Busy parents don't have to feel overwhelmed by trying to find enough time each day to tend to their family obligations as well as their routine household chores. There are many ways parents can make better use of their time and still meet home and family obligations. Below are four tips parents can use to save time while taking care of household business.
Prepare Outfits in Advance
Parents can reduce morning chaos by setting aside one day or evening each week to wash clothes needed for all family members that week. After all loads are done, fold outfits together including socks, underwear, shirts and pants or skirts. Then place them neatly in a drawer or on a closet shelf designed for one outfit per day. Set out one outfit per child the night before.
For families with children who are old enough to choose their own clothes, parents can have the children help in folding and assembling the outfits. The children can then be the ones to pick out a ready-made outfit the night before. Involving children in this process can not only reduce morning tantrums about clothing choice, it can also help children feel more independent.
Make Lunches the Night Before
Parents of young children can assemble as much of their children's lunch as possible the night before, either during peak energy times or while doing other related tasks in the kitchen. Parents can also take advantage of wait times between stages of cooking supper by making sandwiches and gathering snacks. By the time supper is finished so are the lunches.
Learn How to Multi-task
The ability to do two or more things at the same time is a skill that many parents do not realize they already have. Here are some simple ways that parents can accomplished two tasks at once.
- Rather than folding laundry in the laundry room, bring the load to fold where the children are. This way parents can listen to their younger children practice reading, help with their spelling homework or even catch up on the child's day at school while still getting some household chores completed.
- Take advantage of the waiting time between preparing and serving supper by washing dishes. This reduces the number of after supper dishes to wash and allows parents a few extra minutes of time later on either for themselves or for a family activity.
- Wiping down the bathroom sink and counter while getting ready each morning leaves the bathroom looking and feeling fresh and saves the amount of time needed for the once per week thorough cleaning.
Plan and Use Menus and Grocery Lists
Once or twice a month, depending upon when payday occurs, parents can take time to plan all the meals for the period between paydays. Once the menu is planned and the grocery list is completed parents can make one trip to the grocery store to shop for all needed items. Parents wil then have everything they need for all the planned meals and should only need to return to the store for perishable items such as milk and produce.
This strategy can also help parents save money. Purchasing larger amounts of non-perishable food and toiletries to last for the entire pay period often results in bulk shopping savings, especially for families that have access to warehouse style grocery stores. Also, purchasing one or two extra items above what is needed can help families build a reserve for times when there is less money available.
Today's busy parents often have difficulties finding time to tend to household chores as well as their own needs and those of their families. Streamlining household tasks by tackling two simple chores at a time and planning in advance are just some of the great ways parents can carve out a few extra minutes each day for rest, relaxation or quality time with loved ones.
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