Time management for moms is as vital as for anyone else, maybe more! With the same 24 hours as everyone else, it is how you organize your day that really matters. And a busy family life alongside work makes it all the more challenging. So, here are some ideas to get started.

Take a Break to Refresh

When did break become a four-letter word? There’s no point in breaking your back to meet deadlines, get home chores done, and plan family meals all in one. You can do everything you need to, just not all at once. You won’t do yourself any favors by running around with an impossible list of things to do. So take ten, put on a pot of coffee, play Minesweeper, Animal Crossing, or whatever cozy game you’re currently into, and get back to work in a bit!

Priority Time Management for Moms

92% and 98% of working and stay-at-home moms, respectively, get overwhelmed by their schedules. But it doesn’t have to be like this. All it takes is a little bit of task prioritization:

  • Arrange tasks in order of priority based on complexity, urgency, and timescales.
  • Assign a traffic light system so tasks stand out, such as red for the most urgent.
  • Tick off tasks as they are done, and don’t be afraid to take a dynamic approach.

Just making a list helps because you can visualize what needs to be done. However, some things are more critical, so arranging these in order of urgency makes it a bit less stressful.

Assign Chores to Others

You are a super mom, and you can do everything. But you don’t have to! Trying to do everything yourself is a virtue many of us have. But it can lead to irritability and stress. If you have a family living under your feet, then make use of them! When the kids are old enough to clean up after themselves, it makes it much easier for you to enforce some rules. How about they put their clothes in the hamper for a start? Pitching in just makes it much easier on the busy parents.

Complete Home Tasks During Specific Times

You won’t be happy if you do chores, get work done, or run around after others when you should be taking some time for yourself. Breaking up the day and week is key. Set aside key times when you can get around to the tasks at home. Work is usually a priority, and all home tasks are impossible while you are at the office. And with remote work, you can’t wash the dishes when you need to do your job. Set specific times when you are available to get chores done each day.

Time Management for Moms Routines

Pretty much every blog about time management or parenting will mention routines. Things like cleaning routines are critical, and you can begin creating yours with these quick and easy tips.

Make a list of tasks

Begin by listing the tasks that need to be done. Try to think of everything, from picking up laundry to washing the ceiling fans. Leave nothing out, as they can be organized later on.

Break Down into daily, monthly and weekly

Once you have a list, you can categorize them into daily, weekly, and monthly sections. Not all tasks are urgent, and not everything needs to be done every day, so this helps order them.

Organize tasks by priority

Not all tasks are equal. There are some that are needed more than others, such as washing the dishes. However, even broken-down lists come with tasks that are more vital than others.

A planner with a list of tasks makes things much easier. You can then see what needs to be done, which then becomes a part of your daily, weekly, and monthly routine checklist.

Say No When You Need To

It’s natural to want to just get things done. But you will experience mood swings, stress, and low energy levels when trying to do everything. Unless an extra task really needs to be done, such as a few extra shifts at work, just say no. It is hard enough managing everything as it is, and even the smallest spanner in the works can be the straw that breaks your back, never mind the camel! This also includes time at the weekend that is better spent with children and partners.

Stop Trying to Be Perfect

So, you’ve undoubtedly done this. You’re working on a task, whether it’s cleaning the bathroom or completing a work assignment. It’s pretty much done, but you know you can do better. So what do you do? You go over it again. And again, and again! Before you know it, it has taken three times longer than usual, and you now have to cram everything else in before the end of the day. You can always get a task done, do the rest, and return to improve your work.

Family Time Management for Moms

39% of working moms feel they don’t have enough time for family. But family time is essential. Of course, you have a commitment to your job, so give these a try to use time better:

  • Set a specific time frame for work or chores that doesn’t impact family time.
  • Go over your schedule and insert time blocks where you can switch off from work.
  • Stay consistent with your approach and commit to spending time with your family.

It helps to ensure work time doesn’t encroach on family time. Setting boundaries and sticking to them is an effective way to use the limited family time you have in a more efficient manner.

Balance Work and Life Commitments

You have a commitment to work, and you could even lose your job because of bad decisions. So, balancing work and life is critical. If your workplace offers flexible working hours, take advantage of these. You can use the time to run errands or even get the eight hours of sleep you need. Also, schedule personal appointments far in advance so you can cover the time lost at work. A proactive approach that benefits yourself and your employer usually works best.

Summary

Taking breaks to recharge your mind is a critical part of time management for moms. Working too much during the day only increases the pressure. This is where something like a routine also comes in handy. And it always helps to balance personal errands and work commitments.