Let’s be honest, it’s amazing what moms are able to accomplish in just 24 hours. From carpool and work meetings to homework, dinner and bedtime routines, it’s easy for busy moms to get overwhelmed. Yes, we are busy, but are we productive?
We have to remember that there is a huge difference between the two. Being busy is about working harder while being productive is about working smarter.
Let’s be very clear, despite what society may tell us, busy isn’t a badge of honor we need to wear proudly. Busy is rushed. Busy is forgetful. Busy is stressful. Busy drops the ball.
Busy is frantic while productive is focused.
As a working wife and mom, I am focused on being less busy and more productive. Check out a few hacks below that can help you do the same. We’ve got this!
1. Use a Shared Calendar
Between my business, my husband’s banking career and the kids, it’s hard to juggle so many schedules. Using a shared calendar can help cut down on the crazy. Our favorites are the Cozi calendar and our trusted Google calendar. In our house, if it isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t exist.
2. Prioritize
Make a list. Check it twice. Identify the most important tasks you need to accomplish for that day or that week. Place tasks in Must Do, Should Do or Can Wait columns. Once you’ve done that, set due dates and schedule the items that are priorities on your calendar. Here is a great priority organizer to get you started from Mom Makes Joy.
3. Preparation is Key
Lay the kids clothes out for the week (and yours if you can). This saves time and eliminates the hassle of trying to figure it out in the morning. Also, pre-pack any extra curricular activity bags. I make sure to pack Bryson’s swimming bag (swim trunks, goggles, towel and swim cap) and flag football bag (cleats, practice gear and gloves) on Sundays.
4. Online Grocery Pickup
This service is a Godsend for busy moms. Instead of lugging the kids into the grocery store, consider shopping online. Most of us buy the same items routinely, so this is a great time-saving hack. Walmart offers this service for FREE!
5. Sunday Family Meetings
Have a quick huddle with your family on Sunday afternoons to go over the week ahead. Invite the kids to participate. Our 7-year-old son Bryon loves our family meetings and usually offers good input. This is a great time to update the shared calendar (see Tip 3), make dinner plans for the week, and make any last minute adjustments needed for school or work schedules.
6. Use Quiet Time Wisely
As an entrepreneur, I get SO much more done when everyone else is sleeping. For me, that’s late at night or even early in the morning. What could you accomplish with an extra 30 minutes of quiet time?
7. Ask Your Hubby for Help
Last, but not least, in the spirit of teamwork, ask your husband to take a few things off of your plate. All too often, we try to do everything by ourselves, but it’s NOT necessary. Ask your husband to handle dinner or dishes a couple nights. You might be surprised at the results.
Bonus Tip: Skip the Chick Fil A Drive Thru
Yes, the kids love Chick Fil A, but their drive thru lines are dreadful. Next time your kiddos are begging for a kids meal, just park and go in to order. Most of the time it’s much faster.