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How to Get Kids to Help Without the Whining

Getting kids to help around the house can feel like pulling teeth. The sighs, the eye rolls, the dramatic flops onto the floor—it’s enough to make any mum think, “I’ll just do it myself.” But kids can help, and they should help. Not just because it makes your life easier, but because it teaches them responsibility, teamwork, and life skills they’ll need as they grow. The trick is making it easy, fun, and part of the routine, so it doesn’t feel like a battle every time.

Start by setting clear expectations.

If kids think chores are optional, they’ll always find a way to get out of them. Instead of saying, “Can you help tidy up?” try, “Before we go outside, we put the toys away.” It’s a simple shift, but it works. Pairing tasks with something they want to do makes it a natural step rather than a punishment.

Another game-changer is turning chores into a game.

Race against the clock, play their favourite song and see if they can finish before it ends, or let them “earn” points that lead to something fun like extra story time. The more playful it is, the less they resist.

For younger kids, keep tasks age-appropriate and manageable.

Instead of telling a toddler to “clean their room” (which is overwhelming), break it down: “Put the books on the shelf” or “Put all the blue toys in this basket.” Little wins build confidence, and when they feel capable, they’re more likely to help again.

Praise is powerful.

A simple “Wow, you did that so quickly!” or “That really helped me, thank you!” makes them feel good about contributing. Kids love feeling important, and when they see that their efforts matter, they’re more likely to keep it up.

Lastly, consistency is key.

Helping out shouldn’t be a one-off request when you’re overwhelmed—it should be a normal part of daily life. If tidying up is always part of the routine, kids don’t question it. They just do it, because that’s what’s always been done.

Getting kids to help without whining is about setting them up for success, making it fun, and showing them that working together makes life easier for everyone. The more natural and routine it becomes, the less resistance you’ll get—and one day, you might even find them doing it without being asked! x Marissa

⏰🏡 5-Minute Daily Habits for a Tidy Home (Even With Kids Around!)

Busy mums, I see you. Between nappy changes, school drop-offs, meal prep, and the never-ending washing pile, keeping a tidy home can feel impossible. What if I told you that just five minutes a day can make a real difference?

You don’t need hours of cleaning (who has that kind of time?!). These quick, simple habits will help you stay on top of the mess without the overwhelm.

Make the Bed First Thing.

A made bed instantly makes your bedroom look put together, and it sets the tone for a productive day. It takes less than a minute but makes a world of difference!

💡 Let the kids help make their beds too. It won’t be perfect, and that's fine. Get them into while they're young and love helping mum, and they'll do it on autopilot later when they're older.

Quick Morning Tidy.

Before heading out or starting your day at home, do a 5-minute tidy:

✔ Throw the toys into a basket

✔ Stack the dishes in the dishwasher

✔ Wipe down the kitchen benches

It’s a small effort that stops the mess from snowballing!

💡 Put on a fun song and challenge yourself (and the kids) to finish before it ends.

One Load of Laundry a Day.

Instead of waiting until the weekend to tackle a mountain of clothes, start one load each morning. We line dry, so each day I wash in the morning, hang to dry, and bring in yesterday's dry load to fold and put away.

💡 Put the load on when you go to bed and hang first thing in the morning if that makes it easier.

Wipe Down Surfaces After Meals.

After breakfast, lunch, and dinner, give benches and tables a quick wipe. This keeps crumbs, sticky spills, and mystery messes under control.

💡 Keep a pack of wipes or a spray bottle handy for quick & easy cleanups.

5-Minute Evening Reset.

Before bed, do a final 5-minute reset:

✔ Pick up toys

✔ Straighten cushions

✔ Put dishes in the dishwasher and run it

✔ Toss clothes into the laundry basket

Waking up to a tidy home feels amazing and makes mornings so much easier.

You don’t need to spend hours cleaning to keep your home tidy. Little habits add up. These five-minute tasks fit into your busy life and help you stay on top of things without the stress.

Give them a go, and let me know which one makes the biggest difference for you! 💛

🎉💗 Gentle New Year: Stress-Free Resolutions for Busy Mums

New Year’s resolutions always sound so good in theory, don’t they?

”Wake up at 5am, exercise every day, drink green smoothies, and totally transform your life!”

But when you’re a mum with young kids and you’ve been up half the night with a baby or a toddler, those kinds of resolutions just aren’t realistic. And I don’t think they’re necessary.

You don’t need a whole new you! You’re already amazing.

What if instead of overhauling your life with big, overwhelming goals, you focused on small shifts that actually fit into your current season of life?

Let’s talk about how to step into the New Year feeling lighter, calmer, and more like yourself.

Forget the 5am Wake-Up Calls.

It’s tempting to think you need to wake up before the sun to be productive, but when you’re already sleep-deprived, the best gift you can give yourself is more rest.

If you’ve been up during the night, let yourself sleep in when you can. And if you can’t? Sneak in a rest during the day when the kids nap or watch a show.

There’s no badge of honour for running yourself into the ground. Rested mums are happier mums.

Ditch the ‘All or Nothing’ Thinking.

If you’ve ever made a resolution to exercise daily, only to feel like a failure by January 3rd, you’re not alone.

Instead of committing to an intense workout plan, aim for movement that feels good.

Dance around the living room with the kids.
Go for a walk while pushing the pram.
Stretch for a few minutes before bed.

It all counts.

There’s no need for a strict schedule when you’ve got little ones running around.

Choose Simple Self-Care Over Big Changes. You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine or a weekend wellness retreat to take care of yourself (although it would be nice!).

