Finding Time: Reader Tips #1
I received lots of great tips and guest posts from readers for the Finding Time series. I'll be posting a sprinkling of these throughout the next few weeks as we finish up the series. Remember, as always, that these are just ideas that have worked for others--they may or may not work for you. These are to give you inspiration and helpful motivation; take what you find helpful and leave the rest. We can't all do everything at every season of life, nor should we try to!From Kelly at The Barefoot Mama:
Keep your files and paperwork in one place. If you don't have a home office, I'd recommend a large Rubbermaid container with folders and a few shoe-box sized containers inside to keep items that may be smaller, i.e. receipts (organize in envelope monthly or categorically and then insert into small container). Running around after documents takes up time and so does putting them away. Keep it simple by always having the same place to turn to.Remember, if you haven't used it in six months...toss it or give it away. A large part of cleaning and house maintenance involves "taming the clutter." Reduce it and it'll give you more time for other tasks.Prepare and plan dinner ahead. It's easy and also fun! I love making a huge batch of meatballs at the beginning of the week (toss in some basil and rosemary for great extra taste!) and freeze them. I do the same with homemade chicken tenders and soups. Remember, you can make your own stocks and freeze those, too - freeze in muffin tins for one-serving portions. These are especially handy during the colder months of the year when little ones (or hubbies!) may need some chicken soup for the sniffles.Give your best in all that you do. I find that I'm especially stressed and prone to The Frazzle Syndrome when I wake up and don't get going right away. I don't give all of my energy into getting dressed and ready to go, and then I find myself slouching, tired, and so forth. My energy is zapped before the day's even begun and I can't give my all in playing with my daughter or in cleaning my kitchen.
Most days I'm raring to go, and I spend a ton of quality time with my 18-month-old little gal, which 1.) gives me more energy and increases my focus in all areas, and 2.) gives her the "best" of Mommy so that she's quelled when I need her to play independently while I do dishes. My daughter is extremely active and wants my attention constantly (what little one doesn't?!). Giving her only half-hearted attention because I'm tired isn't quality time even if I were to spend the whole day playing with her. Put your whole self into each task and you'll be able to stay focused, energized and bless the people around you.The most important: Remember that you're only in a "season" of your life. Right now, I'm the mother of a very energetic little toddler. I may lament those dirty dishes piling up because the night before was particularly chaotic and I may ask hubby to pick up Chinese on the way home because a little dearie rejected her noon naptime and decided to snooze from three to five instead. These days shouldn't be seen as frustrating--they're a blessing.
The blessing of motherhood, the blessing of family, and the blessing of being able to grow our relationship with God through understanding that we must be flexible, determined, forgiving and compassionate--just as He is to us. Learning to manage your time is all about learning to let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace both the crazy and the peaceful of this season in your life.
I am a mother of 3 and I've been a mom for almost 7 years. One of my children is special needs. We definitely have had our fair share of time management issues! Before I had kids, I thought I had it together pretty well.From Heather:
I think one of the most fabulous ideas I have tried is to make yourself a WEEKLY to do list instead of a daily one. That way, when one day is going well, you can cross several things off. But when you are just having one of those "in pajamas all day and tired and crabby and just trying to make it" days, you don't have to be depressed or upset that you didn't get much done.
And always make nap time your "mom time." Sit down and do something for yourself so you can recharge and be ready to take on the rest of the day. For awhile, I made naptime "hurry up and do as many chores as possible" time, and it just beat me up. Now, I read a book, or blog, or answer emails, or take a nap, or if we're really behind...a shower! :)
I just started something new this week and it worked really well. I planned meals for the next two weeks, then shopped for two weeks' worth of groceries in the early morning before my family woke up. I'd planned everything out and estimated the cost, and was really happy that I actually came in under budget.From Marianne:
Like you've mentioned before, it's amazing how much you can actually do when you stay within your budget. I was able to buy $10 of organic produce which I would never had done if it hadn't been for the two-week plan and sticking to the budget.
Have a time management tip you'd like to submit to be included in this series? Email me.*Time management gets more essential and increasingly more difficult as your children grow into the school years. Set up a pattern/schedule for yourself long before you need to consider how a "school" schedule (whether public, private, or homeschool) will affect your day-to-day chores/tasks/errands.*Summer time needs a schedule, too, albeit a "looser" one. Don't forget to add in activities that the normal school day make more challenging to do: go to the library one morning a week; a park another; a free day for the kids to have friends over on yet another day.*Limit outside activities. No child need to be involved in an "enrichment" activity EVERY day of the week. Children need free time to play, explore, and just get bored (because that challenges them to come up with something to do by THEMSELVES); we limit "extra" activities to 2 days a week, including Saturdays.*Set out EVERYTHING you'll need in the morning the night before. Everything--breakfast dishes, cereal boxes, coffee maker (couldn't survive the day without mine!). Lay out clothes for all the kids and for yourself with a choice of two shirts (if that's an issue with your child; my daughter wears a uniform so it's a non-issue here) and back-ups for last minute weather changes (sweatshirt/sweater/short sleeves/long sleeves). Put shoes, coats and backpacks in a central location by the door you'll exit in the morning, and stuff socks into the shoes so you're not scrambling for a clean pair at the last minute. And always pack those school lunches the night before; there's just no time in the morning if you wait!
Labels: Finding Time
posted by Crystal Paine at 10:00 AM
2 Comments:
Great ideas. Thanks ladies!
Phebe
Hey there...I'm cruising blogs while I have a few spare moments and saw my time mgmt ideas. What a pleasant surprise! Hope they help another mom!
Those clothes (separate post) from the ladies in Mexico look darling. Very girly. Think I'll pop over to their site for pricing.
Smiles and blessings!
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