Mom At Ease

A go-to resource for moms

  • Mornings can make or break the day—especially for stay-at-home moms. If you’re juggling kids, chores, and your own peace of mind, a simple morning bin might be your new best friend. This easy-to-create, screen-free activity station will keep your little ones engaged, calm, and off screens—giving you time to breathe and actually enjoy your mornings.

     What Is a Morning Bin?

    A morning bin is a small, hands-on activity box or basket filled with engaging, screen-free items for your child to explore right after waking up. Think of it as a calm-start ritual that lets your child ease into the day while you get your coffee, make breakfast, or simply regroup.

    You don’t need to spend money or run to the store. Chances are, you already have everything you need!

    What You Can Include in a Morning Bin (Using Items from Home):

    Toddlers (Ages 2–4):

    • Large plastic blocks or stackers
    • Wooden puzzles
    • Flashcards (letters, animals, colors)
    • Lacing beads or pipe cleaners
    • Mini board books
    • Sensory bottles (DIY with rice & small toys in a bottle)

    Preschoolers (Ages 4–6):

    • Coloring sheets + crayons
    • Dry erase boards + markers
    • Pom-poms & tweezers (fine motor play)
    • Matching games (DIY with paper)
    • Felt shapes or characters for storytelling
    • Counting bears or dice games

    Bonus Ideas for All Ages:

    • Rotating “theme of the week” items
    • Include a calming audio playlist in the background
    • Add a special sticker or surprise on Fridays!

    How to Set It Up (Step-by-Step):

    Step 1: Pick a container.
    Use a basket, shoebox, or plastic bin you already have.

    Step 2: Choose 3–5 simple items.
    Keep it light, fun, and mess-free.

    Step 3: Place it in a set location.
    It could be on the kitchen table, play corner, or their bedroom floor.

    Step 4: Introduce the routine.
    Explain that this is a fun time just for them while mommy starts the day.

    Step 5: Swap items weekly.
    Rotation keeps it fresh and exciting—no spending necessary.

    Benefits of Morning Bins:

    • Reduces screen time
    • Builds independence
    • Encourages creativity
    • Sets a predictable rhythm
    • Helps YOU breathe and ease into your morning

    Pro Tip:

    Keep a “backup bin” for chaotic mornings so you’re always prepared!

    Free Download: “How to Set Up a Morning Bin – Beginner’s Starter Guide”
    Includes:

    • Item checklist by age
    • Easy rotation ideas
    • 3 done-for-you bin examples

    Want help getting started?
    📥 Download your FREE Morning Bin Starter Guide — and let’s turn chaos into calm.
    ➡️ [Get It While it Last]

  • Mornings can feel overwhelming as a stay-at-home mom. Between breakfast, getting little ones dressed, and preparing for the day, chaos often takes over. But creating a calm morning routine doesn’t just help your kids thrive – it sets you up for a peaceful, productive day ahead.

    In this blog, you’ll learn simple, mom-approved steps to build a calm morning routine for your kids and yourself, even if mornings have been chaotic until now.

    🌟 Why Calm Mornings Matter

    When mornings start with rushing, yelling, and overwhelm, your nervous system stays on high alert for hours. Calm mornings teach your kids predictability and confidence while giving you space to feel grounded and present.

    1. Prepare the Night Before

    Calm mornings start the night before.

    • Lay out clothes for each child (and yourself).
    • Pack bags, lunches, and snacks in advance.
    • Set out breakfast items if possible (cereal bowls, spoons, or pre-made overnight oats).

    📝 Tip: Involve your child in choosing clothes or prepping their backpack to build independence.

    2. Wake Up Before the Kids (If Possible)

    Even 10-15 minutes of quiet time before little feet hit the floor can reset your mood for the day. Use this time to:

    • Pray or meditate
    • Sip warm tea or coffee in silence
    • Read a short devotional or affirmation

    3. Set Up a Morning Bin or Activity Box

    One of the best ways to create a calm and independent morning routine with kids is by setting up a Morning Bin or Activity Box.

    Momatease Pinterest

    What is it?
    A small basket or container filled with quiet, engaging activities your child can do after breakfast while you finish getting ready for the day.

