As a mother, the most crucial thing to do in order to manage your time is to create a schedule or plan. This allows you to see clearly how much you have to do and how much time you have to do it. In order to create your schedule, prioritize. Decide what tasks are most important and make room for them first. There’s no need to be cleaning the bathrooms that you just cleaned two days ago when there’s no groceries in the house. Try menu planning for the week ahead to help with managing your time. Make a list of 5 meals that you will prepare for Monday through Friday. Look at your schedule and see what days you are running from after school activity to practice to dance. Choose to make something that can be made quickly and eaten on the go. Try having a meal in the slow cooker in the morning so it will be ready for the quick bite before you head out the door. This way you won’t waste time trying to figure out what to make for dinner when you are low on extra time.
Next, keep in mind that life is unpredictable. Keep some free space in your schedule in case something takes longer than expected. Then, you won’t have to deal with the consequential stress and the inability to fit everything in. Also, if your schedule ends up working out perfectly, you’ll be left with some free time! Who doesn’t love that?
If you’re still struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help! Keep in mind that you have family and friends who love you and your children and wouldn’t mind giving you a hand. You’re only human and others realize that. With help from others, the stress of your schedule could be decreased substantially.
Lastly, know how to say no. You don’t need to go to every event you’re invited to, you don’t need to volunteer at every event and you don’t always have to be the one to drive your kids everywhere. Cleaning, cooking, laundry, motherhood, and your job is plenty enough work without the added stress from unnecessary tasks.
