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Ever wish you had more time to get things done? That you could move at lightning speed to get everything you needed to do done?
You don’t have to be a mom to know that some parents have super powers. The way they can get the laundry done, run errands, drive the kids to school, cook dinner, maintain the landscaping AND never get tired.
I am a far cry from a super mom, but since becoming a mother I often get asked by non-parents “how do you do it?” How do you have time to bake, work, live, sleep? I don’t know!
Growing up my dad had 2 jobs and my mom had 3. They watched my sister and I with little help. My mom isn’t much of a cook, but she always made sure we had our meals prepared. As a parent I can now say I fully appreciate everything they did for us and amaze at their super parent status.
I am going to share with you tips I’ve picked up as a mom that are a good for anyone, parent or not, who needs to learn how to get things done even when you think you can’t.
WORK FASTER AND STRATEGICALLY
Before I had kids I always said I didn’t have enough time to get things done. After having kids I realize I had all the time in the world.
Learn to do things faster. When I used to empty the dishwasher I would do it at what I now call normal people speed. Since having kids I do it at super fast speed, which is also known as “haul you know what before someone starts crying speed“.
Everything I do I try to do as if I am running a marathon. If I’m going upstairs I make sure I carry things with me that belong there. When I’m leaving the bedroom I take the laundry with me downstairs. This prevents having to do extra moves and wasting time.
In the beginning it’s exhausting, but the more you do it the more it becomes second nature. This strategy lets me clean the house a little bit each day until my days off when I do the heavy-duty stuff.
BECOME A MULTI-TASKING MONSTER
I get the most cleaning done in the morning. While my son is in his high chair distracted by food and YouTube videos I prepare lunch, empty the dishwasher, sweep, organize, and get my picky daughter to eat her breakfast.
My sister bought me an Ergobaby carrier when my daughter was born. It lets you wear your baby and gives you the freedom to do things at the same time. I use the Ergobaby with my son and it’s been a life saver. He’s able to nap (or just sit) while I clean the house, go for walks, and other activities that don’t require much bending down. It stops him from crying because he’s currently in that phase where he wants to be right next to me 24/7.
Think about what tasks you need to get done and how you can plan to get multiple things done at a time. When I need to deposit money in the bank I do it before driving my daughter to school because it’s on the way. I do my ab workout when watching TV (when I remember…or don’t have a baby jumping on me).
CALL IN REINFORCEMENTS
Being a super mom doesn’t mean having to do everything by yourself. If you have someone else to help, you should tag team.
Yesterday my husband and I were able to clean the downstairs of our house in record time. He worked in one room while I watched the kids and worked slightly slower on another room. We continued on until we needed to switch off or work on a room together.
When I’m by myself I have my daughter help me. They say kids who do chores are more likely to be successful adults because they learn patience, responsibility, and other good things like how to match socks. My daughter likes to help me empty the dishwasher, get things for her brother, bake, and peel garlic (strange I know).
SETTING PRIORITIES
Being a super mom doesn’t mean you have to get everything done in one day. Every week I write down a check list of things that need to get done and start with the most important, time-sensitive stuff. Everything from bills, doctor’s appointments, and errands.
Things like laundry become a priority if you have a growing pile and not much clean underwear left to wear.
I try to accomplish at least one big to-do each day. The more you get done today the less you have to do tomorrow.
GET ORGANIZED
I have the majority of our bills set up on auto-pay. This saves me a little bit of time and ensures I am never late on a payment.
My husband prefers a printed calendar to see what needs to get done and when. My coworker prefers alarms and notes set on her phone.
I have a bad memory and more than once have gone to a doctor’s appointment on the wrong day, which is a big waste of time. Now I either put them in my phone or get a reminder card to put on the refrigerator.
I love post-it notes, but they get lost or left in my purse. Find an organization system that works best for you.
SELF-CARE
If you don’t actually have super powers being a super human is exhausting. Every super hero has a weakness so make sure you take breaks to rejuvenate your body and mind.
Get a massage, treat yourself to a nice dinner, get your nails done, or have a stay-at- home movie night.
Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t get it all done in one day.
It takes work to get things done quickly and efficiently, but it can be done.
- Do everything you usually do, but faster.
- Kill two birds with one stone or a lot of birds with a lot of stones.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- Make a list of priorities.
