Posted in Lifestyle

Feeling Out of Control? 5 Simple Morning Routines for Large Families

Author Jed Estimated read time 5 min read
person holding white ceramic cup with hot coffee Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Finding Peace in the Chaos

Raising a large family can feel like orchestrating a symphony with every instrument playing a different tune—you’re constantly trying to keep everything in the air without getting burned. If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or feeling like your life is spiraling out of control, take heart. You can hit the reset button and regain control, starting today.

Change doesn’t require grand gestures or a total life overhaul. Instead, small steps lead to meaningful change, building momentum and hope along the way. Instead, it’s about small, intentional steps that create ripple effects. Here are five practical habits you can start right now to transform your life in just 30 days.

a man sitting on a yoga mat with his hands in his pockets

1. Start Your Day with Gratitude and Prayer

When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong. Gratitude shifts your mindset to see the good.

“Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for.” – Zig Ziglar

Begin each morning with a prayer of thanks and ask God for guidance and strength to tackle the day ahead.

Here’s a simple prayer you can use: In my own family, starting our day with prayer has been a source of strength and unity. It helps us feel grounded, reminding us to lean on God’s wisdom and grace amid the busyness of life.

  • Thankfulness: “Lord, thank You for my family, our health, and Your blessings in our lives.”
  • Guidance: “Please give me the wisdom to lead my family with love and patience.”
  • Surrender: “I place today in Your hands and trust Your plan for me.”

Pair this with a gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re thankful for each morning. It could be as simple as a good night’s sleep, the sound of your kids laughing, or a hot cup of coffee.

Scripture to Reflect On: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

2. Take 10 Minutes to Move Your Body

Movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about releasing stress and boosting your energy.

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryun

Even if you’re short on time, you can fit in 10 minutes of intentional movement.

Ideas for busy parents:

  • Do a quick stretching session while your coffee brews.
  • Put on music and dance with your kids in the living room.
  • Take a brisk walk around the block.

Keep it simple and fun to stay consistent. The goal is to create a simple habit that helps you feel energized and ready to face the day.

3. Plan Your Day with Purpose

Instead of diving into the day without a plan, take five minutes to set your priorities.

“The key is in not spending time, but in investing it.” – Stephen Covey

Write down the three most important things you want to accomplish. Focus on tasks that align with your long-term goals or that will make the biggest impact on your family’s day.

Here’s how to structure your planning:

  • One Family Goal: Spend 15 minutes reading to the kids or have dinner together.
  • One Personal Goal: Tackle a work task or spend time in prayer.
  • One Household Goal: Clean a specific area or prep meals for the day.

When you plan with intention, you’ll feel more in control and less reactive.

4. Fuel Yourself with a Balanced Breakfast

Mornings in a large family can feel like a whirlwind, but skipping breakfast only leaves you running on empty. Prioritize a healthy, simple meal to nourish your body and keep your energy steady.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates

Here are some quick ideas:

  • Overnight Oats: Prep them the night before with fruit and a drizzle of honey. See my overnight oats recipe here.
  • Smoothie: Blend spinach, frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, and a scoop of protein powder.
  • Egg Muffins: Bake eggs with chopped vegetables in a muffin tin for grab-and-go nutrition.

Pro Tip: Get your kids involved in breakfast prep. It lightens your load and teaches them valuable life skills.

5. End Chaos with a Family Morning Huddle

Mornings are prime time for connection and collaboration. A quick “morning huddle” can help your family align, share plans, and start the day united, reducing stress and setting a positive tone for everyone.

“Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.” – John Maxwell

Avoid the chaos by gathering the family for a 5-minute “morning huddle.”

Use this time to:

  • Share the plan for the day.
  • Assign simple responsibilities, like who’s helping with dinner.
  • Pray together as a family to start the day united.

This small habit fosters teamwork and helps everyone feel prepared—even on the busiest mornings.

Final Thoughts: Small Steps Lead to Big Change

If you feel like life is spiraling out of control, remember that every big change starts with small steps. These five habits will help you regain control, one morning at a time. Commit to these practices for 30 days, and you’ll feel more grounded, energized, and connected with your family.

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11

Which habit will you start today? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your mornings and your peace.

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