[hennypenny]

Ok, for all you WAHMS and WAHDS, I thought it'd be nice to discuss how we all manage our time, to share tips, and get our lives running more smoothly.
Things I've found helpful so far, are cooking dinners in the crockpot. I just set it up and forget about it. Also, at the butcher's, I get the butcher to cut/prepare the meat for me, so it's ready to go.
Another thing I like to do, is to look at free time I have when the kids don't need us, and try to slot some work in there. Soon I will be hiring a cleaner, so that's one less thing I have to worry about. Once I do that, then I will only have to worry about laundry, dishwashing and food prep.
Also, I find that my time with the kids is completely focussed on them, I try not to do too much in that time, but spend it with them. Although, my six year old does like to help around the house, so that counts as time together lol. And I like to take my daughter and baby boy to the park, to really wear them out, not only is it quality time, but it ensures they sleep soundly so I can get more work done.
What other tips do others have? I'm still new to WAHM, so any tips are always helpful. Thanks!

[AudreyOka]

I've actually written several articles on time mangement in a home business.

I'm a strong supporter of day planners. They can help you schedule in everything. When the kids were young, they hated that if they wanted me at a performance they needed to put it in my book. However I never let them down. I was always there. They began to realize that by putting it in my book, it WAS going to happen. As they got older, they began scheduling in walks, lunches out etc. It actually went from "it's not fair" to "this is so cool"

My kids today are 17 and 24. They still put things in my book and I still try very hard to not let them down.

It's really easy to get lost on projects, discovering you've just invested 3 hours into something you really only wanted to spend 30 minutes on. When you keep a day planner, that just doesn't happen. Instead you schedule another slot of time.

With kids, I've found play dates to be beyond wonderful. If your kids are out, then you have free time. If your kids have other kids playing at your house, your kids are still occupied.

Can't wait to hear tips from others.

[hennypenny]

Thanks so much, Audrey, those are great!

[mcmama]

I like this idea of a day planner. I have this same problem, losing time on certain projects, and then overload.

I've kept my planner just for appointments and so on - but this is a great idea. Thanks

[SandyNaidu]

I have two kids and I am a work at home mother. My older one is in school...The younger one is 10 months old and he is always at home with me. After his arrival I have realised that its easier for me to plan for the week rather than plan every day. Freezing food is good. On the days that my daughter has an activity after school hours, I dont cook. I just get the frozen food out for dinner. I do my grocery shopping during the week and not the weekends. Less traffic and I save time this way. I note down all the errands and try to do them all on one day.

Sandy
www.dotcommothers.com

[AudreyOka]

Sandy,

Do you use a crockpot? I so love both my crockpot and my breadmaker.