3 Ways to Be Productive as a Mom Small Business Owner

Being a CEO mom — running a business while raising kids — is a balancing act like no other. Every day is a juggling act, filled with endless tasks, decisions, and responsibilities. It’s crucial to be productive, but not at the expense of our well-being. After all, what’s the point of being productive if it only leads to more stress?

The truth is, productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. And that changes based on the season of life and business you’re in. For example, tax season looks completely different from summer in my world, and my schedule shifts accordingly. That’s why I constantly tweak my approach to staying organized and efficient.

One of the biggest game-changers to be productive for me? Monthly meal planning. It might sound simple, but trust me — this one system has reduced my stress, saved time, and even helped me cut costs. Let’s dive into why and how it works.

3 Ways to Be Productive as a Mom Small Business Owner

1. Monthly Meal Planning

Meal planning isn’t new, but my approach is different. I designed this system to work for my family, my business, and my sanity. Here’s why it’s been a lifesaver:

Less Decision Fatigue:As a mom, I already make a thousand decisions a day. Figuring out dinner every single night? No, thank you. Having a plan in place eliminates that daily mental load.

Saves Money:With grocery prices skyrocketing, sticking to a plan means less impulse buying and more efficient spending.

Reduces Stress at Mealtime:When everyone knows what’s for dinner (including my kids), there’s no arguing, negotiating, or last-minute scrambling.

Works for My Kids’ Needs:My kids, including two on the spectrum, have specific preferences. This system ensures that I’m preparing meals they’ll actually eat, reducing food waste and dinnertime battles.

Keeps Our Routine Consistent:We eat dinner together as a family every night, no matter what. It’s a non-negotiable in our home, and meal planning helps make that happen.

How My Meal Planning System Works

Rather than choosing individual meals for each day of the month, I break things down into three simple categories:

• Proteins (e.g., pork loin, ground meat, chicken)

• Starches/Carbs (e.g., potatoes, pasta, rice)

• Vegetables (e.g., broccoli, green beans—let’s be real, those are the only two my kids will consistently eat!)

I create a rotating schedule that ensures variety without overwhelming myself. Here’s an example of how I structure it:

Mondays & Thursdays: Pork loin (but with different seasonings—teriyaki one night, lemon pepper another)

Tuesdays & Fridays: Chicken (maybe BBQ one night, grilled with ketchup another)

Wednesdays & Saturdays: Ground meat (tacos one night, spaghetti another)

By rotating seasonings and preparations, it doesn’t feel repetitive, even though we’re eating similar proteins throughout the month.

Meal Prepping for Efficiency

I take it a step further by pre-portioning meats as soon as I buy them. Using a kitchen scale, I divide proteins into meal-sized portions and store them in labeled freezer bags. This means less prep work on busy nights and ensures that I’m maximizing our grocery budget.

The Real Impact on Productivity

By eliminating the daily “What’s for dinner?” question, I free up mental energy for what truly matters — running my business and being present for my family. Plus, my kids know what to expect, which brings more peace to our home. Even my son, who thrives on routine, appreciates knowing what’s on the menu in advance. This system has been life-changing for us since I implemented it in August 2022, shortly after my youngest was born.

2. Prepping Clothes and School Essentials for the Week

One of the biggest stressors in the morning? Finding clothes and making sure the kids have everything they need for the day. Our solution is a hanging organizer with five slots — one for each weekday.

How It Works:

• Every Sunday, the kids and I prep outfits for the entire week, placing them in the organizer labeled Monday through Friday.

• If an item is missing (like socks or underwear), I add a sticky note as a reminder.

• Each night, we take out the next day’s outfit and place it on the coffee table, so there’s no searching in the morning.

• In addition to clothes, school essentials like water bottles and lunches are prepped the night before.

Our system removes the guesswork from mornings. Everyone knows where their things are, so we can get ready fast and with less stress.

3. Doing One Load of Laundry Per Day

Laundry can quickly pile up, creating a mountain of clothes. To combat that, I do one load of laundry every single day.

Each night, I toss in a load of mixed laundry using a color catcher to prevent bleeding. Special care items (like delicate clothing, towels, and bed sheets) are washed separately, and the kids even pitch in by putting their dirty clothes directly into the washing machine.

This small shift makes laundry feel so much more manageable. It’s no longer an all-day chore!

Want to Be Productive as a Business Owner & Mom?

Check out Episode 120 of the CEO Moms Building Wealth Podcast. I share 3 more productivity hacks that have been keeping my productivity at an all-time high (as a business owner and mom of 4!).

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to be tax advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of business advice. Different rules may apply to each individual taxpayer’s specific situation. Please consult with your accountant. May contain affiliate links.