Whether you are from a two-income household or a single parent, being a working mom has never been an easy task. Many working moms struggle with childcare predicaments, teen issues, establishing realistic home routines, time management, and work-related pressures. Below is a list of some effective time management strategies
Effective Time Management Strategies
OrganizeReduce wasted time looking for things (i.e., keys, kids’ mittens/hats, etc…) by assigning a place for everything. Ensuring that your children and your partner are aware of where ‘things’ are will ensure a higher degree of success. You also need to emphasize to your household that everyone returns the items (if applicable) to their proper place after every use. Using all kinds of hooks and space saving gadgets, such as hooks for keys, rags, and brooms, etc… are very handy and cost-effective tools.
Develop a Chore Chart. Assign age-appropriate chores for all your children. Write the chores down on a large chart paper or cardboard (i.e., name of child and chore responsibility). Then you should transfer the information onto a Monthly Wipe-Off Wall calendar (in green, for example) on the days of the week the child is responsible for that chore. For example, the Monthly calendar should read something like this: (under Monday) “John – garbage”, (under Tuesday) “Alice – dishwasher”. Then rotate the chores on a weekly basis. In some cases, you may initially need to teach your child how to fold the laundry, empty the dishwasher, clear clutter from the dining table, feed the pets, take out the garbage, and make a simple snack.
Use a Wipe-Off Monthly Planner. Most stores carry large wipe-off wall planners. This is a great tool to use if you use it wisely. You should list the following items: Name and time of important events (i.e., birthdays, doctor’s appointments, Spring cleaning weekend, etc…), regularly scheduled events, and a chore schedule. In order to avoid confusion, designate a specific colour for each type of activity. Whether you prefer to use a single-month o a 4-month wall calendar, be sure to place the calendar in a high traffic area, which is visible to everyone (especially the wee ones).
Write Things Down. A great way to reduce the clutter in your mind. Whether you are comfortable using a small pocket-sized planner or a spiral-bound notepad, both are effective in reducing the amount of time wasted in trying to remember things. When a task is completed, be sure to cross it off. It would also be a good idea to have a notepad and a container with plenty of pen/pencils near your phone.
Create A Filing System. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed when there are papers and bills lying everywhere. Creating a filing system will greatly reduce your anxiety and keep you organized. There are different kinds of filing systems. Using a multi-tiered metal filing system that attaches to a wall is a good space-saving tool. When bills and important mail arrive, place the bills in the top tier, any important reminders/notices in the second tier, invitations/cards and other personal matters (including those pertaining to the kids) in a third tier. At the end of the week, take out the time sensitive notices and personal mail and transfer the information onto the Monthly Wall calendar (in red). File each of these notices in labelled files and place them into a cardboard filing box. It would be a good idea to have different coloured files for bills, bank statements, insurance policies, health records, etc…
Although this is by far not a comprehensive list of time saving tips, it is a good start. In time, you and your family will begin to find other time saving measures that are uniquely geared to your specific lifestyle and household. Whatever that can be done to reduce the chaos is worth trying and revising.
