Between getting the kids ready for the day, making healthy meals, running to extracurricular activities, and keeping the house clean, it’s a wonder parents have any time left to themselves. If you’re looking for a few ways to seize more from each moment, check out this essential oils guide full of parent resources. These hacks can help you simplify your schedule with essential oils for everything from cleaning to cooking to cooling down after a hectic day.
1. Room Refresher
Essential oils make freshening your home a breeze—even when the kids are running around. Add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil (we suggest Thieves® or Lemon) to a 2-ounce spray bottle filled with water. Shake thoroughly and spritz over linens, furniture, carpet, or throughout a room as needed!
2. Fresh Feet
Kids aren’t known for their clean feet, so it’s no surprise that their shoes sometimes need a refresh. Clean stinky shoes in a snap with 2 tablespoons baking soda and 5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix together and sprinkle inside any shoes that need some extra care. Let sit overnight or longer, then shake out the baking soda.
3. Outdoor Spray
Let the kids play outside with this easy DIY spray that helps you stay annoyance-free. Combine 1½ ounces witch hazel, 2 ounces water, 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin, 15 drops Citronella, 5 drops Cedarwood, 5 drops Eucalyptus Globulus in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Evenly spray onto exposed skin, rubbing in as needed.
4. Fresh and Clean Laundry
Keep your family’s clothes looking and smelling their best with the added boost of essential oils. Add 12–15 drops of oil to your washer and eliminate musty scents. You can also ditch the dryer sheets! Instead, infuse wool dryer balls with 3–4 of your favorite essential oils such as Citrus Fresh™, Peppermint, or Lavender. Reapply essential oils every 2–4 loads.
5. Relaxing Foot Massage
Finally done with a long day of work, errands, meals, and after-school activities? Give yourself a moment to relax by using a carrier oil such as our V-6™ Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex to apply Lavender and Eucalyptus Globulus oil to the bottoms of your feet.
6. Homework Haven
Create the ideal studying environment enhanced with the crisp and uplifting aromas of essential oils. Before homework time, add a few drops of Rosemary, Sage, Peppermint, or Eucalyptus Globulus to a diffuser.
7. Makeup Setting Spray
Being on the go means you don’t have time to do makeup touch-ups. Help your makeup stay put all day with this DIY makeup setting spray enhanced with skin-loving essential oils!
8. Vacuum Cleaner Clean-Up
When you finally have a moment to get to vacuuming, don’t let a musty scent distract from your hard work. Instead, try cleaning with essential oils! Add a few drops of essential oil to a clean vacuum filter and freshen up this household chore.
9. Early Morning Pick-Me-Up
Have to get up early to drive the kids to school or practice? Ditch the coffee—instead go for the invigorating taste of fresh Peppermint. Add 1–2 drops of Peppermint Vitality™ to a cool glass of water and start the day right.
10. Hair Detangler
Don’t waste time struggling through a mess of hair—whether it’s yours or your child’s. Simplify your hair care strategy with this detangler! Combine ½ cup Lavender Conditioner (or other Young Living conditioner), 1⅛ cup warm distilled water, 3 drops Cedarwood, and 3 drops Frankincense. Spritz a couple times into dry or damp hair and comb through to tame any mane. Want more hair care ideas? Check out our blog post devoted to essential oil detanglers!
11. DIY Car Diffuser
Car time can become chaotic, but the power of aromatherapy makes it more enjoyable for everyone. Add a few drops of oil to some tissues and place them on the dash of your car. The warm sun will help disperse the scent while your car sits in the driveway or parking lot. Or try our USB Diffuser or Orb™ Diffuser for more on-the-go options.
12. Dry Shampoo
Not enough time to shower in the morning? Dry shampoo is sure to be your beauty BFF. For a naturally derived solution, combine ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 drops Cedarwood, 2 drops Rosemary, and 1 drop Tea Tree. If you have dark hair, add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Shake a small amount into your hair and massage the powder into your roots. After a few minutes, comb through your hair for soft, refreshed locks. See how easy it is with this video!
13. Simplified Snacks
Even if you want to avoid fast food and processed snacks, it can be hard to find the time to make homemade after-school snacks. Skip elaborate meal planning and cut down on prep time with the fast, fresh flavor of essential oils. We love this Citrus Sunshine Smoothie that’s tasty for the whole family!
What helps you take on the day as an on-the-go parent? Tell us in the comments below!
More homework ideas … any of the citrus oils diffused in the morning is great to start the school day. Lots of homeschool mom appreciate using vetiver, cedarwood and lavender on the brain stem throughout the day. Could also put on the feet before heading out the door. Afterschool, I agree diffusing your favorite pick-me-up oils changes the atmosphere for everyone. My diffusing favs are peppermint & stress away together, lemon & lime, grapefruit! and ….
Amazing blog – such creativity, healthy common-sense and wisdom!! Thank you.
Thanks so much Bridget! We certainly love it too 🙂 Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
#3 says the Outdoor Spray “helps you stay annoyance-free.” Is this FDA compliant wording that can be used by Young Living Independent Distributors?
Hello! Yes, the term “annoyance-free” is in compliance. You can find this and more approved product claims in the Member Resources/Product Education section of your Virtual Office. Thanks for stopping by!
Again, THANK YOU!!! For all you do to help!!
Love all these great ideas!
I use Citrus Fresh and Purification in the washing machine with Thieves laundry soap.
I make relaxing bath salts for my little. Fill a big mason jar with Empsom and Himalayan Pink Salt and add 10-15 drops Gentle Baby. I put 3 tablespoons in her bath each night to help unwind and pull out toxins.
I was wondering if the outdoor spray might work as a tick repellant , as well? Would it need to be tweaked a bit for this use? Thank you.
Hi Helen, Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of the body, including ailments or injuries. Therefore, Young Living cannot provide advice or recommendation for products to address any type of disease, ailment, or injury. We advise that you consult with a medical professional on your specific issue.
During the winter months I apply a thieves infused body butter to the bottom of our feet before school and work. Help keep us above the wellness line and on track full steam ahead of our busy day 🙂
I’m definitely printing these out to hang in our family command center! So many things we can use right now!
good tips and recipes! Thanks!
We LOVE using Citrus Fresh on our wool dryer balls, or Purification. Great tips!
VERY GRATEFUL! It’s so difficult for people to take the time to look up the recipies, the benefits of the ingredients and if they are able to use the oils, so BRAVO!!! Thanks for your wisdom and for sharing these!
Love these ideas!!! We have tried a few of these listed and love them! So easy to make DIYs with YLEO!
So glad to know about this site. 😀😀👏👏😉😉
Very intelligent tips. Such smart ideas really help make life as a parent easier