- Get organized and come up with a daily/weekly game plan.
- Sit back, relax, and repeat the above until it gets easier.
I’m no super mom. I just do the best I can each day. Some days there is a lot of laughing, while other days there’s crying and yelling. If When I make mistakes I do my best to learn from them.
I hope you can use these tips in your daily life, not to be a super human, but to get what you need to get done faster and therefore have more time to do what you want to do.
What tips do you use to manage your busy schedule?
Those are great tips for everyone. Thanks for sharing.
Very good suggestions, I too am a major multi-tasker (and it drives my husband crazy). But it works for me!
lol same with my husband. He gets a lot done, but one thing at a time..
I’ve found that lists and organization are so helpful for me. And short-term goals. Self-care is where I usually fall behind until I can’t put it off any longer. I need to work on that. Thanks for the tips.
Yes, short-term goals are a great tip. I understand, my version of self-care is a few hours to my self and maybe getting my nails done.
My calendar helps me keep on track. I also make a daily list of my top items that need to be accomplished. From there I think flexibility is important and, as you said, asking your tribe for help.
Sometimes turning chores into a gentle competition helped when my kids were little..! “Who can make their bed faster than mommy?” 😉Great post!
I love this idea. Once my little guy is a little older I’m sure they’ll be all over that
These are definitely great tips! I think self care is probably one of the most important ones. 😊
These are great tips for young moms with littles! I remember how difficult it was to fit everything in a day.
Reading this post reminded me of the question I always get…..”How do you do it!?!?” You have great tips here. Funny thing is my answer is “I just do, LOL.” Multi-tasking is common place for me. I think I am just wired that way…..I literally never stop moving it seems.
Great post!
lol so true. It all gets done somehow
These are great tips! A lot of times, I use the prioritize strategy. I think about if this really needs to be done right now, or sometimes, ever. I am a high school teacher who coaches speech and debate and directs the school plays. I am also a mom of two, but my youngest is eight, so that helps. I have just let some things go, and it’s okay. I do have the best partner to tag team with, though! He helps with dishes, dinner, and laundry all the time. I am a lucky girl!
I too am very lucky to have a husband that helps a lot. I don’t have the energy to do it all by myself. And you’re right, I’, trying to get better at learning to let things go.
Self care is so important, and easy to forget.
Self-care is so important! Even for those that don’t have children. Great suggestions! 🙂
Great tips! I’m also always carrying something from point A to point B. If I have empty hands/arms I’ve been body-snatched by pod people.
LOL!! My husband just walks over stuff completely oblivious. I’m like hellooooo can you bring the laundry downstairs. You basically stepped on it lol
I love the multi-tasking monster tip! Lol it is so true. Great tips!
Great tips. If it wasn’t for multitasking & moving at marathon speed I would get nothing at all done lol
I love your comment about becoming a multi tasking monster, that totally describes me! Great suggestions!
Great ideas and tips for sure. I think “Self Care” is vital. If you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others.
You’re so right. I think if more of us thought this way we’d be in better shape
I’m a big list maker. Having them on my phone is the best chance that I won’t lose them.
I’m pretty certain I “got more done” when I was working full time and fostering 4 kids! Now that Im home with a tiny human and 2 school age fosters- the goal is tackling whatever is most important in a peaceful manner 🙂 The previous pace worked for that season, as for this season- I’ve quickly learned running to the store for batteries isn’t really necessary and it can wait! Everyones needs are met and this season of slowing down is what is working for us.
Wow! You must be super mom for real. 4 kids?! It’s funny how some things don’t feel busy when they should and vice versa.
I actually think I may be a “multi-tasking monster” lol. This is a great post, and I thouroughly enjoyed it. Even being an Empty Nester, I still have a lot to get done and I feel overwhelmed a lot. Thanks for all of the great tips!
so glad you enjoyed it. I heard that you’re actually busier after kids/retiring because you have so much to catch up on lol
Great tips and what adorable pictures! Thanks so much for sharing!
Monica, this is a great post. I follow these exact same principles, and I get asked the same thing all the time: “how do you do it.”
My answer: sometimes I don’t. And when I do, I do it super fast.
Haha.
Also: yes yes yes to working as a team and asking for help!
Thanks Shanna. As parents we need to know when to raise the white flag, but you’re right for me the only way to get things done is by moving fast lol