Multi-tasking Mom Tips

I have found that thinking ahead and planning is key when you're multi-tasking and juggling a home, three kids, a husband, a part-time career, three dogs, any number of cats, and life in general.

As a mom, there are a few things that are givens and aren't very flexible: The kids must eat. There must be clean clothes (at least most days). The bills must be paid.

So how do you juggle those givens at the same time? Here are just a few of the ways I multi-task and keep them going.

Multi-tasking Mom: Write it down

One of the best ways I've found is to make notes for myself. It sounds simple, but writing things down and making lists actually helps me make sure I get all of the necessary things done while still being flexible in my schedule.

I keep a small notebook in my purse for when inspiration hits and I need to jot down an idea for my writing or when I need to make a note to buy hot dogs and toilet paper.

I write down reminders to myself for daily menus, household chores, phone calls to make and everything else that needs to be done during the day - except for bathroom breaks!

Multi-tasking Mom: Set your alarms

Whether it's a reminder in my email settings or an alarm on my cell phone, I use these technological advances to keep me on track - and multi-task.

I set up email reminders and alarms for appointments and scheduled activities.

My son has a doctor's appointment on Monday at 12:15? I set up an alarm on my cell phone to go off and remind me at 12:15 on Sunday. The alarm will also go off the morning of the appointment. I will also put the appointment into my Yahoo! calendar and have a reminder sent one week in advance and again one day in advance.

My daughter has speech class at 10:30 on Fridays. I have an alarm set up in my cell phone to go off at 10:00 to let me know it's time to start getting ready to leave (getting shoes on, going to the bathroom, grabbing activities for the car ride).

The reminders provide visual and audible reminders of what needs to be done on any given day. I always set the reminders to go off in enough time to allow me the flexibility of not rushing - which I hate to do.

Multi-tasking Mom: Pick and choose your activities

Don't take on too many outside tasks or activities.

The kids will survive and won't be mentally harmed if they don't participate in dance, cheer leading, piano, Little League, choir and every other activity that is available.

Spend time together at home and don't schedule too many outside activities or meetings. This goes for Mom and Dad too.

I try to make sure that any outside activities I'm involved in (church, Friends of the Library, other volunteer work) don't take up much of my time.

I am willing to donate no more than one evening per week away from home and the family. Any more than that and I have to say no.

Multi-tasking Mom: Be flexible

Flexibility is so important when you have a family. Sometimes a plan must be changed at the last minute. Don't dwell on the changes, just roll with it and go.

Expect that your plans could change at any minute (a child gets sick, a water line breaks, the car won't start) and be prepared in advance.

Always have a backup plan for every day. If you plan to go to the doctor on Thursday and the car won't start, do you have a family member who can loan you a vehicle or take you to the appointment? Think about such things ahead of time.

Use one or more of these strategies to help yourself be more flexible as you multi-task and juggle your family's needs.