If you’re feeling the post-holiday parenting drag, you’re not alone. After the rush and chaos of December, many families find themselves struggling to get back into a routine. As a mompreneur, I’ve lived through countless January resets while juggling a business, homeschooling, and raising three boys. Sometimes, you just need to take a deep breath and recenter yourself—because the holidays are busy, and suddenly you’re staring at all the ideas and goals you set for the new year on top of everything else. Here are my real-life parenting tips for surviving January, staying organized, and recharging your family’s energy for the new year.
Why January Is Hard for Parents
The holidays disrupt routines, increase your mental load, introduce new toys and clutter, and often leave everyone a little exhausted. Short days and cold weather can make it tough to get outside, and the excitement of December is replaced by the reality of school, work, and chores. The result? Parenting burnout, winter blues, and a sense of possibly being a bit overwhelmed.
Organizing Family Life in January
1. Reset Your Family Routine
- Re-establish school and bedtime routines.
- Use visual schedules for younger kids.
- Make mornings smoother with color-coded systems (like our laundry dot hack).
- Sometimes, just getting everyone up and dressed on time feels like a win.
2. Declutter After the Holidays
- Involve kids in sorting old toys and clothes to donate.
- Use personalized waterproof name labels to organize new items and prevent mix-ups.
- Create a family command center with labeled bins for homework, activities, and winter gear.
- Before the holidays, I go through our closets and toy bins—if it’s not loved or used, we donate it. It’s amazing how much lighter the house feels!
3. Meal Planning for Busy Winter Nights
- Plan a week’s worth of easy, comforting meals.
- Use a whiteboard or printable meal planner on the fridge.
- Label leftovers and lunch containers for quick grab-and-go mornings.
- I always plan at least one crockpot meal a week to lighten my load and double it for a leftover night!
Real-Life Parenting Hacks for Winter
4. Beat the Winter Blues with Fun Family Activities
- Schedule indoor playdates or board game nights.
- Try winter crafts or baking projects.
- Bundle up for short outdoor walks—fresh air helps everyone’s mood.
5. Mompreneur Advice: Balancing Work and Parenting
- Set clear work hours and communicate them to your family.
- Use a timer for focused breaks.
- Keep your workspace organized with labeled folders and supplies.
- Every January, I like to revamp my workspace—everyone loves a fresh, organized, or just fun touch for the new year. Even something small like a new pen cup or a family photo can boost your mood and workspace.
6. Self-Care for Parents
- Prioritize sleep and hydration. We have water bottles for every family member we fill up for everyone first thing in the morning and they fill up during the day—if it’s made, they will drink it!
- Schedule small moments for yourself (even a hot cup of coffee counts!).
- Connect with other parents for support and encouragement—even if it’s just a social group or blog, it keeps us connected and tuned in.
Preventing Parenting Burnout
7. Ask for Help and Delegate
- Share chores with your partner or older kids. We do a quick tidy-up midweek and a deep clean on the weekend, and we all share the chores.
- Kids are capable—give them age-appropriate responsibilities. It’s not a CHORE, it’s being responsible and taking care of yourself.
- Outsource where possible—grocery delivery is my lifesaver, meal prepping gives me more time during the week, and making sure everyone has their healthy snacks ready for the week prepped and ready to go.
- Remember: It’s okay to say no to extra commitments this month.
8. Stay Organized with Labels
- Use waterproof name labels for school supplies, winter coats, and water bottles.
- Label snack bins, medicine, and allergy-safe foods for peace of mind.
- January is my month to check the dates on medications in the medicine cabinet and on epi-pens. When kids are on break I always wash backpacks and lunchboxes and even shoes if they’re washable.
Organizing your home reduces stress and saves time. Kids are capable—give them age-appropriate responsibilities.
Bouncing Back: Final Thoughts
Every family faces post-holiday challenges, but with a little planning and a few practical hacks, you can turn things around. As a mompreneur, I’ve learned that organization, self-compassion, and a sense of humor go a long way. Embrace imperfection, focus on what matters most, and don’t forget to celebrate small wins. If you’re overwhelmed, sometimes you just do things in chunks and making a list and marking things off helps.
Ready to get organized for the new year? Check out our personalized waterproof name labels—tested by real families and designed to make life easier for busy parents just like you!