Time management for super busy moms!

Christina @ Nurlina Khairunnisa - posted on 10/30/2010

I'm a full time school teacher...I also do a small cake business part time... I don't hv any servant n I hv 5 kids..
They are mostly in the hostels leaving only the youngest who is 6 yrs old.
My hubby is also a teacher.. n he helps a lot in the house keeping ..so does my older kids when they are at home.
When they were liitle I had hardly any time for myself... it was school,home, house work. cooking..washing n etc... U must hv a little time for youself... so I'll suggest u leave your child with your mum when ur out shopping for groceries.. I like shopping without the kids... or just hv time to sit in front of the tv when all are in bed...but most of the time there's the washing to be folded n ironed n a hundred n one chores to do when ur free.
I keep a timetable of what I do n make a short list of what's to be done immediately n it helps me plan a busy day well. Good luck.

Chelsea - posted on 10/30/2010

In my house, we have 4 children...Ages 1 1/2, 4, 7 & 8...The guy I'm with works a regular job, m-f 7:30-4:30...and I work 2-3 days a week at my job...the younger 2 kids are mine and the older 2 kids are his...his oldest is in counseling at least twice a week, in school and with a counselor. My oldest is in behavorial counseling once a week. I just found out that my oldest is more than likely ADHD and I'm pretty sure his oldest is too...We are always crazy busy with kids and not much gets done house work wise and in order for me not to have a nervous break down when I walk in the door I have to keep reminding myself that they're just kids...Whenever they're playing, they're learning...And as long as they're happy and healthy and bein taken care of the dishes can wait...I normally try to clean up, at least a little, every night after they're asleep. but I don't try to do it all every night...I'll just end up stressing myself out and I can't do that. As long as you're doin what your best for you and your baby, you're doin whats right...and just so you know, your baby's gonna love you regardless as to whether the dishes are done every night or not :-)

Donna - posted on 10/29/2010

help from a spouse or significant other so you dont have to do it all on your own lol

Heather - posted on 10/29/2010

I too work full time, have a 17 month old, and my husband doesn't come home until after 8:00 pm so life is crazy to say the least. My BIGGEST time saver is planning all meals for the week the Sunday before. I shop for all the groc and supplies I need for the following week on Sunday. Every night after I put the baby to bed I do one load of laundry and dishes and lightly pick up around the house. In the morning before my little one wakes up I iron and unload dishes. On my lunch break I come home and RELAX

Maggie - posted on 10/29/2010

some suggestions: hse chores: get "rumba: see i-robot, will really help u to do the cleaning on the flr. Laundry: try to have it done outside so that u save the time doing it.
Food: do try to cook on the weekends and freeze into the freezer so that u can mix with the "already cooked or baby food at from the store" this way your little one gets the balance of healthy food, tho u have to excuse yourself to be lazy sometimes.
dishes: get a dis-washer.. it will really save up your time. Then it should gives u enough time for yourself at nite to do some reading and studying while your little is Zzzz. Make sure u seek for help and have a healthy lifestyle cos u need to be healthy in order to take care your little girl. Some frozen foods are healthy, and ocassionally takeaway for yourself ;-)

Candi - posted on 10/28/2010

Many moms are looking for that “perfect” balance between family, chores, work, “me time” and time with their partner and friends. But since there are only 24 hours in a day, how are we supposed to fit it all in?

Rely on a nanny for help with childcare, shuttling kids to school and other activities, as well as errands and housework. Delegate some responsibilities so you can spend your limited time on things you want to do - like playing with your kids.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Our inclination as mothers is to care for our children, husband, friends and colleagues…which leaves no time to take care of ourselves! Eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water. When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to deal with your hectic schedule. And when you’re not feeling your best, you’re much more likely to feel overwhelmed.
Say “no” to the less important things. Sure, it would be nice to have a spotless house, be the president of the PTA, bake homemade bread, volunteer at the local hospital, get a raise and promotion at work, and spend time helping in your child’s classroom. But, of course, it’s not realistic to accomplish all of these things. Decide what’s most important and do that. Delegate what you can to a nanny or a spouse. And don’t worry about the rest.
We’re all looking for balance in our lives, which is often challenging to achieve…
Nannies4hire.com

Shannon - posted on 10/21/2010

so what if the house is a mess. The kids grow up so fast, it feels that every time I blink, or turn my back too long I've missed something. you can't get those special moments back. Honestly, I'd rather have those special moments than a clean house.

