Question:
How do I find time to do everything?
Errand Rounds to Improve Time Management
You will amaze yourself with how much you can get done in a short amount of time if you follow this advice for moms. Make a list of places you need to go to. Now place them in order from closest to home to furthest away and start the clock. This way, if an alternate stop is en route that you forgot, you will save even more time.
time management technique - headset makes life easier
Buy a cordless phone with a headset. You will have two hands free to help with your baby, children, and can talk while getting housework done. This advice for moms will help with time management as it is much more freeing than a regular cordless where you are still using one hand to hold the phone.
Organize Like the Office
Take office skills home. Keep a workplace cleared for action and keep three file folders handy. Label one "URGENT," the second one "ASAP," and the third one, "TO BE FILED."
Labor Intensive Housework
Save any chores that require your undivided attention for naptime or after bedtime. Don't frustrate yourself by trying to do these things while a pre-school age child needs your attention, company and play companionship. The ironing can wait.
gift label tip for organizational skills
Buy personalized printed gift labels with your child's name on them. No more running around for birthday cards at the last minute. This is a fun idea for moms and kids, as your child can fill in the friend's name, and place the sticker on the gift. This is also a money saving tip as the labels cost much less than birthday cards. Buy the labels at www.customexpression.com.
time management skill to organize those socks
Buy socks that are all the same for easy matching at laundry time. Many companies are color coded on the bottom by size to help you determine which socks belong to which person. If you prefer, buy different brands for each child as they usually have a defferent colored stripe on the top. You will save a lot of time when you are folding the laundry. A great organizational skill, and a super tip for time management!
printed school pads
A great time management technique -buy pads for school notes that are preprinted with most of the basic information you will have to write to the teacher. You will just have to check off boxes or fill in the blanks about such things as, my child will be going home with _______ today. Huge time saver!!
Shopping with Kids? NOT.
Some children are born shoppers. Others.... Not. Try to save all the out of home chores for when help (husband) arrives home. You will accomplish more without kids in less time and with a lot less frustration. This is great advice for moms, and a good tip for time management.
Keeping a Time Log
Carry a small pocket sized notepad around with you for a couple days. Log the various activities you do from the time you get up until the time you go to bed. You will then be able to see how and where you are spending (wasting?) the time in your day.
Trying to Do One More Thing
Don't look for one more thing to do in order to have more time in the future. Generally, you will never slow down enough to actually use this "saved" time to your best advantage. If you have this mind-set, there will always be one more thing you can do.
Get Organized!
Setting up a good filing system will save you countless hours in the long run. In fact, instead of a telephone table or nightstand, invest in a cheap, sleek, black, two-drawer file cabinet. Place a plant on top, and it goes with anything. Fill with manila file folders and don't forget to label a few for your child's stuff.
Location is Everything!
When running several errands or going yard-saling (or anything else that involves driving to several different locations), take a moment to plan your route. You'll cut down on the amount of time and gas you spend running from place to place.
Mom Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a right way to parent?
Is it possible to keep a clean house with small kids?
How do I settle the children at night?
What do I do when my child has a fever?
How can I find time to spring clean?
Is there an easy way to teach my child about unacceptable behaviour?
How can I show my spouse that I still care?
What can I do about my aching back?
How do I use a rectal thermometer?
How can I childproof my kitchen?
How do I find time to do everything?
What do I need to do before surgery?
How can I get my child to eat?
How do I organize the household for a move?
How do you start toilet training?
What are alternate uses for common household items?
How should I dress my infant for bedtime?
How can I deal with Mommy burn out?
Why do they make you not feed your child before surgery?
How do I prepare my child for surgery?
How do I get rid of that heavy, lingering, oily, fried food smell?
Should I wash strawberries before refrigerating them?
Is there any way to slow down how fast strawberries get mushy?
No bowel movements from an excllusively breastfed baby?
Do I have to isolate my child who has chicken pox?
Is there a best way to pack a suitcase?
How can I raise my kids to be honest and responsible?
