Screw the to do list! Mums you need a ta-dah list

Here I am on the 1st January telling you to screw the to do list. Seems strange doesn't it when our social feeds are full of resolutions and goals for the year ahead. As mums we have so much going on. We feel like we need to do everything, for everyone, all of the time. The mental load of motherhood is REAL! And that's why I'm giving the to do list a miss. I'm switching it out for a brand spanking new shiny ta-dah list!

[Photo by Thomas Bormans on Unsplash]

The mental load of motherhood

I’m mum to two small children. I run my own business around my daughters. I'm the default homemaker and chief administrator of four lives (5 if you count the dog). I'm the default everything.

It's a lot mentally! It's hard to switch off. i can't chill. I can't remember the last time I actually sat in front of the telly and you know, sat in front of the telly.

I have so much going on all of the time so please, do not come anywhere near me with a to do list.

Why we need to screw the to do list

To do lists are overwhelming at the best of times. Admittedly even more so for parents, especially those in the fourth trimester or those dealing with multiple children. As much as we try and stick to a routine, two days are never the same as a parent.

Sometimes it feels like we're thriving. Sometimes it feels like we're barely just surviving.

Imagine you're having one of THOSE days. The absolute last thing you need on your plate is a page long to do list of menial tasks. After a day of parenting who really wants reminding that the fridge needs cleaning out or you need to iron the kids uniform for the next morning. YAWN!

None of these tasks are actually that important. What matters is your own mental health and the wellbeing of you and your kids. Plus, your kids aren't going to know if you've cleaned the top shelf in the fridge. They're just looking out for leftover Christmas chocolates. They don't care about a slimy top shelf.

I say screw the to do list. Instead, make yourself a ta-dah list!

What is a ta-dah list?

A ta-da list is quite simply the complete opposite of a to do list. It’s a gratitude list and a catalogue of self-appreciation. Because lord knows, you need to celebrate yourself!

A ta-dah list can be added to throughout the day, spurring you on right through until golden hour... AKA the kids bedtime. Your ta-dah list celebrates your victories, no matter how small or insignificant they may feel. These small victories need to be celebrated as a new mum. We need something to get us through our monotonous days.

Change your mindset mama, you need a ta-da list rather than a to do list.

What's on my ta-dah list today.

To finish I thought I’d let you in on my ta-dah list from today. It isn't filled with the most adventurous things nor are they the most successful, but they're things that have made me feel good about my day.

• My baby didn't wake, she didn't even stir last night so I got a solid 6 hours sleep.
• I got outside and walked the dog for an hour by myself. Nature really is amazing for your mental health.
• Seeing family filled my cup. I love seeing other people love my children, they really are the most amazing tiny humans.
• I ate some insanely calorific, insanely delicious cookies from Maple and Dough. Worth every calorie and every penny!
• An early bedtime for the kids means I'm able to cram a couple of hours work in before movie time with my husband.

Pretty good ta-dah list right?

To do lists can be great! They’re motivating and can give you great amounts of satisfaction when you tick things off. However as a mum I really feel like you don’t need the added pressure. Screw the to do list and say hello to the ta-dah list! You won't regret it!

What have you got on your ta-dah list today?