Being a working mom is a constant juggling act that requires balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of a family and personal life. The daily challenges can feel overwhelming, leaving little room for self-care and personal time. However, with effective time management strategies, busy working moms can reclaim control over their schedules and create a harmonious balance between work and family life. These are my tried and true tips to get through the day in a more scheduled manner with little kids at home.
Set Clear Priorities
The first thing you have to do is to determine your most important tasks for the day and focus on them first. Use tools like to-do lists or apps to stay organized. I use the Good Notes app for all my to-do task lists on my iPad.
Create a Schedule
Establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes designated time for work, family, and personal activities. Stick to it as much as possible. For the daily schedule, I use the Time Block Method in a Daily Planner instead of the exact time for tasks. See the next point for details.
Utilize Time Blocks
Divide your day into focused time blocks for specific tasks. For example, allocate 2 hours for work, 1 hour for family time, 30 minutes for exercise, etc.
Make Mornings Easier
Doing some of the pre-planning and tasks beforehand is the key to tackling the chaotic morning with kids in a timely manner. There are a few tips that you can follow to have a smooth morning routine as a mom. You can check out the tips in the link below.
Tips for Working Moms to Have a Smooth Morning Routine
Use Productivity Techniques
Adopt productivity techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused intervals followed by short breaks to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.
Related Topic: 9 Productivity Hacks for Busy Working Moms
Delegate and Share Responsibilities
Don’t hesitate to delegate household chores or work tasks to family members or colleagues. Sharing responsibilities lightens your load.
Meal Planning
Plan meals and snacks in advance to save time on cooking and reduce last-minute decisions.
Batch Cooking
Prepare larger portions of meals and freeze them for future use. This way, you can quickly serve homemade meals during busy days.
Learn to Say No
Practice saying no to commitments that aren’t essential. Overcommitting can lead to stress and a lack of time for important activities.
Use a Family Calendar
Keep a shared family calendar for the whole family to coordinate events, appoi
Maximize Commute Time
If you have a commute, use that time productively. Listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or educational materials.
Stay Flexible
Be prepared for unexpected changes and be flexible with your schedule. A rigid routine may not always be feasible.
Outsource When Possible
Consider outsourcing tasks like house cleaning or grocery shopping if it’s within your budget. This frees up more time for other priorities.
Prioritize Self-Care
Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Set aside time for relaxation, hobbies, or activities that bring you joy.
Reflect and Adjust
Regularly assess how you’re managing your time and make adjustments as needed. What works one month may not work as well in another.
