Being a mom, many don’t even understand or see the amount that is on our plates. From grocery shopping to booking dentist appointments to keeping track of your kid’s school homework, the mental load can feel endless. It’s like juggling invisible balls with constant effort that only leaves us with burnout, stress, and the frustrating feeling that you’re the only one holding it all together.
I personally feel like it can be lonely having so much on my plate even if I am married and have a really good support system. It can still feel overwhelming. Tell me, I am not alone.
For a long time, I couldn’t put into words what I was feeling until I came across Ryan Michelle Bathe’s clip about invisible labor. Feel free to check it out here – The Weight of Invisible Labor: Ryan’s Real Talk on Motherhood and Mental Load. I felt like finally, I had the words for the way I was feeling which honestly inspired me to write this.
This invisible labor—the tasks we juggle daily to keep life running smoothly—often goes unnoticed but is undeniably exhausting. But imagine this: instead of keeping every task in your head, you have the tools needed to lighten the invisible labor. In today’s post, I’ll share how you can organize your mental load with checklists, tools, and visual task management systems that will get the whole family on board.
Step 1: Creating a “Who Does What” List
Too often, moms are the default managers of the household. Here’s where we really make invisible labor visible. Create a “Who Does What” list that outlines everyone’s responsibilities clearly and fairly.
- Take Inventory: Take a moment to list all the household tasks you handle—big and small. Including everything from grocery shopping to scheduling doctor’s appointments.
- Delegate Strategically: Assign tasks based on each family member’s abilities and schedules. For example, kids can handle tasks like folding laundry or emptying the dishwasher, while your partner can take on grocery runs or meal prep.
- Post It: Display the list where everyone can see it, like on the fridge or a bulletin board. Check out steps 3 & 4 for more ideas!
Step 2: The Power of a Printable “Make It Visible” Task List
To tie it all together, create a printable task list that categorizes and delegates invisible labor. This list is a tangible way to make tasks visible and manageable for the entire family.
Categories to Include:
- Daily Tasks: Dishes, tidying up, feeding pets.
- Weekly Tasks: Laundry, meal prep, grocery shopping.
- Monthly Tasks: Decluttering, deep cleaning, bill organization.
- One-Off Tasks: Scheduling appointments, buying gifts, holiday prep.
Divide the list into sections for tasks, who’s responsible, and deadlines. Keep it clean and easy to read so everyone can quickly understand their responsibilities. Once done, you can laminate the list and use dry-erase markers to update it weekly.
FREEBIE ALERT:Â If you want one that is already made for you, I created this one just for you, along with many more in my jaw-dropping free printables resource library. Snag this free printable here!
Step 3: Master Your Mental Load with Checklists & Tools
Let’s start with a tool every mom loves: a checklist. I absolutely love checklists because they provide you with a tangible way to track everything from daily tasks to long-term goals. Here are some specific tools you can use to manage your invisible labor more efficiently:
- Digital Task Apps:Â Apps like Asana, Trello, Todoist, and Cozi can be lifesavers to keep your lists with you on the go.
- Printable Templates: Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a physical list you can check off. Create or download printable templates like weekly schedules, meal plans, chore lists, and more.
- Planners:Â If digital is not your thing, opt for planners that include sections for meal planning, budgeting, and weekly goals. Brands like Erin Condren and The Happy Planner offer customizable options to fit your lifestyle.
Step 4: Visual Task Management Systems for Families
As much as it can feel like you are alone dealing with all that needs to get done, let’s change that by getting your family involved and making the responsibilities visible. Visual task management systems help everyone see what needs to be done and when. Here are a few options you can consider:
- Magnetic Boards: Hang a magnetic board in your kitchen or entryway. Use magnets labelled with tasks (e.g., “Take out the trash,” “Feed the dog,” “Pack lunches”) and assign them to family members.
- Family Planners: Invest in a family wall planner, calendar or Skylight Calendar that tracks everyone’s schedules, to-dos, and reminders. Let each person choose their own colour for easy visibility.
- Chore Charts: A chore chart is a perfect go-to. Whether you are using the one of the Skylight Calendar or a printable, these are great visual cues for younger kids and older kids. Think of a rewards system to keep them motivated.
Final Thoughts
Related:
- How to Make Time for Organizing as a Busy Mom
- Bathroom Cabinet Organization Tips for Busy Moms: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Overcome and Release Your Mom Guilt
- How to Organize Your Crazy Busy Mom Schedule
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