Life as a mom is busy. We are constantly trying to fit everything in. From running children around to activities, making sure our families have healthy meals to eat, and trying to stay on top of household chores, to keeping up with professional commitments and career goals, it can really get overwhelming sometimes.
In fact, moms are the only people who know the true meaning of 24/7. We plan, we prepare, we execute, we clean up, we start all over again—all of it takes organisational skills, patience, patience and resilience.
So, I’ve got some time-saving hacks that I believe all mommies can benefit from. Whether you’re working ‘for’ home, working ‘from’ home, or going to work ‘out’ of the house, anything that can make your life as a mommy even a little bit easier is worth exploring.
1. Dry Shampoo
I didn’t realise this was a thing until a whole bunch of moms chimed in and told me this was “the” thing to have. Whether you’re too tired or have simply had no time to leave the room because of your kids, some dry shampoo can instantly make you look and feel a lot better.
A bad hair day can really bring your mood down. It’s also not ideal when you’re working because you want to look well put together. Dry shampoos are a gift of time. Read instructions on the back to learn how to use them properly.
2. Smart Apps On Your Phone
Smart technology is essential for everyone these days. I remember using apps to track baby feeds, diaper changes, vaccinations, etc. When I was a new mum, these apps helped me stay on top of things. Even everyday basics like grocery, clothing, books, and the like, everything is literally a click away with helpful apps on your phone.
Although as a new mum, the conundrum was that going to the grocery store by myself felt like a vacation; on the other hand, when I had to take my twins with me, the same activity felt like an obstacle course.
Little tip: I try to shop with each of my kids individually at least once a month so they feel attended too, get some alone one-on-one time with me, and can discover their individual tastes and likes. I even use such activities to teach them early lessons about money and saving.
Beyond apps, if you get your hands on smart gadgets like Google Home or Alexa, it’s an added bonus. They have all the answers for mummies who have no time to type. From playing music, setting timers and alarms for you, and answering your kids’ questions like why is the sky blue, these tech buddies help you out right through the day.
3. Breast Pump-Friendly Work Clothes
If you are a new mom, you know what I’m talking about. You’re back from maternity leave and therefore you’re ditching your yoga pants and momiform to return to your professional wardrobe. And, you do somehow need to look professional and pulled together despite the many sleepless nights. Plus, you need to pump at work without having to undress to a level of discomfort. So, breast pump-friendly clothes like crossover tops, wrap dresses, shirt dresses, and layered camisoles and tops are a must-have in your wardrobe.
“I try to shop with each of my kids individually at least once a month so they feel attended too, get some alone one-on-one time with me, and can discover their individual tastes and likes. I even use such activities to teach them early lessons about money and saving.”
4. Dry Erase Blackboard
As cliche as it may sound, this has been such a handy tool for me, especially because on most days I would miss meeting my house help/cook. So anything that needs to be ordered, is prepared in the kitchen, or even updates on kids’ school tiffins would go on that magnetic scheduler placed on the fridge and catch my attention without fail!
Try it out and you’ll see how having just a nice simple dry erase board placed at eye level can help you tick off your things-to-do list. You can write reminders on it for the month so you don’t forget anything like kids’ outings, meal plans, stuff you need to pick up from the grocery store, PTA meetings, school activities, etc. This will also help keep the rest of your family organised.
“Having an ‘I can do this all myself’ attitude in working motherhood is a recipe for disaster. A house help/nanny, in-laws, neighbours or even a child care service provider can help you and your child live a better quality of life. Don’t ever feel ashamed of asking for help. Never!”
5. Smart Kitchen Appliances
Whether you love baking or just need fast, healthy meals to nourish your family, there are some kitchen gadgets that will save your time and effort while cooking. The last thing you want to do after a day’s work, in addition to taking care of the kiddos, is to slave away in the kitchen. Imagine a typical workday: You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you want dinner, now!
Smart kitchen appliances like Instant pots or Crockpots always save the day! Quickly toss some ingredients in the slow cooker before work in the morning, and a homemade meal will be ready for you in a jiffy when you return. Dinner is served! This one kitchen gadget replaces 7 others you might have in your home (Hello, decluttering!). It can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, egg cooker, steamer and yoghurt maker.
You can also buy a vegetable and fruit chopper, an automatic vacuum cleaner (Roomba), microwave, and bullet mixer-blenders to make your life easier.
But beyond these things, what’s been the biggest lifesaver for me as a working mother is being surrounded by helpful “village members” (remember, it takes a village to raise a baby).
Having an ‘I can do this all myself’ attitude in working motherhood is a recipe for disaster. A house help/nanny, in-laws, neighbours or even a child care service provider can help you and your child live a better quality of life. Don’t ever feel ashamed of asking for help. Never!
Motherhood is hard.
Despite our many efforts to do it all ourselves and keep it all together all the time, we simply need help. Whether you are a full-time working mom or a stay-at-home mom, the struggle to keep everything going is real. Therefore, anything that makes our job easier should be welcome.
Things like robot vacuum cleaners, coffee brewers, slow-cookers, and online shopping were made for you, Mom. Use time-saving gadgets because you can’t do it all… and now you don’t have to!
How about you? What is in your list that makes your mom-life much easier? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Go Mommy!