A Mother's Life, the Ultimate Balancing Act: Tips For Moms

Mom. wife, employee, referee, however you describe her, a woman's job is never done. With the responsibilities of the kids, the house, and work, many women find themselves with time for everybody else, besides themselves. Often times, they feel unappreciated, taken advantage of, and just plain tired. How can a busy mom simplify her life so things are less hectic?

There are several little "tricks" to help a woman out. All of them will help a woman use her time a little better, and help her to accomplish more in her day without feelings so run-down. We can even end the day with a feeling of accomplishment, quality time for our family, and even time to just relax.

Trick number one is to make a list daily telling you what needs done the next day. Write the list as you think of things so you don't forget. Keep it in a place that you can easily find it. At the end of your day, prioritize your list so you know what the most important things are. Try to do those things first. Even write down things like, take a shower, take kids to school. Including the little things and crossing things off the list as you do them will give you a sense of accomplishment even if you aren't able to get everything on the list finished.

Trick number two is to organize your house so things can be found easily. It doesn't have to be nice and neat, you just have to know whee things are. If you put things in the same place all of the time, you don't have to go on a scavenger hunt to find them. For example, put shoes, coats, and book bags in a spot near the door your go out each day. The kids can easily find what they need each morning. This saves you the time of having to search your house for the missing shoe when you are running late.

Tick number three is to write down all appointments, practices, and activities on your calendar as you make them or know of them. This will prevent you from over-scheduling yourself, having to reschedule appointments, or missing a child's activities unnecessarily.

Trick number four is to organize your day by using your list as well as your calendar schedule. For example, your calendar shows that your child has practice from 5:30p.m.-7:30p.m., the grocery store is 3 blocks away from the practice field, go grocery shopping while your child is at practice.

Trick number five is to include your children in everyday chores. Even if your child is two years old, he or she is able to help around the house by picking things up. As your child grows older, give him or her a little more responsibility. This will not only help you, it will also help your child. Helping you gives your child a sense of pride and accomplishment. It also helps teach them responsibility.

Trick number six is to set aside time each evening for your family. You don't have to do anything special, just spend time with them. To them, it is special. It will help ward of chaos if your family knows that you will spend quality time with them at a certain time each day. It gives all of you something to look forward to.

Thick number seven is to make time for yourself. You may be a wife and a mother, but you also need to be you. If you take a little time for yourself each day, just to relax, you may find that you actually feel better.

The final trick I have to offer is to review your list at the end of each day. You will be surprised at what you accomplished. Actually seeing the progress you make each day, and using the little tricks I have mentioned will make your life much easier. You will feel a greater sense of accomplishment each day, therefore; you will ultimately feel much better about your role as the busy woman you are.