6 Time-Saving Tips for Busy Moms
I don’t know about you, but I never find myself saying, “You know, I just don’t know what to do with all of my free time!” So when I find ways to streamline chores or cut corners to save time, I’m all over them. So I love these tips from Kathy Kaehler, who’s an author, celebrity trainer, spokesperson and mom. She’s devoted her career to helping people live happy, productive and healthy lives and today she’s sharing a few time-saving tips with us. As Kathy says, from slow computers to overly long showers, our lives are filled with numerous inefficiencies that you never think about — and then there are children to tend to! (And what kid was ever in a hurry to get out the door?)
6 Time-Saving Tips for Moms
1. Streamline snacks. Keeping your kids healthy can be a challenge, especially this time of year. Keep lots of fruits and veggies prepped and ready to snack on for after school or for packed lunches. It might not be a bad idea to keep the vitamins on the counter for a reminder while fixing breakfast (out of reach of the kids, of course).
2. Involve the kids in meals. Before heading to the grocery store with your kids, spend a little time with a cookbook and allow them to choose some of the menus for the week. When they’re age appropriate, let them help you shop to save time. Kids are more apt to eat what they choose and help make in the kitchen.
3. Let me upgrade. Whether it’s to play games or hopefully do homework, kids are spending more time on the computer than ever before. And a recent study from Crucial.com shows that we’re wasting an average of 16 minutes a day waiting for our slow computers to “catch up.” That adds up to two hours a week and four days a year! Minimize your kids’ screen time by setting rules for how long they can be online, and consider giving your slow computer a boost with a memory upgrade.
4. Just park. The truth is you usually waste more time circling a parking lot, searching for a space that’s closest to the entrance. Park a little further out and play a fun game with the kids on the way in by counting how many steps it takes to get inside.
5. Prepare the night before. Get your kids in the habit of picking out their clothes the night before so that no one is stuck standing in their underwear, staring at the closet, while everyone is trying to get out of the door in the morning.
6. Plan the week. Teaching kids how to stay organized is just as important as it is for adults. Call a meeting on Sundays to schedule all of the week’s activities in a family calendar. This is also a great opportunity for parents to teach kids to about commitment. Encourage them to stick with the plans instead of changing play dates at the last minute.
Personally, I’m a big fan of No. 4. Seriously, just park already! You’ll save time and gas! What time-saving tips do you use in your everyday life? —Erin