4 Tips For Parents Who Need To Maximize Their Time
- Lynnie's Lane
- Jul 4, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 17, 2018
Angela Brunt July 4, 2018
Amongst the plethora of challenges we face as parents, perhaps one of the most challenging is finding time to get it all done. Time to cook, clean, relax, work, and hopefully SLEEP so that we can restore our strength and resilience to do it all without our heads popping completely off. Hang in there mommy!!
Here are some tips to help you maximize your time and efficiency:
STAY ORGANIZED
Keep related items together and in dedicated spaces. This will save you time from gathering what you need from all over the house. Invest some time into storing items thoughtfully in order to maximize your space and workflow.
Keep a to-do list, planner, and/or calendar. Writing things down may help you remember them. I recommend travel sized for your bag, but you might also keep a large one posted on the fridge or a common area in your home so that everyone in the household can add to it. Note daily/weekly/monthly tasks, due dates, upcoming events, and appointments.
PRIORITIZE
Check your calendar or list and then determine what has to be done immediately and what can wait.
Will it start to smell, leak, or pile up? Will there be a late fee? Maybe you won’t get it all done today and that is OK too. Start with the things that can’t wait and go from there. Maybe you finished the laundry but didn’t get a chance to put it away. That’s OK, you can stack the clean clothes flat like sheets of paper to prevent wrinkles. Then just pull your next few outfits from the clean pile. After a few days you will have a more manageable stack to finish. At least they are clean right!
Start tasks that take longer or can run on a timer first – like a load of clothes or the dishwasher. Get the machine started and then move onto something else. Get dinner into the oven or crockpot, and then you can finish cleaning the kitchen while you wait. Multi-tasking increases efficiency!
Choose your battles- Kids have a lot of “needs”. Lots of needs require urgency, but most wants can wait. Know when to say no or even walk away. The kids are OK!! Sometimes you have to be the one to convince them of that! Also, find tasks that you can delegate. Allowing your kids to discover some independence will free up some of your time and attention.
BE PREPARED
Have plans for tomorrow? Prep outfits, any items needed, or meals the night before. If you have down time on the weekend, you might prepare several meals for the upcoming work week. If you have hectic weekends, you might like to prepare your meals during the week.
Keep necessities like changes of clothes, diapers, snacks, and medications all over: in your car, at the daycare/school, with grandparents. Also keep a running list of grocery and household items that you do need it pick up. This will help you minimize trips home or to the store.
Spontaneous or unexpected time to yourself? Recently, I’ve started to keep a list of activities that I enjoy a little more without the kids, and venues where kids are not allowed. When opportunity strikes, I take a quick scan of my list and I’ve got a plan!
TREAT YOUR SELF
Mommies deserve a break too. So give yourself a break from time to time!!
Take advantage of those golden moments for sleep, rest, and relaxation while the kids are quietly playing in a secure space or sleeping. Sometimes it’s tempting to use that time to catch up on chores.
Got a large group of family around? Great chance to keep your distance! Let those relatives enjoy your children they haven’t seen since the last holiday (smile). Let the kids play while you mingle with the other parents.
Invest some time in self-care. Enjoy outdoors and nature? Take a nice peaceful walk alone or with a friend. Like movies? Go see one. Get a mani/pedi. Get a massage. Go shopping. Whip out your kid free activity list. Attend a yoga class! (might I recommend AB Yoga)
Remember, “mommy” is a role -- it’s not who you are. Be sure you don’t lose yourself. You might keep a weekly or daily journal, or set aside a few minutes before bed for meditation or self- reflection. Remind yourself of things you enjoy, and the goals that you have for yourself.
One last and final piece of advice is to vent!!!! If you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through it alone. Make sure you have a good support system from your spouse, friends, family, and/or community. Find someone you can speak with candidly about your emotional and spiritual experiences as a mom. Remember it takes a village. Don’t be shy to ask for help.
The role of mom is both rewarding and challenging. I hope that you find these tips useful as you continue to rise to the challenge!
📷About the author: Angela Brunt is a mother of 2. She has a 12 year old son and a 3 year old daughter. She currently works in accounts receivable and is a certified yoga instructor. She can be reached at ABYOGAINDY@GMAIL.COM.
© Angela Brunt June 2018
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