Let’s face it: as working moms, our time with our families is in short supply. When I get home from work, I just want to get down on the floor and play with my kids. But laundry and dishes pile up. Bills need to be paid. Groceries need to be bought. How can you keep it together without losing precious family time, or your mind?
What’s Fair is Fair. You work, he works. If the outside the house work is 50/50, the inside the house work should be, too. Sit down and list all the chores that need to be done, both the regular ones (like laundry and taking out the trash) and the occasional or seasonal ones (like mowing the lawn). Divide fairly according to abilities, preferences, time investment, and, as a last resort, the barter system.
Learn to Let Go. This is the time to face the fact that your house will not be spotless for years to come. In fact, it won’t even be close. Make peace with the idea that some things are just not going to get done. Ever. I can’t remember the last time I washed my curtains or cleaned out my closets. But that’s okay. I’d rather read to my kids.
Lists. Lists are the single most important component of the multitasking process. Not only do they help me keep track of what I need to do, but crossing stuff off serves as visual proof that I’ve actually accomplished something. Lists can help you maximize time. With only five minutes to spare, you can quickly glance at your list and spot a small job or two that you can tackle in that short time period. Lists also help you chunk tasks into groups of similar jobs that can be done during the same outing or at the same time. Just putting it on a list certainly doesn't assure that it will get done, but at least there's a shot.
Finding Pockets of Time. Can you stop at the dry cleaners on the way home from work rather than making a special trip? Can you make a dentist appointment from the office so you can work while you’re waiting on hold? What about your lunch hour? Waiting in waiting rooms? Riding in cars? We waste a lot of time waiting for other things to happen. Tackle small jobs, such as calling in prescription refills, cleaning out your wallet, or making grocery lists during down time.
Streamline and Simplify. Maybe some jobs only need to be done biweekly instead of weekly. Make meals in big batches and freeze in serving or family size containers. Avoid clothes that need to be dry-cleaned or hand washed. Once you lug out the vacuum, do everything. Pack away half your children’s toys so there is less to clean up each day. Unclutter your life: toss out or donate things you don’t use anymore.
Click and shop. Avoid traffic, long lines, and crowds. Shop online wherever possible, and have packages delivered right to your door, or better yet, directly to a gift recipient.
Clean as You Go. Don’t let things pile up. It’s easier to find a few minutes than an hour. Plus, huge piles of dishes and other jobs that need tending are psychologically discouraging. Maintaining is much easier than cleaning. Put things away as you finish with them, so you don’t waste precious time searching for things. Try to keep counter tops, steps, and tables fairly clean of debris. It’s easy for these areas to become catch alls.
Also check out Books, Pizza Hut, and Bratz Dolls and Raising a Reader, and Effects of TV on Kids.
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