There’s no doubt that being a modern parent causes a busy lifestyle, so tips for parents are always helpful. Whether you’re a working parent, a stay-at-home parent, or something in between, you always have plenty to do. You might have support from a partner or friends and family, but it still feels like you have a never-ending to-do list.
With lots of different things to do both at home and out of the house, juggling it all can be overwhelming. Getting organized can help, but it doesn’t necessarily eliminate any of the tasks you must do. If you feel like you’re constantly running around like a headless chicken, you need to find ways to lighten your load, and these tips for parents can help.
Tips for Parents to Stop Feeling Crazy
1. Make a List of Everything You Do
Do you know how much you do for yourself and your family? Making a list of all of your responsibilities can make it clear just how much you have on your plate. It might be a little frightening at first, but it can also be a good starting point.
Creating a list of everything you do could be a way for you to get the help you’re not getting. Does your partner insist they do just as much as you do when you know they don’t? Showing them your list might just convince them to start doing more. Creating this list can also help you recognize when you need to ask for help.
Another advantage of making a list is that it can show you which tasks are really necessary. It can help you decide which tasks could be altered, and which you might be able to cut out completely.
2. Adjust Your Standards of Tidiness and Cleanliness
Whether you’re a working parent or not, housework takes time. Even when you split household tasks with your partner and kids, it can still require a chunk of your time.
Being a parent does mean that you will probably feel like you’re always tidying up and cleaning in some way. One way you might consider changing things is by reassessing your idea of what clean and tidy means. Having extremely high standards might not be particularly realistic, especially if you want to get some of your time back. Decide what you can be happy with so you can keep up a standard that works for your family.
3. Hire a Cleaner/Housekeeper
Another option for saving time is to hire a cleaner or housekeeper. Some people feel reluctant to do this because they feel like it’s their job to maintain the home. If you can afford to hire someone, though, there’s no shame in getting help.
You don’t necessarily need to have someone come every day. A housekeeper visiting for a few hours each week can make a difference and save you from some time-consuming jobs.
4. Have Things Delivered
Do you feel like you’re always going from place to place buying things? You have to do grocery shopping, clothes shopping, visits to the drugstore, and many other things.
If you’re always going from store to store and running errands, you must find ways to stop doing so much. One possibility is to get things delivered whenever possible. This can work best when you know exactly what you need.
You can order repeat prescription delivery for any medications or order your groceries online. Some things are better to buy in person, though, like things you should try on.
5. Create a Family Schedule
If you have a long list of things to do but you’re never sure when you will have time, you might want to think about making a schedule. Instead of having one just for you, it can be for the whole family.
Begin by filling in certain things that are scheduled each week. Then, look for free timeslots that you can use for anything else that needs to be completed.
You could have a digital calendar, a weekly printable, or even a whiteboard. It gives you a sense of order and can be a way to get everyone helping around the house.
6. Stop Overscheduling
As a parent, you and your kids are likely always busy. You want to ensure your kids get to participate in extracurricular activities. Plus, you’re involved in lots of things too, from yoga class to the PTA and everything in between. Many of these activities are totally optional, and you might be giving everyone too much to do.
For every activity your kids do, you have to make sure they get there and have everything they need. Not only that, but your child might be tired from being overscheduled too. Remember that your kids put in a full day of school work, so extracurricular activities make their day even longer. Then, you have to plan for dinner after the activities, too.
Even though you want to ensure everyone has opportunities, sometimes you all need time at home to rest. Spending time together as a family unit is important, too.
7. Say No to Things
If there’s too much on your plate, it’s not necessarily all your own doing. Some things just have to get done, while other things can be requested of you from others. Remember that just because someone asks you to do something, it doesn’t mean you must say yes.
There are times when the best option is to politely refuse. Whether your refuse because it would interfere with your health or you have no time, don’t feel bad. If the thing they are asking would interfere with family time, you should also consider saying no. Reluctantly doing something isn’t going to produce the best results anyway, so learning to say no can really help you.
Tips for Parents to Stop Feeling Like a Headless Chicken
When you feel like you’re always running around trying to get things done, you need to slow down and lighten your load. Use these tips for parents to stop feeling like a headless chicken. Take control of your life and make sure you do things that make you and your family happy and peaceful.
