How I’m Learning Spanish Without Losing Sleep (or My Sanity)
Trying to learn a language when your life is already full?
Same. I’m a dad of two, prepping my family for a year of travel through South America and I decided to take on learning Spanish too.
My solution? Waking up at 5AM to squeeze in two hours of study time. It worked… until it didn’t.
Lately, I’ve started to feel like I’m stuck in a routine that’s more about surviving than actually enjoying the process.
If you’re juggling work, parenting, and big goals (like learning a language, planning a trip, or anything that feels a little crazy), this post is for you. Here’s how I’m shifting my routine to stay consistent without feeling burned out and how you can do the same, even if your mornings are already chaos.
This blog is fuelled by caffeine and chaos, if it helps, support our journey
The Goal: Learn Spanish, Not Burn Out
The goal isn’t to become fluent just because I powered through at 5am every day for a year.
The goal is to feel confident speaking Spanish as we explore South America.
- To connect with locals.
- To help my kids learn with me.
- To make this part of our life, not just a grind.
So with that in mind, I’ve started shifting my approach.
My New “Flexible Spanish Plan”
Instead of locking myself into one way of learning, I’m giving myself options.
The new rule:
hit 2 hours a day, but spread it out however I want.
Some days that still means 5am. Other days, it doesn’t.
Here’s how I’m breaking it down:
1. Alternate Deep Dives + Lighter Days
Not every day needs to be a power session. Some mornings, I go hard with an hour or two of focused learning. Other days, I lighten up:
Listen to Dreaming Spanish while walking
Watch a short video in Spanish (even with subtitles)
Play a language game or do a TalkBox.Mom phrase while making breakfast
Still showing up, just not grinding every day.
2. Break It Up Throughout the Day
Instead of jamming everything into one block, I’ve started spreading it out:
Morning: 30–60 minutes (still my quietest time)
Afternoon: A short TalkBox.Mom session with the kids
Evening: Review flashcards or rewatch a Spanish video
Little bites that add up. And bonus. I retain more when I touch it multiple times a day.
3. Active Rest = Still Progress
On days when I’m low-energy, I’ll do “active rest”:
Watch a movie or show in Spanish
Listen to native audio while doing dishes
Read a Spanish children’s book with the kids (they love correcting me)
I’m still learning, but without the pressure.
4. Talk More, Study Less
The biggest unlock? Actually using Spanish in real life. Even if it’s just a few phrases around the house, or practicing with the kids using TalkBox.Mom.
We’re not fluent yet. But we’re definitely talking more and that’s kind of the whole point, right?
Bottom Line: Progress Over Perfection
If you’re learning a new language or trying to build any habit, don’t let the method become more important than the goal.
What matters isn’t whether I study at 5am or 5pm. What matters is showing up consistently, even when it looks a little different day to day.
Because at the end of the day, I’m not just learning Spanish for me. I’m doing this so our family can have better conversations, deeper connections, and a way to truly experience the places we visit.
And I want to enjoy the process, not just survive it.
Want to Learn Spanish With Your Family Too?
We’ve been using TalkBox.Mom for a while now, and it’s made a huge difference. Real phrases, real results, even on chaotic days. If you want to start speaking Spanish at home (without studying grammar for hours), give it a look.
