How to Manage Time With Small Children

̶0;A mother̵7;s work is never done.̶1; The adage never feels more real than when you are trying to manage your time well while caring for small children. From cleaning the house to turning in your company proposal on time, organizing your day is no small task. It is possible for moms to learn how to balance taking care of the house, nurturing young lives and handling outside responsibilities while still taking care of themselves.

Instructions

    • 1

      Create an organization system that puts everything you need at your fingertips. Place diapers and wipes next to the changing table (with extras in the car), store the first-aid kit in the kitchen or bathroom, and park your electronics and planner near the coffeepot. Fill baskets during the week for tasks that you handle on the weekend, such as dropping off dry cleaning or returning library books. Know where everything is to help lower your stress levels and even give you the feeling of having it all together for a fleeting moment.

    • 2

      Take control of morning madness with some simple changes. Complete as many tasks as you can before going to bed at night, like packing diaper bags and lunches. Wake up an hour earlier than your children to get a leg up on the day, since young children rarely seem to be on a mom's schedule to get out the door in the morning. Take a shower, get breakfast together and have the coffee brewing before you wake up your brood.

    • 3

      Save time preparing meals for your family by using a slow cooker, preparing meals during the weekend that require only a few minutes to heat, or simply planning out the week̵7;s menu to keep you on task. Shop for all the necessary groceries in one outing and resist the temptation to run to the store for ̶0;one more thing.̶1; Cook quick, simple kid-friendly meals like eggs, soup and sandwiches or pasta to make it easier to have a family meal together at the end of a hectic day.

    • 4

      Create a system to accomplish housework on a regular basis. Designate certain days for tasks, such as laundry on Monday and bathrooms and floors on Thursday. Resist the temptation to feel like everything must be perfect all the time, but strive to maintain order in your central living spaces. Ask your significant other to pitch in with cleaning.

    • 5

      Spend some one-on-one time with each of your children each day, even if you feel like you are running errands nonstop. Carve out a few minutes to talk about their time with friends at day care or school, what happened at recess or if they have any schoolwork due the next day. Snuggle with your kids at bedtime, read a story and help them settle in for a good night's sleep.

    • 6

      Make time for relationships in the midst of your busy schedule. Arrange for a babysitter for a romantic date out on the town or for coffee with the girls. Take time to go to the gym or walk around the block and remember that taking care of yourself helps you better care for your family.

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