When can resume normal activities after Caesarian section?
What can I do with ripe bananas?
When can I resume normal activities after C-section?
How can I tell if baby is dehydrated?
How can I prevent cracked nipples from breastfeeding?
How can I get my son to go to bed?
How can I get the kids organized to stay on time?
Why won´t my child use a toilet to pee?
How can I get my toddler to stay in his own bed?
We never spend time together. How can we change this?
How can I afford new clothes for my kids?
No bowel movements from an exclusively breast fed baby?
How can I limit television viewing?
Will my newborn catch chicken pox from me?
How can I help my child make good decisions?
How do I find out more about homeschooling?
How do I cope with his tantrums?
What do I need to teach my child before tonsillectomy?
How can I stand sleeping in a hospital bed?
How can I cut my grocery bills?
How can I get more cooperation from my children?
How can I be sure my kids have the right values?
How can I prevent stains on linens and other fabrics?
How can I stop a child from being afraid at bedtime?
When can my child eat after throat surgery?
How can I reduce my electric bills?
Is there a best time to talk with teens?
How can I best organize my time to include everybody?
When is there ever any time to talk with your life mate?
What can I do with all those crusts that the kids won´t eat?
How do I deal with people that disapprove of homeschooling?
How can I make the ´punishment´ fit the ´crime´?
Why won´t my baby sleep at night?
What food should I give my child with a fever?
Is there a right way to change diapers?
How can I cut down impulse shopping?
How can I help my son adjust to the loss of his father?
When do I start to read to my children?
How often should I change my bedding?
How can I involve my kids in gardening?
What are the complications of chicken pox?
Does you child ever question a decision you have made?
How can I get my kids to really learn?
How can I entertain early party arrivals?
How can I remove crayon from walls?
What can I tell stories about?
What should I cook tonight that is quick and easy?
How can you tell if you have rotten eggs?
Can I teach my kids to hang up their clothes?
Can I prevent sibling rivalry?
What activities can I offer kids on long drives?
What are alternate uses for common household items?
Is vinegar used for anything more than ´just´ cooking?
How long is chicken pox contagious?
When do kids stop believing in Santa?
How do I manage to do Christmas shopping with kids?
Do teens ever listen to their parents?
How do I deal with unbelievers of Santa?
Is there any way to prevent fingerprints on walls?
When should I start toilet training?
How can I prevent shrinking and ´bleeding´ of fabrics?
What is a good baby shower gift?
What time is a good deadline for a sleepover?
How can I treat post operative pain?
Is there financial aid available for stay-at-home moms?
Can I still do a recipe if I don´t have enough bread crumbs?
Are routines good for myself and my children?
How can I provide a little light at bedtime for my children?
How can I prevent motion sickness?
How can I reduce my utility bills?
When do I start childproofing my home?
When can my daughter start dating?
How long do I need to keep the catheter after surgery?
How can I identify positive role models for my teens?
How can I keep tomato sauce from staining my containers?
How can I keep dust from settling?
How can I deal with the daily distractions?
How do I get started homeschooling?
Can anybody use those junk mail cd´s?
Wht does baby cry after breastfeeding?
When can my child resume normal activities after surgery?
Why does baby cry after breastfeeding?
Can I get chicken pox as an adult?
Who wrote "youth is wasted on the young" ?
Is there an easy way to keep track of who to write thank you notes to?
How can I keep foods that should be refridgerated cold in lunches?
How do I keep my baby safe while changing diapers?
How can I get out of bed with all these attachments after surgery?
Why do I have to walk so soon after Csection?
How can I prevent resentment in my child?
How can I get my child to take medicine?
Can I stop everything from melting/warming when we go on a picnic.
How can I pamper myself without spending a lot of money?
How often should I clean my mattress?
How often should I flip and/or reposition your mattress?
How do I save half an avocado?
How can I help my children to recognize good role models?
How can I get my laundry brighter?
How long are shingles contagious?
How often should I breastfeed my newborn?
What supplies do I need to get ready for our first baby?
