Ten Tips for Moms to Save Time

A mom's life is busy and it makes no difference if she works outside the home or for some reason chooses to be an at-home mom. One of the first things mom's must learn is that somethings just do not need to be done. Or they don't need to be done as often as you'd like. Also, maybe things aren't done quite according to your standards, but you must learn to let that go. Encourage and teach your family to help you. Teach them respect as you respect them.

Ten suggestions for moms:
1. Insist kids call you on your cell phone to let you know if plans have changed, when they come home or other important family issues.

2. Try to designate days or times. Choose a time to do your grocery shopping, check school work, run errands, clean, make phone calls and plan. Try to stick to your time frame and forget about them the rest of the week.

3. Buy in bulk so you aren't running to the store for toilet paper and other staples that are constant. Pick up bargains when you see them. Pick up small gifts that can be used for children to gift as you find them them. Prepare two casseroles and freeze one for later. Brown meat for sloppy joes and for tacos another night.

4. Teach your family to help and insist that they follow through. Very small children can pull up their bed covers, pick up their rooms and bathroom, wipe out the sink, and take their plates from the table. Young children can sort and fold clothes and clean or help clean their rooms. Everyone can help fill out the master grocery list so you don't run out of things. Make a rule that everyone picks up their toys, homework etc. prior to bedtime.

5. Kids can help make lunches - or as they get older they can make their own. You should help them by trying to have needed foods available. I know, sometimes it's just not possible.

6. Finish what you start if at all possible so you don't have to worry about them or go back and re-do. Save larger projects for days you have more time. If you must leave a project unfinished, try to be working on it some place that you don't have to get it out each time you want to begin.

7. Try to insert errands within your daily schedule. Maybe before going to work, or during your lunch hour or on your way home will work for you. It will help you keep your evenings free for other things. If you have teen drivers, a mother or other family member who lives near you, or possibly a friend who could pick something up for you, ask them to help you. Another time you can help them. It all can work out. If you have a spouse, be sure they know their way around the grocery store and other places your family shops.

8. Keep a family calender on the frig or on the wall in plain sight. Encourage everyone to add their own schedules so your family doesn't get too overbooked. If you expect your teen to baby sit on Friday night, be sure to ask them a week or so in advance if this is possible. They should be able to have their own life and have your respect as much as you.

9. Make needed phone calls [to your mom, teacher, friend, co-worker] while you're doing something else. This can be tricky, but often encourages you to say what's needed and then move on.

10. Take time, maybe right after school or at bedtime, to listen to your child's needs. Remember, a child has problems or concerns NOW, and holding them inside may cause them not to confide in you. Sometimes a simple hug and encouragement is all that's needed. Praise is needed immediately! If they do something well, encourage them and share with the family.

Learn to accept help from others. If you need to have grilled cheese two nights in a row, the world won't come to an end. Add some healthy fruit or veggies and lots of love. Don't cut yourself short. You're doing fine and remember it is those little things and hugs that you and your family will always remember. And please, a sense of humor such as laughing at ourselves when we do silly things will help everyone.