Ways to Spend Time, Productively

There is never enough time in a day. That is true. However, with a new school year underway and the festivities of fall soon to follow, moms need to be ready to use time management to the max! And I know, there is never any “spare” time, just time we squeezed out of our busy day. Seriously, though, about six hours of my schedule just opened up. Too bad I have to do about ten hours worth of stuff during that time. Here are some productive ways to get it done:

Make a list - best done the night before, but whenever, make a list of what needs doing, then prioritize what absolutely must be done and what should be done but could wait.

Start early - do what you can while the kids are getting ready. My little ones are 5 and 8 and only need prompting to get ready, including washing, dressing, packing snacks and cleaning up after breakfast. I can throw in laundry and sweep or some other small task before they even get on the bus. After they do, it’s best to get the work done early so you might get a minute to rest before the bus comes.

Do the obvious - houses need cleaning, laundry needs washing, bills need mailing. Get these done and a neat(er) home will help your mental health too.

Do stuff you cannot do or don’t want to do when you have the kids - grocery shopping is cheaper without kids! Phone calls are easier without kids in the background. Doctor appointments, auto and service appointments and working out at the gym are great things to plan while the kids are at school.

Organize toys and kids’ bureaus and closets - they’re not home; it’s the perfect time to go through the toy box and kids’ cloths. Separate into three categories: keepers, junk and donations. Some people like to let the kids do this to avoid tears when they discover their favorite toy gone. I say don’t throw out your kids’ favorite toy, or have them choose five favorite toys before you go through them. Older kids can organize their own clothing, but little ones might need drawers re-organized each season.

Update the family calendar - summer was crazy busy and a new season is upon us. School papers are flying in with important dates left and right. If you’re like me, the next couple of months are packed with football games, dentist and doctor appointments, and special events at no less than three schools! Put these all on one calendar (and in your smart phone) and check it regularly so you won’t miss a beat or a game or anything!

Plan ahead for some meals - when times get busy, you don’t want the family dinner to suffer. It won’t be long before you’re broke or sick from fast food! Make some easy meals ahead of time or plan easy casserole or crock pots meals for your busiest days.

Do something for YOU! I know, I never do either, but this would be a great time to take a bath, do my nails, soak my feet. It’s more likely I will be busy weeding what’s left of my gardens or processing something we grew like carrots, tomatoes or beets. My floors need mopping, too, but I’d rather sit on the porch a few minutes.

Find a hobby or volunteer for a cause - take a little time to do something that makes you happy. If you like to paint, draw or read, do it. If you feel strongly about something, find a charity or a way to contribute or volunteer in your community. There are many volunteer opportunities nationwide including in your own community.

Rest! Yeah right! When you’re done doing the first 9 items on this list, there might be five or five minutes until the bus comes, if you’re lucky. Get the bulk of your work done early in the week, if you can, so that by Friday, you could get a little time to yourself to just breath. If Friday isn’t great, check the weather on Monday to see which day of the coming week will be best to relax outside before it gets too chilly. Then plan your errands on the rainy or cloudy days.

Okay, so your spare time is a bit sparse. So is mine. That is why I do try to follow these tips and finish the ugly, hard stuff first and save the gravy for later in the week. That’s sort of how I eat too (gross stuff first, best for last), but that’s a story for another day. Until then, if your free time is non-existent because you both work, it might be time to consider a more flexible work or childcare arrangement, and find a person who can do more than babysit and help around the house with all things kid-related.