anything off. So let’s talk about checklists for busy mums. Not the Pinterest-perfect kind. The real-life kind. The ones written on sticky notes, half-finished in your reminders app, or scribbled in crayon because, well, toddlers. This post is for you if you love checklists… but sometimes feel like they’re running the show. We’re going to find a way to make them work for you again—because you deserve tools that support your flow, not add to your overwhelm.
Why Mums Love (and Loathe) Checklists
From tracking sleep to remembering which toy needs to go in the car, checklists are often a lifeline. As an early childhood educator, I’ve seen the power of visual structure. In the classroom, we use visual cues and step-by-step systems to support behaviour, attention, and emotional regulation. Why? Because when things feel predictable, children feel safe. It’s the same for us. That mental load we carry? A checklist gives it somewhere to land. But here’s the thing: when the list never ends, and we’re crossing off chores instead of moments that fill our cup, it becomes just another pressure. That’s why it’s so important to check in with how your lists make you feel. Do they give you peace… or add to the chaos?
Not Just About Productivity—It’s About Balance
In early childhood theory, Montessori reminds us that independence is built through prepared environments. Our lives as mums need those too—routines, rhythms, and yes, checklists that actually support us. You might find it helpful to explore how to build a flow that supports you (not just your kids)—and that includes making your lists work for this season of motherhood. Need more structure to get through the week? A checklist might help. Drowning in reminders? Time to reassess.
Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Lists
- Are you making lists for clarity or control?
- Do they help you feel empowered… or defeated?
- Are you including the real stuff you do each day (like cleaning mashed banana off the wall)?
- Are your checklists realistic—or are they built for your fantasy self who sleeps through the night?
Understanding your own rhythm and needs (hello, accept your energy) is the key to creating a checklist system that works for you.
Checklist Tips for Mums Who Crave Calm (and Results)
Let’s make your lists supportive—not stressful. Here are some ideas that helped me and might just change how you feel about your to-dos:
1. Group and Prioritise
Our brains aren’t made to juggle 25 tasks at once. Try creating smaller, themed lists—like a “Today” list, a “Nap Time Maybe” list, and a “One Day When Energy Exists” list. Prioritise what will actually make your day smoother, not just what’s urgent. For more guidance on realistic task-setting, explore these 5 ways to stay on track with your intention—it’s about staying grounded, not just busy.
2. Track What You DID (Not Just What’s Left)
Enter the game-changer: the “I Did It” list. Yep, write down the things you already accomplished—feeding everyone, surviving another nappy change, showing up even when you’re running on 3 hours sleep. This flips the focus from what’s undone to what you’ve handled like a boss.
3. Add Joy to Your To-Do List
Why do we only write down the boring stuff? Schedule in things that energise you. Ten minutes of fresh air, a hot cup of tea, texting a friend, or even a quick scroll through your favourite saved reels. Ticking off a self-care moment counts too. If this resonates, you’ll love finding balance as a busy mama—it’s all about simplicity, intention, and feeling like you again.
4. Let the List Collect Dust (It’s Okay)
Some days, the list doesn’t get touched—and that’s not failure. That’s life. On those days, it might help to be mindful of your mess, and remember: not everything that matters can be measured by a tick.
5. Shake Off the Pressure
You don’t have to be a checklist queen every single day. Routines can flex. Priorities shift. The best productivity tools? Grace and honesty. Start small. Some weeks you’ll crush it. Others, you’ll need a reset—like my go-to gentle reset ritual when everything starts to feel heavy.
Let Your Checklist Serve You—Not the Other Way Around
As I continue adjusting my rhythm between workdays, toddler life, and my own growth, I’m learning to choose checklists that feel supportive, not performative. They’re no longer about proving anything—they’re about juggling kids and tasks in a way that feels doable. When I look back at my day, I don’t want to just see boxes ticked. I want to feel like I lived it—chaos, cuddles, coffee spills and all.
Ready to Reset Your Routine?
If your checklists have been feeling like a burden instead of a boost, take a breath. You’re not alone. Start by trimming your list, adding something that sparks joy, and recognising all you’ve already done. Checklists for busy mums can either drain your energy or help you reclaim it—so let’s make them tools of support, not stress. And if you need support building a rhythm that works for you, this post on everything you need to know about daily routine is packed with gentle, practical ideas. What’s one thing you could add—or remove—from your list today that would actually support you? Let me know in the comments.
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You’ve got this.
Remember The To-Do List But Don’t Forget The To-BE list.
Richard branson