You can weave simple habits that will make you feel better into your day:

Drink your water while you make the kids’ lunch.Put on music while you’re cooking dinner.
Light a candle when you’re tidying up.
Take a long, relaxing shower or bath in the evening after you’ve put the kids to bed and the house is quiet.

Tiny moments of self-care add up, and they’re a lot more doable than a whole lifestyle overhaul.

Create a ‘Good Enough’ Plan.

New Year’s goals feel so big because we aim for perfection.

You don’t need a perfect plan when a good enough now will work just as well - even better in fact as there’s a lot less pressure.

Instead of meal planning every week, rotate through a handful of easy dinners.
Instead of decluttering the whole house, do one drawer at a time.
Instead of scheduling workouts, focus on getting outside for fresh air each day. Good enough is more than enough.

Celebrate What You’re Already Doing.

You’re already doing so much!

Take a moment to acknowledge yourself for that.

Did you get everyone dressed today? Win.
Run errands with the kids? Win.
Made it through bedtime without losing your cool? Win.
Managed a load of laundry and actually hanging it? Win.

The New Year doesn’t have to be about transforming yourself. It can be about recognising your wins - big and small - and giving yourself credit for everything you do, every single day.

Here’s to a New Year that feels lighter, simpler, and honours what you need! 💗

10 Hacks To Make Life Flow Easier

Life as a busy mum can feel overwhelming, but over time, I’ve found little hacks that make everything run more smoothly. They take a lot of pressure off and help make everyday life feel easier.

Here’s what's working for me right now:

1. A Load of Washing a Day
If I'm really busy, I put the washing on overnight while I sleep, then hang it out the next day (undercover or inside if it’s raining). I bring in the previous day’s dry load and put it away immediately. And if it's something that needs to be hung, not folded, I hang it on the hanger when wet so when it's dry I can put it straight in the wardrobe.

2. Ditch the Meal Planning
I don’t meal plan anymore - too much mental effort. Instead, I use my cyclical meal plan with 31 dinner ideas (and links to recipes) on repeat. It’s like autopilot for dinners, and it works really well during busy times.

3. Don’t Put Things Down, Put Them Away
This one is such a cliche, I know, but that's because it works so well. Whenever I pick something up or bring something home, I put it back where it belongs instead of setting it down randomly. It saves time & effort later, keeps the house tidy, and means I’m never hunting for lost items.

4. Sync Calendars
I log every school activity, appointment, and family event straight into my phone calendar the moment I hear about it. I always have my phone on me and it means I'm not collecting (then losing) appointment cards. My phone calendar syncs with my work calendar (I use Book Like A Boss), so I’m never at risk of double-booking myself. It’s a lifesaver for staying organised.

5. Prep Clothes Weekly
On Sunday nights, I prep my clothes for the week. Anything that needs ironing gets done then, and I hang the outfits on a separate rack. No morning decision fatigue - just grab and go.

6. Shower at Night
I switched to showering or taking a bath in the evenings, and it’s one of the most relaxing parts of my day. It feels like a self-care ritual instead of another To Do. And it makes mornings much less rushed, with no fighting for the bathroom.

7. A Simple Hair Routine
I wash my hair twice a week - on Wednesday and Sunday nights - let it dry overnight, and straighten it in the morning. It stays neat for a few days, so I don’t have to think about it again.

8. Streamlined Make-Up
My make-up routine takes about six minutes because I use the same products every time. Everything lives in one bag, so it’s quick to grab and easy to apply.

9. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
My husband handles breakfasts, lunchboxes, grocery shopping, and most of the cooking. In return, I take on school communications, health appointments, and birthday & Christmas organising. We play to our strengths, and it all balances out.

10. Work Cosy When Needed
Some days, when I’m extra tired but still have things to do, I work from bed. I pile up the pillows, grab a blanket, and make it cosy with a drink and snack. It’s a little indulgence that makes work feel less like work.

These hacks are helpful for me at the moment but they change over time based on what's happening in my life. As a general rule, when I feel overwhelmed, I try to take a minute and think, "how can I make this easier or feel better?"

If you’re looking for simple ways to make your own life easier, my program, check out my online program The Busy Mum’s Guide to Making Life Easier. it's on pre-sale right now, with the next round going live in December - just in time for the busy season!

Click here to sign up now and get access to the full program plus my Simple Christmas Planner on December 1.

How to speed clean your kitchen

This process only takes about 15-20 minutes and will leave your kitchen looking neat and refreshed!

Clear the counters: Remove any clutter, dishes, or items that don’t belong on the counter. Quickly put them away or in their proper place.

Load the dishwasher or wash dishes: If you have dirty dishes, either load them in the dishwasher or hand-wash the essentials. Let them air dry while you continue cleaning.

Wipe down surfaces: Use a multi-surface cleaner to quickly wipe down the countertops, stove, and any other surfaces. For sticky spots, let the cleaner sit for a minute before wiping.

Clean the sink: Empty out any food scraps and wipe down the sink with a sponge or cloth. For a quick shine, rinse with warm water and a bit of dish soap.

Tidy appliances: Give the front of the fridge, microwave, and other visible appliances a quick wipe, focusing on smudges and fingerprints.

Sweep or vacuum the floor: Quickly sweep the floor or use a handheld vacuum to get rid of crumbs and debris.

Take out the rubbish: Empty the bin and replace the liner if you use one.

Final check: Do a quick visual sweep to make sure everything looks tidy and clutter-free.

Give it a try and let me know how you go with it!