Busy Moms Time Management Tips

Even with school in full swing and your calendar already full, time management tips always come in handy for moms—especially for moms who juggle home needs, kids, work and other priorities.

The concept itself is simple: plan and organize your schedule to make your time as clear and productive as possible. However, when you have the added challenge of managing a busy schedule by yourself, busy moms could use a few tips to make their lives more bearable throughout the day. Here are three helpful tips my team have gathered from other busy moms.

  1. Wake up a Little Earlier and Take Time to Take Care of Yourself: This one may be tricky if you have young children, but once you are out of that phase, busy moms say that this one is a must. Yes, those few extra minutes might be needed here and there, but remember YOU have control as to when you wake up. Even if it’s only thirty minutes before the rest of your gang gets up, having that private time to yourself will work wonders for your mental outlook. Here are a few ways you could use your extra mom time:
  • Have a cup of coffee or tea while writing down what you need to do for the day.
  • This is a perfect time for your quiet time or Bible study.
  • Do absolutely nothing. Enjoy the quiet.
  • Watch the sunrise. Praise the Lord for another day, for your children and your husband.
  • Write down any tasks you promised your family or yourself to do earlier, then prioritize when you can complete them.
  • Exercise! Movement is a great way to start the day and it clears your mind.
  1. Take Control of Incoming Demands: You love your children, yes—and many busy moms share how tough it is to stay focused when their kids seem to demand something from them every thirty seconds. You might feel like you need that extra jolt of caffeine before 9 am! However, keep in mind your kids should come first. What can you do to take control of these incoming demands when you may be parenting solo for a season and keep sane at the same time?
  • Teach your children to ask for things one at a time.
  • Show them how to do things on their own (age appropriate of course). This may take more time up front but the outcome will be that they gain the independence they need and you gain more time to relax and focus (e.g. folding clothes, washing dishes, mowing the lawn, etc.).
  • Defer their requests until you complete the task you are working on. Explain that mommy needs to do “x” and that you will help them once you are finished.
  • Ask your child to help you with what you’re doing (if possible). Maybe you’re paying a bill or handling something on paper. Give them a paper and pen and let them “help” you by doodling or writing something down as you wrap up your task. The key is to keep them engaged productively (not in front of the TV if possible) while you complete your task.
  1. Keep a Note Book and Pen Handy: This may seem over simplistic, but busy moms of all kinds are familiar with this one. How many times have you reached for a pad of paper or sticky note only to realize you do not have anything to write with? Busy moms need every trick in the bag—and this one is simple. Be intentional about making sure you have that pen, pad of paper or sticky note handy at all times. Why do you need this? Consider all of these occasions busy moms have shared with us:
  • Spouse calls unexpectedly and you are on the other line. Make a note that you’ll return the call to your friend. Your jotted note will actually remind you to do it!
  • You are scurrying around to get your kids dressed in the morning and realize one of your daughters needs new jeans that actually fit. Write it down. The last thing you want is to come back morning after morning and realizing anew that she still needs jeans that fit—especially as summer months are now behind you and the chill of the winter is around the corner.
  • You are lying in bed and a great idea comes to mind but before you are able to write it down you totally forget the great idea. By placing a pen and pad of paper next to your bed will help you keep track of your great ideas and allow you to not to miss that one idea that could change your life.

Kids, and life for that matter, can be challenging to manage, but as long as you have a pen and paper nearby, you at least do not have to worry about remembering everything on your own! This is helpful for busy moms who do not regularly have someone else by their side to help them manage the day.

I encourage you to embrace your role as a busy mom and try out these tips so you can have smoother mornings, healthier family interactions and a greater peace of mind. It is important to remember that God does not give you more than you can handle. If you will go to God in prayer each morning asking for His favor and His leading throughout your day, you will have better days and have a healthier perspective about being a busy mom.

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