Annette - posted on 10/21/2010

I like the "dusting with a sock that had been lying on the floor" approach!!! This is absolutely correct. Nobody can be perfect. Especially not with three fulltime jobs at the same time. Prioritize, decide what is really important to you (the kids, yourself, your work, decent food for everybody) and cut down the effort for the unimportant stuff. I have three kids, one of them in school, work 75% and can imagine how you feel. Reading to your kids is important. My hubby and I are sharing the tasks: I take care of the mornings, breakfast, ensuring that everybody is dressed appropriately to the weather (never mind colors or style...), brushing teeth, and then he takes the small ones to kindergarten, the schoolkid walks by himself by now; my husband takes care of the evening routine: brushing teeth, getting everybody in their pajamas, reading to them and switching the lights off. It has been working well for 6 months now, and I consider this to be a success :o)



P.S. and we have a cleaner coming once a week. She is not perfect either, but I had to learn to accept it. It is sufficient, and that's what matters.

Shawn - posted on 10/21/2010

You can't. I am in your position. I work full time nights, go to school and have 3 children, one that is autistic. I made basic lists of things that must be done, wkly items and monthly. My husband shares the load that helps alot. I cut corners where I can like making a big batch or something and freezing for dinners. My children need to helpout as well and have to make choices as well. Often I will try to get them involved in dinner or chores with me. My four old likes to do laundry with me, 5 year old does recycling ect. Homework comes before housework. I read to my kids every night as a special thing. My husband and I with kids take 2 hours once wk and clean up together. Mostly I try to stay present in the moment. When I do homework, I am doing that, when I am with kids, I focus on them. I have learned to compromise and ask for help when I need it. That's what husbands are for. (joke)

Holly - posted on 10/20/2010

Color code your appointments and tasks in your outlook calendar (I know this takes time but it will help). You will start to notice a trend of where you're over lapping, where you're spending to much time, and when you're not scheduling any time for self. Make adjustments to that your calendar colors are equally distributed

Meggan - posted on 10/20/2010

I agree - and don't forget to take time for yourself! I have one designated hour to myself every week. 7pm on Sundays. Glass of merlot, and sit outside with the door CLOSED. Granted, I have a 7 mo old, but the door prevents DH from pestering! In regards to cleaning, I do one room a night, plus the kitchen. Just a light pick up, maybe some dusting with a sock I found on the floor but it helps me on Saturday mornings not feel so overwhelmed!

Marcy - posted on 10/19/2010

Stick to the same meals each week (during the week). Dinners for us Mon-Fri are always the same,,,,and easy! I used my crock pot a lot and I also have a cleaning lady. I know not everyone can afford help but she comes every other week and we have cut corners financially in other areas to be able to afford her. If you have an hour lunch break and you have stores near you use that time to try and get an errand or two done.

Kara - posted on 10/19/2010

Alison nailed it on the head - you have to cut corners and realize that you're home may not be spotless. I might not win housekeeper of the year, but my son will ALWAYS know how much he is loved. With that being said, do you have a hubby that's willing to help? family support? Do you have a slowcooker? those things are amazing when it comes to having meals on time. In the end you need to realize that you techinically have 3 full-time jobs (Mom, work and school) You should be proud of yourself! Best of luck and don't fret...we're all in your shoes when it comes to trying to keep things clean and food ready :-)

Alison - posted on 10/19/2010

My suggestion: rework your expectations. Do not try to be a superwoman by doing everything perfectly. That will only lead to burnout. A strong woman knows how to recognize her own limitations and accept her humanness. Cut corners with the cleaning. Order pizza once a week, and have grilled cheese another night. Don't run yourself down - it's not worth it.