Why is my baby´s bottom all red, splotchy and painful?
Is there financial assistance available for disabled children´s needs?
What can I give as a (cheap) gift for relatives?
Can you suggest some safe summer activities for 3+ yr. olds?
What do you do when you hear "I´m bored"?
Why do I give out loot bags at children´s birthdays?
How often should I change my dish sponges?
How do I teach eye-hand coordination?
How do I properly fit a helmet?
When do you introduce fruit juice to an infant?
How do I keep my child safe while bike riding?
What do I need to do to start a home business?
How many children should I invite for a sleepover party?
When should I introduce a ´date´ to my children?
Can I catch shingles from someone else?
Should you combine Christmas with December birthday events?
What cleaning agents are non toxic?
How do I keep collars and cuffs looking new?
What costumes are safest for kids to wear?
When do I feed kids on Hallowe´en night?
Should children help plan their own birthday parties?
How do I clean straws and other tube shaped items?
How do I clean the tines of silver forks?
What´s a cute way to put candles on a birthday cake?
How can I remove soap scum from the tub?
How do I teach good toothbrushing habits?
Is there a good time to toilet train my baby?
When do I start tooth brushing for infants?
Are food cravings normal during pregnancy?
Is there any way to avoid ironing?
How can I get sand off a body, easily?
Is there a use for used bottled water containers?
Can I reuse the batteries from disposable cameras?
How can I keep mealtime peaceful?
How long will this bleeding go on after baby´s birth?
How can I find a babysitter for New Year´s?
What can I give a child age 4-6 for a gift?
How can I help my child adjust to me returning to work?
How do I keep drains from clogging?
How long does it take for the uterus to return to normal size ?
When is the best time to hold a baby shower?
How can I deal fairly with sibling rivalry?
Can you tell me some crafts to do with the kids?
What kind of sunscreen do I need for my child?
How can I get my mums to bloom in the fall?
How do you prepare an avocado?
How do I remove multi-cooked food from the microwave?
How can I breastfeed discreetly in public?
Can you prevent birthday candles from dripping all over birthday cake?
What is a good costume for my two year old?
Is there a simple way to decorate for parties that is NOT a theme?
Why does my child always walk on tiptoes?
How can I prevent my silverware from tarnishing?
Do you treat your children differently but fairly?
How many smoke detectors do I need in my house?
What can I do to relieve the itch of chicken pox?
How do I store homemade babyfoods?
What are tooth friendly snacks?
When should I teach my children about money management?
How do I prevent pansies from looking "leggy"?
What is an appropriate hostess gift?
Are there ways to find a babysitter for New Years?
Does having kids mean I have to give up New Year´s Traditions?
Won´t coughing break all my stitches after surgery?
How can I gefinancially organized?
What are some good time management tips for parents?
What are some good advice for moms?
How can I manage my time while running errands?
How can I keep my baby/child safe?
How do you evaluate a choice or dilemma?
What beverages can I serve to kids on New Year´s?
How can I get my teen to cooperate?
How do I find out what my child is feeling?
What is a reasonable cost to budget to create each loot bag?
Do I owe a loot bag to a child that missed the party?
What age group expects loot bags at birthday parties?
My child is terrified of white labcoats. What can I do?
How often do you need to wash your hands?
Can you prevent catching a cold?
How long should you keep Halloween candy in the house?
What kind of activities do you reccommend for a sick child?
Will my child get scars from scratching Chicken Pox?
How do I keep track of clock changing days?
How do I start plants from seed?
What can I do to re-use gallon milk jugs?
Can I clean, or at least deodarize, goalie pads?
How do I prevent silver tarnish?
What is a reasonable number of children to invite to a birthday party?
What are some enviromentally friendly room deodarizers?
What products are safe for kids but great for floor cleaning?
What can I use to clean my toddler´s toys?
What do I need to do to get my property ready for trick-or-treaters?
How can I keep track of which (identical)cup belongs to who?
Where can I get more breastfeeding information?
