Episode #200 Ask Me Anything with Lori Oberbroeckling

Lori Oberbroeckling celebrates episode 200 of her podcast, “The Secrets of Supermom Show,” and discusses strategies for busy moms! 

In today’s “Ask Me Anything” episode, she emphasizes the importance of taking things one step at a time, such as starting with one new habit or process. Lori shares her approach to meal planning, using a weekly plan and a digital tool to streamline grocery shopping. She also talks about using morning checklists for children and the importance of strategic monthly planning to balance goals with family activities. Lori advises mapping out schedules to manage overlapping activities and stresses the need for planning to stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

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Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!

Show Notes: Ask Me Anything for Busy Moms

Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #200 of The Secrets of Supermom Show! 

🎙️ Do you feel like you’re juggling a thousand things and still not getting it all done? You listen to podcast after podcast trying to find the best way, but it feels like you must be doing something wrong. If you could just find the perfect schedule or the perfect planner, you could unlock the secret. What if I told you that you can do it all, without actually doing it all?

Inside The Supermom Society–our private community designed just for busy moms like you–we get it. 

Every week, together, we help you create a plan that feels both productive and doable. Every month, we help you create a solid plan to boost your energy, sharpen your time management skills, and connect you with other moms who are ready to beat burnout for good.

Being a mom is tough, but you don’t have to do it alone. Today is your day to join us in The Supermom Society! Visit www.thesupermomsociety.com for all the details. I can’t wait to see you inside!” 🎙️

I cannot believe we are at 200 episodes! It’s super exciting! If you’ve been here since the very beginning, thank you! if you have joined us along the way, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here! I love sharing tips and tricks, productivity and energy, and all our amazing guests on this show. I love being able to share that with you, and so I am just so excited to be here for Episode 200. Today we are going to do a little Q and A “Ask Me Anything” open forum, and we’ve got some questions that we’re going to answer today. 

Life as a busy mom can feel like a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists. Finding ways to streamline your routines, manage overlapping schedules, and keep the whole family on track can make a world of difference. Whether you’re a mom of one or six, these tips can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Simplify Meal Planning with Easy Rotations

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By keeping meals simple and repeatable, you can save a lot of time and mental energy. Here are some of the go-to meals that keep our family happy and well-fed:

• Taco Night: Easy to prep and customizable, taco night is a staple in our home. Everyone can add their favorite toppings, and it’s quick to throw together.
• Burger, Potatoes, and Veggies Night: This is another straightforward meal that everyone enjoys. You can switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
• Spaghetti Night: We don’t have this every week, but it’s a common go-to. It’s simple, filling, and always a hit with the kids.
• English Muffin Pizzas: These are so easy to make and customizable, making them a great option for busy weeknights.
• Frozen Meals: We also keep frozen pizzas and burritos on hand for those nights when we need something quick and easy.

Having a rotation of easy-to-make meals that everyone knows how to prepare also means I’m not always the one responsible for dinner. On busy nights, other family members can step in and help, which makes meal prep a team effort. This not only takes the load off me but also empowers the kids to get involved.

Create Morning Checklists to Keep Kids on Track

Mornings can be one of the most stressful parts of the day, especially when you have multiple kids to get ready and out the door. One strategy that has made our mornings smoother is using checklists for each child.

For my youngest, who is eight, we use a laminated morning checklist with all the tasks he needs to complete before school. This includes things like getting dressed, packing his backpack, and grabbing his lunch. Using a dry-erase marker, he checks off each task as he completes it.

If you have younger kids who aren’t reading yet, you can create picture-based checklists. For example, you could use images of a backpack, lunchbox, and coat to help non-readers understand what needs to be done. This system not only helps the kids stay focused but also reduces the amount of time I spend reminding them of what to do. A simple, “Did you check your checklist?” is often all that’s needed.

Master Monthly Planning to Achieve Your Goals

Planning your month can help you feel more in control and ensure that you’re making time for the things that matter most. Here’s how I approach my monthly planning to ensure I stay on track with my personal and family goals:

1. Look at the Month Holistically: I start by assessing what’s on the calendar. Are there vacations, big projects, or child activities that will take up a lot of time? Understanding the bigger picture helps me plan realistically and avoid overcommitting.
2. Set Goals and Adjust if Needed: After assessing the month, I set my goals. Sometimes, this means making adjustments. For instance, when I wrote my book in 34 days, I had to eliminate many of my usual tasks to focus on writing. Once the goal was achieved, I resumed my normal activities.
3. Break Down Goals Weekly: Each week, I revisit my monthly goals and decide what I can accomplish. This keeps me focused and allows me to adjust as needed, especially if unexpected things come up.

Manage Overlapping Schedules for a Big Family

When you have multiple kids with overlapping activities, life can feel wildly overwhelming. Here’s how I manage our family’s busy schedule to keep things under control:

• Map It Out: Instead of just making a list of all the activities, put everything on a calendar with specific times. This gives you a clear picture of where you need to be and when.
• Identify Constraints: Consider the logistics, like driving time, which activities require you to stay, and which ones are drop-off. If you have teenagers who can drive, that changes your strategy compared to when you have younger kids who need to be driven everywhere.
• Ask for Help or Make Adjustments: Once you have everything mapped out, you can see where you might need help. Whether it’s carpooling with friends, hiring a local teen to help with driving, or adjusting activities, having a clear view helps you make these decisions.
• Eliminate What’s Not Working: If certain activities or commitments are causing too much stress, it’s okay to let them go, even if only temporarily. The goal is to keep your family happy and energized, not burned out.

Staying Motivated as Busy Moms (Without Overwhelm)

One of the keys to staying motivated as busy moms is having a plan that excites you and aligns with your goals. For a long time, I didn’t plan my months or weeks, and it left me feeling overwhelmed. Now, by planning ahead, I feel in control and motivated because I can see progress in the things that matter most to me.

When you can visualize your goals and have a clear plan to achieve them, it’s easier to stay excited about what’s ahead. Plus, knowing that you have the flexibility to adjust as needed keeps things manageable.