The many plates are spinning and it can feel as though at any minute they will all come crashing down.

Cliché time – but there really aren't enough hours in the day. I never feel on top of everything. The many plates are spinning and it feels as though at any minute they will all come crashing down. As a mother I feel like I am constantly doing a lot things, badly.
 
Recently I've started taking short-cuts. Little tricks and practices that help me get things done quicker. Things that give me more time for myself. That help me be more present for my child.
 
Life is too short!
  • I've started buying clothes that require no ironing. I never ironed other than the hubby's shirts (occasionally) but now I can ignore it without the feeling of guilt when I see my child wearing said creased clothes.
  • We have 1-2 “easy dinners” per week. Serving healthy wholesome food is important to me but some days it's just not as easy to make it happen. I've now accepted that 1-2 nights per week it's something quick and easy OR it's a cheeky Mc Donalds or take-away for little hands. Making that decision takes away the stress and guilt that I once experienced on those days flustered in the kitchen.
  • Baths are twice a week now rather than every single day. It's just not necessary. Daily bathing was an hour long affair and my son was filthy after an hour of pre-school. A good wash before bed every night is just as effective and it's saving me heaps of time on busy mid-week evenings. Plus, I now enjoy and savour that beautiful freshly bathed child experience now. There is nothing like it!
  • I take fifteen minutes every evening to make lunches and leave out clothes for the morning. It makes me feel calmer and less rushed in the mornings. I find it's easy to do it when I have the utensils and ingredients to hand rather than in the midst of morning tantrums.
  • Cleaning Wipes. I give the house a “good clean” once a week now. Every other day I use anti-bacterial cleaning wipes to give the bathroom and surfaces a good once over. On top of the regular tidying up this is just enough of a “top up”. We've found a good balance. The place isn't gleaming but I wouldn't die of mortification if an unexpected guest showed up!
Written by Tracey Quinn, staff writer with Family Friendly HQ