Time. When you’re a parent, there never seems to be enough of it, right?
So we’ve compiled a handy list, and asked around some of our busiest Mum mates to find out their top timesaving tips. Some of them might seem totally obvious, but how many of us actually put them into practice… ?
Just a few tiny tweaks to your day can help it run a LOT more smoothly, and help you claw back a teeny bit of ‘Me-time’
• get everything ready for the school/work/the playgroup run the night before.
• keep nappies and a changing mat upstairs and down for quick changes (@MuddleByMum)
• have a designated spot for uniforms and PE kits, and ALWAYS wash them on the first day of the holidays (@Karamina)
• always leave shoes in an agreed area near the front door, so you’re not hunting them down every morning (@Thinlyspread)
• if your daughter has long hair, plait it before they go to bed. You won’t have to spend time brushing out the knots in the morning, and they’ll have lovely waves the next day.
• pour your cereal into bowls the night before, and cover with plastic wrap.
• get a breadmaker and a coffeemaker that you can set to a timer so all you have to do in the morning is butter, and pour!
• get up earlier to avoid the peak-hour rush, so you don’t waste time stuck in traffic.
• instead of washing your hair, just shampoo the fringe, and tie the rest back.
• put the bathplug in when you have your shower, and chuck the kids in for a quick wash too!
• buy an insulated cup – so you don’t have to keep reheating your hot drink.
• always keep a bag packed with your going-out essentials – wipes, nappies, water, etc. If you use anything from the bag, replace it straight away!
• buy some wall calendars and diaries and USE THEM!! If you have more than one, make sure they’re all synced.
• make lists, and tick things off when they’re done (@soot1978)
• plan your meals each day of the week so you have everything you need, and don’t waste time deciding (@Mrsshilts)
• buy a slow cooker. Cook two or three batches at a time, and freeze the leftover meals.
• freeze sandwiches for packed lunches. While you’re at it, freeze lemon and lime slices, so you’re always ready for an evening G&T!
• do your shopping online, so you you’re not wasting precious hours fighting through supermarket crowds.
• record your favourite television programmes, so you can skip the ads.
• learn to say ‘No’. Know your time limits, and don’t overextend yourself.
• dress the family from oldest to youngest; otherwise they’ll be dirty again before you open the front door (@FionaAlton)
• finally (possibly the best of the lot!) train your kids to help you out. Get a reward chart and they can earn stickers by helping you make the bed, get dressed, pack their school bag, etc.
So, what are your best time-busting tips?
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