We don’t need to tell you that keeping your kids happy and healthy goes beyond any full-time job out there. From managing their schedules to keeping up with their never-ending energy levels - and everything in between - it can be hard to stay sane amidst the utter chaos that is parenting.
But fear not! We've compiled a list of 10 parenting hacks designed to help you streamline your life and take back control of your schedule - and your sanity.
Create a family command center
Designate a specific area in your home as a "family command center." This could be a bulletin board or whiteboard that includes a family calendar, meal plan, grocery list, and to-do list.
Having all of your appointments, birthday parties, lessons, and rehearsals in one place can help you stay organized and on top of your family's schedule and overcome the overwhelm.
Introduce "Quiet Time"
Establishing a designated "quiet time" each day can be a lifesaver, especially if you have young children who need a nap or quiet time. Use this time to take a break, catch up on work, or engage in a hobby you enjoy.
Encourage your children to read or play quietly during this time, and set clear boundaries about what is and isn't allowed. This can help you recharge and stay productive throughout the day.
Meal prep in advance
Meal prep is something that’s talked about a lot by gym enthusiasts and fitness professionals everywhere, but it doesn’t get enough credit as a parenting hack.
Preparing meals in advance can save you a ton of time and energy during the week. Try spending a few hours on the weekend prepping meals for the upcoming week. Store them in containers and label them with the date so that you can easily grab them on busy weekdays.
You can also consider investing in a slow cooker or instant pot to make meal prep even easier. And, if you want to go one step further, you can even cook and freeze a few weeks’ worth of meals when you have a quiet weekend, and take back your weeknights for the foreseeable future.
Delegate household chores
Delegate age-appropriate chores to your children. Not only does this teach them responsibility, but it also helps lighten your workload. Younger children can help with simple tasks like sorting laundry or setting the table, while older children can take on more challenging tasks like cleaning the bathroom or cooking dinner.
Use technology to your advantage
There are a ton of apps and websites available that can make parenting easier. From meal planning apps to chore charts, there are endless tools to help streamline your daily routine.
In addition, there are plenty of educational games and resources to be found online that can keep your kids content on a rainy day.
Invest in quality sleep
As a parent, getting enough sleep can seem impossible. However, prioritizing a quality night’s sleep is vital to maintaining your sanity. Even if you can’t yet manage the quantity of sleep, at least make sure the sleep you do get is comfortable by investing in a great mattress and quality bedding.
Get creative with rewards
Using rewards is a great way to motivate your children to complete tasks or behave well. However, traditional rewards like candy or toys can get boring. Get creative with your rewards by offering things like extra screen time, a special outing, or a fun family activity.
Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your children. Make sure to carve out time for yourself each day, whether it's a few minutes of meditation or a relaxing bubble bath. Prioritizing your own self-care can help you feel more balanced and centered.
Embrace imperfection
As a parent, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of being "perfect." However, striving for perfection is a surefire way to drive yourself crazy. Embrace imperfection and understand that parenting is a messy, non-linear process. Try to focus on doing your best and enjoying the little moments.
Simplify your wardrobe
I probably don’t need to tell you twice, that parenting involves *A LOT* of laundry. To combat this, why not try and simplify your wardrobe? Consider adopting a "capsule wardrobe" approach, where you invest in a limited number of versatile, timeless pieces that result in easy mix-and-match outfits.
Not only can this save a substantial amount of time and money, but it can reduce decision fatigue when getting dressed in the morning. Encourage your children to adopt a simplified wardrobe as well, and consider donating or selling clothes that no longer fit or are no longer needed.
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At Be Mi, we pride ourselves on our range of babies’, girls’, boys’ and ladies' clothes made in the USA. Our clothes are designed to mix and match and would be at home in any capsule wardrobe.
Not only is our women’s and children’s fashion lovingly crafted with local materials right here in L.A., but you’ll feel great about what our eco-friendly clothing does for the environment.
We hope you’ve taken something useful away from our parenting hacks, and if you have any questions, comments, or feedback about our clothing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.