Hiya gorgeous mums!
Hi, I’m Sarah, and if you’re anything like me, you’re constantly attempting to get a dozen
things done at once. School run, mountain washing, meal prep, work goals, remembering
sporting kits, medical appointments, and not forgetting to actually play with our children
and, dare I say it, breathe for a second. Time, for mums and dads, can sometimes feel like
a mythical creature we’re constantly chasing but never quite getting hold of.
I’ve had my fair share of lunatic days, but over the years, I’ve learned some simple tricks
that have made me feel a lot more in control and less stressed. They’re not magic wands,
but they’re close enough!
So, if you’re eager to wrestle back some precious minutes (or even hours!) from your week,
these are my favorite time management life hacks for busy parents:
1. The “Brain Dump” Power
My go-to absolute first when I’m feeling stressed out is this. Grab a pen and paper (or open
up a note on your phone) and jot down absolutely everything that’s racing around in your
head. All the things to do, all the visits, all the appointments, all the ideas, all the concerns.
Don’t rank them, just get it all written down.
Why it works: It gets the mental clutter out. You can’t manage what you can’t see. Once it’s
all down on paper, then you can begin sorting through it, getting it in order, or even figuring
out which things to delegate or delete.
2. Prioritise Ruthlessly: The 3 “Must-Dos”
Once you’ve done your brain dump, pick only three things that absolutely, positively must
get done today. Not five, not ten – three. They are your non-negotiables, the things that will
leave you feeling satisfied, no matter what else does not go according to plan.
Why it works: It keeps you on track. When interruptions do happen (and they will!), there’s
no confusion about what you get back to. It reduces the feeling of being always behind
because you did get your most important goals accomplished.
3. Take on Batching: Batch Similar Tasks
Stop washing a load here, and a different load there. Stop checking email every five
minutes. Batch similar tasks together.
Laundry Day: Designate one or two days of the week as laundry days. Wash, dry, fold, and
put away. Finished.
Meal Prep: Spend an hour or two on a Sunday night preparing ingredients for the week:
chop veggies, cook a giant pot of rice or quinoa, create a humongous sauce.
Emails/Admin: Designate certain hours of the day (9 am and 3 pm) for email checking and
responding or completing school admin.
Errands: Cluster all your post office, pharmacy, and shopping runs into one trip.
How it works: It eliminates context switching. Each time you switch between tasks, your
brain needs to re-fire, and this requires time and effort. Batching concentrates your effort.
4. The 10-Minute Tidy-Up Sprint
Right before bed, or when the children are busy, set a 10-minute timer and address one
very noticeable cluttered spot. It might be the kitchen counter, the living room floor, or the
entryway. All hands on deck if possible!
Why it works: It prevents overwhelming mess build-up from getting in the way. You’re not
faced with a mess mountain during your time off, and starting the next day in a cleaner
state feels so much less stressful.
5. Automate & Delegate: If You Can, Do It!
Identify things that you can automate, outsource, or assign to another person.
Online Food Shopping: A revolution! Saves hours wandering around the supermarket.
Subscription Services: For everyday household essentials (nappies, wipes, cleaning
products), look at subscribing.
Robot Vacuum: If finances permit, a robot vacuum will keep floors clean with little effort.
Family Chores: Engage the children! Toddlers can put toys away. Older kids can lay tables,
sort washing, or empty bins.
Partner Power: Talk openly with your partner about cleaning up together. Share and
conquer!
Why it works: It unblocks your mental and physical energy for those things that only you
can do.
6. Plan “Me Time” (Yes, really!)
It appears the first thing you should not do when you are in over your head, but taking time
for yourself is a time management tactic because it prevents you from burning out. Even 20
minutes of reading, a quiet cup of tea, or a short solitary walk. Put it in your calendar!
Why it works: You can’t give out of an empty cup. Spending money on yourself will make
you more patient, more focused, and ultimately a better time and family manager.
7. The Power of “No”
This is probably the most challenging yet strongest of all. Attempt to practice “no” with
respect to things outside your priority list or overcommitting you. Whether it is another
school committee, another social obligation, or a favor you simply cannot find the time to
do.
Why it works: To say no to one thing is to say yes to something else – in most cases, to your
own peace of mind or quality time with family and friends.
Discover more lifestyle tips for everyday balance at The Daily Vibe.
Time management isn’t about adhering to an ideal plan perfectly; it’s about making
conscious choices regarding how you’re investing your precious hours and energies. These
hacks have left me feeling less like I’m drowning and more like I’m at the wheel of the ship
(even when it’s veering a bit off course!).
