Finding Balance With Kids’ Activities, Family Routines, and Storytime
Life in the Brown household is in full swing! Between dance class, flag football, religion classes, birthday parties, and more, our family calendar is packed. Like many parents, I’m constantly trying to strike the right balance—signing the kids up for activities they’ll enjoy without overscheduling for everyone’s sanity.
This can be such a polarizing topic. Some parents believe in signing kids up for everything, while others prefer to wait until they’re older. And of course, there’s the cost—because children’s activities can be a serious budget stretcher.
👉 What about you? How does your family decide which activities to commit to? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Staying Organized With a Full Family Calendar
With a schedule that feels as full as my brain, organization is key to keeping my household running smoothly. Here are a few things that help me stay sane during busy weeks:
Crockpot meals – quick, simple, and delicious.
*This week, I put a pork shoulder in the crockpot with salt, pepper, and a cup of broth. Cooked all day, and we had pulled pork sandwiches-DELISH!*
Laundry Sundays – making sure clothes are washed, folded, and put away before the week begins.
Meal planning – even if we’re eating out, I write it down so I have a clear plan.
Prepped fruits & veggies – cut and ready for easy snacks and school lunches.
Outfits chosen the night before – one less morning stressor!
These small steps make a big difference when life gets hectic.
The Importance of Self-Care for Moms
When I feel overstimulated or overbooked, my number one sanity-saver is my 28-minute at-home workout with Lexi J Wellness. I’ve stuck with it for four years now, and it truly keeps me grounded.
If I have extra time, I also love to fit in a walk outside. Taking care of ourselves matters—because only after filling our own cup can we pour into others.
Why Reading Together Still Matters
In busy seasons, it’s easy to let certain habits slide. But one thing I don’t want to lose is reading together. Even if it seems small, those quiet moments with a book create stillness, connection, and often spark conversations my kids might not share otherwise.
Storytime now becomes the memory they’ll carry with them later. Reading together builds a bond—and it’s worth prioritizing, even when life feels full.
Our Favorite Books for Family Storytime
If you’re looking to refresh your home library, here are a few favorites that always bring smiles and giggles in our house:
🦖 T-Rex and Tuck Explore series – filled with curiosity, adventure, and fun.
🌸 The Adventures of Ella Bella series – positive affirmations and confidence-building for kids.
🦒 A Giraffe and a Half by Shel Silverstein – a silly, rhyming classic guaranteed to have your kids in stitches…and you out of breath.
Call to Action: Build Your Own Storytime Tradition
✨ Take a pause this week: grab a book, snuggle up, and make space for those magical reading moments. They’re more than just storytime—they’re memories in the making.
👉 Explore my books and start building your family’s storytime tradition today: authorkatiemarie.com
As always, happy reading.
Katie Marie