    Ideas for Your Morning Bin:

    • Books – simple picture books or phonics readers
    • Puzzles – wooden or foam puzzles with letters, shapes, or animals
    • Coloring sheets + crayons – choose no-prep printables or reusable dry erase options
    • Building blocks – small sets of Duplos or magnet tiles
    • Fine motor tools – lacing beads, clip cards, or shape sorters
    • Flashcards – alphabet, sight words, or counting cards for preschoolers and kinders

    💡 How It Helps:

    ✔️ Keeps kids calm, occupied, and learning
    ✔️ Reduces screen time during morning hours
    ✔️ Builds independence as they choose their own activity
    ✔️ Gives moms precious minutes to get dressed, pack bags, or drink coffee in peace

    🔖 Tip for Success:

    Rotate the activities each week to keep it fresh and exciting. Let your child help choose items for the upcoming week to build routine buy-in and motivation.

    4. Keep Breakfast Simple

    Avoid complicated breakfasts during weekdays. Quick options include:

    • Overnight oats
    • Fruit and yogurt bowls
    • Whole grain waffles with nut butter

    5. Build in Connection Time

    Dedicate a few minutes for hugs, reading a short story, or chatting about what they’re excited for today. This grounds your child emotionally before the day begins.

    6. Keep Your Tone Calm and Steady

    Your kids mirror your energy. Speak calmly, even during time crunches. A gentle voice reminds them that mornings are a safe, loving start to the day.

    7. Give Yourself Grace

    Every morning won’t be perfect. Some days will be rushed and messy, and that’s okay. Remind yourself that you’re showing up with love, and that is enough.

    🌟 Final Thoughts

    Building a calm morning routine takes practice, but these small changes create big transformations for your family. You deserve peaceful mornings that set the tone for a beautiful day ahead.

    ➡️ Download Your Free Kids’ Morning Routine Checklist Here to make tomorrow morning smoother than ever.

    💛 If this blog helped you, share it with another mama who wants calm mornings too.

  • Busy moms need fast, nutritious meals that don’t take hours in the kitchen! Here are 5 quick, family-friendly meals.

    1. Overnight Oats (5 Minutes Prep)

    🥣 Ingredients:  

    – ½ cup rolled oats  

    – 1 cup almond milk  

    – 1 tbsp chia seeds  

    – 1 tbsp honey  

    Mix ingredients and refrigerate overnight. Enjoy in the morning!

    2. 10-Minute Veggie Stir-Fry

    🥦 Ingredients:  

    – 1 bell pepper, sliced  

    – 1 cup broccoli florets  

    – ½ cup shredded carrots  

    – 1 tbsp soy sauce  

    Sauté veggies in olive oil, add soy sauce, and serve with rice!

    3. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies (30 Minutes)

    🍗 Ingredients:  

    – 2 chicken breasts, chopped  

    – 1 zucchini, sliced  

    – 1 sweet potato, diced  

    – 1 tbsp olive oil  

    Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

    4. Healthy Turkey Wraps

    🌯 Ingredients:  

    – 1 whole wheat tortilla  

    – 3 slices turkey  

    – 1 tbsp hummus  

    – ½ cup spinach  

    Roll everything together for a delicious, protein-packed wrap!

    5. 15-Minute One-Pan Pasta

    🍝 Ingredients:  

    – 2 cups whole wheat pasta  

    – 1 cup canned tomatoes  

    – 1 tbsp minced garlic  

    – ½ cup cooked chicken  

    Boil pasta, then mix with tomatoes, garlic, and chicken.

    Final Thoughts

    Eating healthy, quick meals doesn’t have to be hard! Try these recipes and let me know which one is your favorite.  Follow Mom at Ease on Pinterest for daily recipes and FREE meal planner checklist ! 

  • 10 Genius Mom Hacks for Busy Mornings

    Mornings can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling kids, work, and getting out the door on time. Here are 10 genius mom hacks to make your mornings smoother, calmer, and more organized:

    1. Prep Breakfast the Night Before
      Overnight oats, pancake muffins, or boiled eggs save precious minutes.
    2. Set Out Clothes for Everyone
      Avoid morning outfit battles by laying out clothes at night, including your own.
    3. Pack Backpacks and Diaper Bags Before Bed
      No more frantic searching for homework or diapers while running late.
    4. Wake Up Before the Kids (Even 10 Minutes Early)
      Gives you quiet time to gather yourself, pray, or sip coffee in peace.
    5. Use a Visual Routine Chart
      Helps kids know what’s next and keeps them moving independently.
    6. Keep Shoes by the Door
      No more last-minute shoe hunts when it’s time to leave.
    7. Create a Grab-and-Go Snack Basket
      Perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks in the car for both you and your kids.
    8. Skip Morning Baths
      Night baths free up time in the morning for a smoother routine.
    9. Use a Timer or Favorite Song for Transitions
      Keeps kids on track without endless reminders or nagging.
    10. Have a “Go Bag” Ready in the Car
      Include diapers, wipes, extra clothes, and snacks for emergencies or forgotten items.

