If you’re looking for an inspiring and encouraging read, go check out one of our other articles—because this isn’t it. This one is about not doing the most. In fact, sometimes it’s about doing the bare minimum. And guess what? My family is just fine.
This is a judgment-free zone for this realistic motherhood journey. A space to sit in your comfiest spot, wear your slouchiest PJs, and nod along if you’re someone who does what they can but rarely has it all together. And if you’re one of the few who has a plan and sticks to it flawlessly, welcome. This is how the rest of us live.
It’s taken me a long time to give myself grace—to truly believe that the appearance of a perfectly put-together home and life is not worth sacrificing my well-being or mental health. It’s one thing to say that, and a whole other thing to believe it in your core. Sure, I still feel guilty about laundry that sits in the basket for a week, but I remind myself that I’m prioritizing what matters most to me.
Much like the phases we go through in life, I’ve learned our home goes through phases too. With a toddler, a curious 7-year-old, and a teenager, our house isn’t IG-perfect every day—especially with two working parents. And that’s okay. One day, I know I’ll miss the busyness that shows a home filled with life, activity, and a mom who knows her value isn’t measured by how neat everything looks. My value is limitless, and it has nothing to do with productivity. I am enough, just as I am.
Maybe one day I’ll find and stick to the perfect system. Or maybe we’ll just move into a new season. Either way, we’re good enough for now.
Let’s get into the details. I could go on about all the things I wish I was better at—like putting things away right away or finding a place for every new item that enters the house. The hardest one? Letting go of things I’m emotionally attached to. They remind me of a moment, an event, a season of life—even though they also add to the daily clutter.
Then there’s screen time. My older kids definitely get more than the recommended amount, especially on those after-school/work evenings when everyone’s tapped out. And don’t get me started on the “smaller” holidays—Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, National [Insert Random Thing] Day. We don’t really do much for those.
Easter? Growing up, we sometimes went to church and saw live reenactments of Jesus carrying the cross. So no, there aren’t Easter baskets in our home. Part of me pushes back against the over-commercialization of holidays—how everything becomes about buying more stuff that I’ll then have to manage.
Between school drop-offs and pick-ups, a full-time job, and keeping up with home and extended family life, I save my energy for what aligns with our values. So here I am, encouraging you to give yourself the same permission—to be okay with whatever works for your family.
And if you are the one doing the most? Keep it up, mija! Just don’t forget to take your breaks. Keep posting your beautiful holiday spreads—I might even borrow an idea or two someday.
While we may not go all out for every seasonal festivity, we do make time for our own special traditions—according to our “Annual Events of Family Fun” calendar. We celebrate with a Water Balloon Bash at the end of the school year, a Pumpkin Painting/Carving Party in the fall, and a Gingerbread House-Making day in December.
Quality time with our loved ones matters more to me than themed décor or elaborate setups. Most of our gatherings revolve around food anyway—which is another thing we love.
When a meal hits just right, I’m known to break into a happy dance. I can’t help it—my body celebrates the joy of good food. We’re lucky to have my mom visit a few times a year, and ella nos consiente with the most delicious Mexican dishes. When she’s away, I usually meal prep 3–4 entrees on the weekend to get us through the week. Leftovers? Totally fine. During the week, I just do quick side dishes.
That’s the plan, anyway. If our weekend’s too full, I’m scrambling through the week—sometimes using my lunch break to cook. We also eat out about once a week or order takeout when needed. Much to our kids’ dismay, we’re not big on fast food, so when we get it, it’s a treat. And that’s the season we’re in.
Así es, mija. As long as you’re doing what’s best for you, be kind to yourself. Don’t compare your life to anyone else’s. Stay open to new things, but stay grounded in what fits your family.
These last few years, I’ve really learned to honor our rest. When we have busy weekends, the next one is usually quiet. We lay low and do something my kids actually enjoy: staying home. We’ll sprinkle in some light cleaning—because catching up is always part of the rhythm.
