With the chilly season underway, there's a lot to think about as a parent. We’ve got to swap out summer clothes for winter gear, prepare for the holidays, and make sure the fridge and pantry are stocked with foods to keep the kids healthy. Honestly, just thinking about it all feels overwhelming (let alone actually doing it!). And then, when the kids aren’t feeling great and end up missing school? It just adds to the stress, especially when you’re trying to balance it all with work, errands, and household chores.

I often find myself reflecting on the mental load of being a parent, especially during this busy winter season. For me, it feels like this constant buzzing in my head that never really goes away, demanding endless effort to keep our home running smoothly and family life organized. Plus, I have to put in extra mental energy to calm myself down from all the chaos. This winter, I’m determined to take control and share some hacks I’ve picked up to help lighten that mental load along the way.

Hack #1: Lists are your friend

I’m a huge fan of lists because they help calm my brain when it’s frazzled. Instead of letting all my thoughts swirl around, I just write everything down. I’ve got a list for which kids need new winter socks, a list of creative indoor activities for bitterly cold days (hello, paper snowflakes, dance parties, and warm bubble baths!), and even a list of things I’ll probably forget to add to a new list. Winter is long and cold, and there’s a lot of planning to do. Trust me, befriend list-making and you can thank me later!

Hack #2: Fill up your fridge and pantry with immune-boosting foods 

Make sure your fridge and pantry are stocked with immune-boosting foods, especially during the winter. When the kids start feeling icky, foods packed with antioxidants can help protect their healthy cells from free radicals, which can cause damage and oxidative stress. Antioxidants are found in foods rich in vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids like beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. Here are some of my favorite options to keep on hand:

• Vitamin C: Bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, citrus fruits, pineapple, potatoes, and cabbage. 
• Vitamin E: Sunflower seeds and oil, peanuts, almonds, spinach, broccoli, fortified breakfast cereals 
• Carotenoids: Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts, spinach, winter squash, cantaloupe and broccoli.

Since most antioxidant-rich foods are fruits and veggies, if you're worried about fresh produce going bad in the fridge, opt for frozen instead—especially during the winter when fresh options are limited. Frozen produce is typically picked at peak ripeness, so it’s still packed with nutrients. In fact, there’s no big difference in vitamin content between frozen and fresh produce, so no need to feel guilty about stocking up.

Hack #3: Aim for short bursts of outdoor time

There's a reason we push our kids to get outside–it's great for their health! Playing in nature keeps them active, encourages a healthy lifestyle, and even reduces stress. But when winter hits, getting outdoors is a challenge, especially with toddlers and little kids in tow. Instead of planning an all-day outdoor adventure, aim for short bursts of outdoor play, like a quick 15-minute walk around the block, collecting pine cones and sticks for a “winter salad,” building a friendly snowman (if there's snow!). Every bit of fresh air counts.

Hack #4: Keep your kids meds in stock

There’s nothing worse than making a frantic late-night dash to the pharmacy. Winter is prime time for this scramble, and it’s frustrating to have to drive all over town for your child’s medications, supplements, or vitamins. So, why not stock up before the season hits? Whether it’s pain relievers or multivitamins to support their immune system, purchasing those essentials now can save you the hassle (and a few miles) later.

While it’s important to prioritize nutrition from food first, it can be tough when your child is feeling off. Supplements can help fill in any nutritional gaps and provide the nutrients they need during the chilly season. Hiya’s chewable Kids Daily Immune is a great option—it’s loaded with immune-supporting nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, beta glucans, and a yummy fruit blend. And the best part? Kids actually love the taste, and they’re free from added sugars too.

Hack #5: Redistribute the load 

Most of the time, the mental load feels heavy because you’re carrying a majority of it on your own. Asking for help can be tough, but it’s important to avoid burnout. It could be as simple as leaning on friends or family, hiring a babysitter for a few hours, or outsourcing tasks like getting your groceries delivered, sending laundry to the laundromat, or having a virtual assistant tackle the small things that take up too much brain space. Every little bit of help makes a difference and gives you the space to focus on what really matters—and maybe even enjoy your coffee while it’s still warm (instead of reheating it for the third time!).

Hack #6: Set up a winter wardrobe station

Getting out of the house during the winter (especially on school mornings!) is a struggle. One kid is missing their beanie, the other can’t find their boots, and you’re running around frantically searching for your fleece-lined leggings. All the layers and bulky winter gear can be hard to keep track of. To make mornings easier, set up a small winter box by the front door for every member of your family. Store their boots, socks, mittens, hats, and everything they need to stay warm. Make it a rule that when they come inside, all their stuff goes straight into the box. This way, nothing gets lost, everything stays in one spot, and it’s a lot quicker to get out the door.

I hope these hacks help ease your mental load, even just a little. Parenting is no easy feat, and juggling the daily responsibilities is overwhelming. Sometimes, even the smallest changes can make a big difference in how we manage it all. You've got this. We're in this together.