The 5 Lists Every Working Parent Needs (to Stay Sane-ish)
Let’s be honest: parenting is basically like managing a start-up—except your “employees” are under five feet tall, love snacks way too much, and occasionally throw tantrums in the breakroom (aka Target). Add a full-time job into the mix, and suddenly your brain feels like 47 browser tabs are open, and one of them is definitely playing music but you can’t find which.
The good news? Lists.
Yes, good old-fashioned, pen-to-paper (or app-to-phone) lists. They won’t stop your toddler from coloring the walls with yogurt, but they will give your week some structure and help you get back precious minutes (which you can use for coffee, or hiding in the bathroom scrolling Instagram—we don’t judge).
Here are the five lists every working parent needs—and how they’ll make your life easier, funnier, and slightly less chaotic.
1. The Morning Routine List
Mornings with kids are like speed-dating meets game show chaos: everyone’s running around, time is limited, and at least one contestant is crying.
Having a Morning Routine List is a lifesaver. Instead of barking orders like a frazzled drill sergeant (“Shoes! Backpack! No, the other shoe!”), you’ve got a simple checklist that kids can follow too.
What to include:
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Brush teeth (yes, toothpaste counts, child).
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Get dressed (bonus points if it’s not pajamas).
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Pack bag (homework, lunch, possibly the kitchen sink).
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Eat breakfast (Goldfish crackers are not breakfast).
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Out the door (on time-ish).
Pro tip: Put it on the fridge or a whiteboard so your kids can check things off themselves. It builds independence, and you save your voice for more important things—like singing along to the carpool karaoke playlist.
2. The Meal Plan List
Nothing says “working parent chaos” like the 6 p.m. stare into the fridge, praying dinner will magically appear. That’s why the Meal Plan List is your new BFF.
Instead of nightly panic, you spend 15 minutes on Sunday mapping out dinners (and maybe lunches, if you’re feeling ambitious). Then, you grocery shop once, and boom—you’re set.
Sample weekly lineup:
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Monday: Taco night (because it’s the law).
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Tuesday: Leftovers (aka Mom’s Night Off).
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Wednesday: Pasta night (easy, carby joy).
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Thursday: Sheet pan chicken (throw it in, forget it).
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Friday: Pizza (homemade or delivered, no shame).
Not only does this save time and money, it also prevents the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” argument. And if the kids complain? Remind them the alternative is cereal seven nights in a row.
3. The Family Calendar List
Between soccer practice, dentist appointments, school projects, and work deadlines, your brain simply cannot hold it all. That’s where the Family Calendar List comes in.
This isn’t just for you—it’s a survival tool for the whole household. Everyone can see what’s happening, when it’s happening, and who’s on deck.
Pro-parent hack:
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Use color-coding: blue for work, green for kids’ stuff, red for “don’t you dare forget this” events.
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Sync it to your phone so reminders ping before you’re suddenly remembering the bake sale at 10 p.m.
It turns chaos into clarity. Plus, it saves you from the “But you never told me!” debates with your partner. (Spoiler: you did tell them, they just didn’t listen. Now
4. The To-Do List
Ah, the classic. The holy grail of productivity. The To-Do List is where working parents shine—or at least, try to survive.
But here’s the trick: don’t make one monster list that feels longer than the IRS tax code. Break it down into three simple categories:
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Must-Do Today (feed kids, work deadlines, show up semi-presentable).
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Should-Do Soon (laundry, bills, sign that permission slip).
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Would-Love-To-Do (exercise, call a friend, finish that book… yeah, right).
Nothing feels better than checking off a task. Even if that task is “Make To-Do List.” (We’ve all added something we already did, just to check it off. Admit it.)
5. The Joy and Gratitude List
This one’s the heart-warmer. Between work stress, school drop-offs, and the occasional Lego landmine underfoot, it’s easy to forget the good stuff. That’s why the Joy and Gratitude List is a must-have.
How it works:
At the end of the day, write down 2–3 things you’re grateful for or moments that brought you joy. It could be as big as “got promoted today” or as small as “the baby finally napped longer than 20 minutes.”
Why it matters? Because parenting is hard. But sprinkled in are magical little moments—sticky kisses, random “I love yous,” hilarious toddler quotes—that deserve their own spotlight. And looking back on this list is like having your own personal highlight reel of parenting wins.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Parenting while working full-time is not for the faint of heart—it’s a juggling act, a marathon, and occasionally a comedy show all rolled into one. But with the right lists, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving (or at least staying slightly more organized than the dog).