    Final Thoughts:
    Implementing just a few of these hacks can transform your mornings from stressful to peaceful. Start with one today and build from there.

    For more motherhood hacks and daily tips to make life easier, follow Mom at Ease on Pinterest.

  • Daily writing prompt
    What time do you go to bed and wake up currently?

    I just moved to Alaska so it’s been 22 hours of daylight. That has been a big adjustment. Sometimes I go at 10pm when it’s already the next day for the “lower 48” and sometimes I’m up till 1am lol! I wake up no later than 8am no matter what time I fall asleep!

  • Daily writing prompt
    What are you most excited about for the future?

    I am most excited about the things that I said I wanted to do and I see them unfolding right before my eyes. I am most excited about releasing fear and lack mindset and just becoming who I was already meant to be!

  • How to Prep Your Preschooler for Kindergarten: Independence, Social Skills & More

    Is your little one starting kindergarten soon? Preparing them for this big transition doesn’t have to be stressful. With small daily practices, you can build their confidence, independence, and excitement for school. Here are simple things you can start working on right now to make their kindergarten journey smoother and more successful.

    🌟 Set 1: Independence Skills

    Building Confidence for Kinder Success

    1. Putting on and taking off their own shoes.
    2. Zipping up jackets or backpacks.
    3. Opening snack and lunch containers independently.
    4. Using the bathroom alone and washing hands properly.
    5. Knowing how to ask for help when needed.

    Encouragement: “These small skills make a huge difference in their confidence. Practice them daily and celebrate their wins along the way.”

    🌟 Set 2: Social-Emotional Skills

    Helping Your Kinder Navigate Friendships & Feelings

    1. Taking turns and sharing with others.
    2. Following simple directions the first time.
    3. Using words to express feelings and needs.
    4. Understanding personal space with friends.
    5. Practicing saying “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”

    Tip: Model these behaviors at home through role play, games, and gentle reminders.

    🌟 Set 3: Academic Readiness

    Simple Learning Goals for Kindergarten Prep

    1. Recognizing and writing their name.
    2. Knowing basic colors and shapes.
    3. Counting to at least 10 confidently.
    4. Identifying some letters and letter sounds.
    5. Holding a pencil or crayon with correct grip.

    Activity Idea: “Make learning fun by incorporating these into daily play, songs, or story time.”

    🌟 Set 4: Routine Readiness

    Adjusting to School Day Structure

    1. Waking up and going to bed on a school schedule.
    2. Eating breakfast independently before leaving.
    3. Practicing packing and unpacking backpacks.
    4. Getting dressed by themselves each morning.
    5. Practicing quiet listening and sitting for short periods.

    A steady routine reduces morning stress and helps your child feel secure and ready to learn.

    Conclusion

    Starting kindergarten is a big milestone for your child and you. Working on these skills now will help them feel ready, confident, and excited for their first day. Remember, progress takes time, and every small step counts.

  • Starting kindergarten is a huge milestone, and for many preschoolers, it’s the first time they’ll be away from mom or dad for longer periods. Teaching independence now can make the transition smoother and easier for both of you.

    Mom at Ease

    Here are simple ways to build your child’s independence before kindergarten:

    1. Practice Short Separations
      Start with small moments apart, like staying with a trusted friend or family member for an hour or two.
    2. Create Goodbye Routines
      Develop a short, loving routine to say goodbye confidently without lingering sadness.
    3. Let Them Make Choices
      Offer two options for snacks, clothes, or activities to build decision-making confidence.
    4. Teach Simple Self-Help Skills
      Practice putting on shoes, washing hands, wiping after potty, and opening lunch containers.
    5. Talk About Kindergarten Positively
      Share stories about school, read books, and let them express feelings or fears without dismissing them.
    6. Encourage Problem Solving
      When they’re frustrated, guide them to find a solution instead of solving it immediately.
    7. Praise Efforts, Not Just Outcomes
      Focus on their bravery and attempts, not just success. “I’m proud you tried that by yourself!”

    Building independence helps your child feel confident, capable, and excited to start kindergarten, knowing you believe in them every step of the way.

  • Daily writing prompt
    How do you express your gratitude?

    By acknowledging there is something greater than me. I give thanks to the things that I have right in from of me. I am grateful for what I have and blessed for what’s to come !

  • Welcome to Mom at ease! A safe space for us mommas to gather! Here you can unwind, gather resources, get inspiration and just be who you truly are! From one momma to another!

    See you in August 2025 😊

    -Brittany CEO of Mom at Ease