Time-saving tips and tricks for busy working mums
Working parents have to be inventive to find more time in their day. There are only 24 hours to work with, but identifying time-wasting activities and either exchanging them or getting rid of them altogether can free up some much-needed time for ourselves, our kids and our sanity. Here are some tips to follow if being a working parent is doing your head in...

Learn to say no to extra commitments both at work and at home.
It’s easier if you make a list of all the things you do already, put them in order of importance and knock off the ones at the bottom that don’t really need to be done. That way, when you’re asked to work that extra hour or sign up for a working bee, you have your list in your head shouting, “No, there’s no time!”

Think about some hired help.
Not many people can afford housekeepers, but work out your hourly rate and then figure out if it wouldn’t be worth hiring someone to do a few hours of cleaning each week instead of doing it all yourself. Or maybe shout yourself occasional help, like getting the windows washed twice a year or paying someone to mow the lawn. If it buys you more time, it’s worth it.

Keep meals simple.
Many women struggle to serve their families elaborate dishes, then are disappointed when the kids turn up their noses at the results. And while three-course dinners are great for special occasions, nutritious family food doesn’t have to be a drama to prepare. Pick up a roast chicken from the supermarket, fresh rolls and salad and have hot chicken rolls for dinner. Or throw some mince in the pan with a commercial bolognese sauce and toss it over pasta. Keep frozen veges on hand – they’re nutritionally as good as fresh and you don’t have to waste time chopping. And sometimes it’s fine to have takeaways or make toasties, just as long as it’s not every night of the week.

Lower your standards.
It’s a nice idea to have the washing basket empty every day, the beds made, toys off the floor and dishes done. But will the world really end if you do the laundry once a week instead of every second day? Or if some days the beds remain unmade, the toys are scattered around the house and the breakfast dishes are rinsed in the sink? Who are you worried about? Any visitors who might think your house is a little scruffy should get a life – and I can guarantee they don’t work full-time like you do. If you are ever forced to justify the state of your house, tell them how much fun you had with your kids at the park after work rather than folding the washing.

Use technology.
Do you really need to be in the office all day? Could you do some work from home and use the breaks you have at work to do some stuff around the house before the kids get home? Many bosses are now prepared to consider this option.

Work with other parents.
Do all the working mothers in your neighbourhood drive their kids to school separately? Ask around and see if you can organise a car pool so that a few mornings of the week you’ll have an extra half-hour up your sleeve. Or enrol your kids with a walking bus in your area. Likewise, see if you can have another mum’s kids one afternoon a week and they’ll have yours in return.

Make sure your children are pulling their weight.
From the time they start school, kids should be doing dishes, tidying their rooms and putting their stuff away as well as simple jobs like taking the rubbish out or helping you cook dinner. Remember, while you’re at it you are also teaching them how to be helpful adults who will make nice flatmates and partners.

When you do manage to free up some hours, use them wisely. Just because you have six hours more a week doesn’t mean you can then fill them up doing more housework. Give yourself some time for exercise, a long bath or just quietly reading a book, then plan time with your partner and children or else it will disappear. Will you all go to the park after work for a game of softball once a week? Or will you go for a bike ride, take in an early movie or go out for dinner? Make a plan and stick to it – your kids will really look forward to their weekly activities with you.