Welcome to Episode 281 of The Secrets of Supermom Show, and Episode 3 of our special series:
✨ What If You’re Not the Problem? Productivity Systems Not Built for You (And How Moms Can Make Them Work)
Today we’re tackling one of the most popular (and Pinterest-worthy) productivity strategies out there:
🗓️ Time blocking.
If you’ve ever tried to color-code your day, follow someone’s perfect Google Calendar plan, or stick to a block schedule and felt like a complete failure by 10 AM… you are not alone.
And more importantly:
You are not the problem.
Rather read? Check out the show notes and episode content right here!
Show Notes: Time Blocking for Real Life: A Mom-Friendly Reframe
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #281 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
What Is Time Blocking, and Why Do People Love It?
Time blocking is a planning technique where you divide your day into chunks (aka “blocks”) of time, each assigned to a specific task or type of task. It’s meant to reduce decision fatigue and increase focus by telling you exactly what to do—and when.
You’ll see time blocking taught in:
- 📘 Deep Work by Cal Newport, where he encourages long blocks of uninterrupted focus
- ✅ Getting Things Done by David Allen, which pairs well with blocked scheduling to reduce overwhelm
- 🖍️ Planner communities and productivity platforms, like The Happy Planner, Google Calendar, and other systems that thrive on color-coded perfection
The theory?
Schedule your time intentionally → get more done → feel more in control.
Sounds amazing.
Until you try to use it with a toddler on your hip, a sick kid home from school, a surprise team call, and 27 invisible tasks competing for your brain space.
Why Time Blocking Fails for Moms (And It’s Not Your Fault)
Time blocking was not designed for people whose lives are full of interruptions and unpredictability.
It works best for people who have:
✅ Control over their schedule
✅ Few unexpected emergencies
✅ Long periods of uninterrupted time
✅ Someone else handling home logistics
That’s… not most moms.
Here’s what makes time blocking fall apart for us:
🛑 1. Constant Interruptions
You finally start your focus block, and five minutes in someone needs help finding shoes. Or a forgotten water bottle. Or a science fair poster. Sound familiar?
🛑 2. Invisible Labor Is Left Out
Managing school forms, remembering birthdays, checking in emotionally, and running the family schedule often isn’t “blockable”—but it’s still real and exhausting.
🛑 3. It Feels Rigid and Unrealistic
When one thing throws off your block, the whole day unravels. What started as structured support becomes a source of guilt and stress.
How to Make Time Blocking Work for Moms (Finally)
Good news: you don’t have to ditch time blocking entirely.
You just need to make it work with your life—not against it.
Here’s how:
✅ 1. Use Themed Time Blocks (Not Rigid Schedules)
Instead of scheduling every minute, create flexible themes:
- Morning Flow Block
- Work Focus Block
- Kid Logistics Block
- Admin & Errands Block
- Evening Reset Block
These give structure without pressure.
✅ 2. Build in Buffer Time
Don’t pack your day back-to-back. Leave breathing room between blocks to handle whatever spills over—or just to catch your breath.
✅ 3. Time Block the Invisible Labor
Start adding things like:
- Texting teachers
- Emotional check-ins with your kids
- Family logistics planning
- Mental prep and recovery
When you acknowledge the real work you’re doing, your time blocks become more accurate—and empowering.
✅ 4. Treat Time Blocks as Intentions, Not Rules
Your blocks aren’t contracts.
They’re guidelines.
If one goes off track, pivot. You didn’t fail—you adapted.
Your Action Step for This Week
This week, try this:
📝 Create 3–5 flexible, themed time blocks for your weekday.
They don’t have to be precise. They just have to reflect the rhythm of your real life.
Let them anchor your day—not control it.
What’s Next in the Series?
Next week, we’re talking about the infamous advice to “Eat the Frog.”
What does that even mean? Why might it work for some people—but totally crash and burn for moms?
🎙️ Tune in for Episode 282—you won’t want to miss it! up in a way that actually works for your busy, beautiful, real life.
If This Episode Hit Home…
If you’ve ever felt like you can’t stay on track, can’t follow through, or can’t get organized no matter how hard you try…
Friend, you’re not alone.
And you’re definitely not failing.
You’re doing your best inside a system that was never designed for your reality.
💛 I’m so glad you’re here for this series.
And I can’t wait to help you build a productivity system that finally feels supportive, realistic, and sustainable plan.
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
