I am a mom just like (most of) you. In fact, this is what the pile of clean laundry looked like on my bed last night (I apologize--I snapped this picture with my iPod Touch so it's grainy).
I spent an hour catching up on folding laundry....and I still have a lot more leftover from vacation waiting to be washed. I also came home from vacation with a cold (isn't that always how it goes?!) so I have not felt like doing too much above and beyond what I have to do. Dinner last night was easy toasted sub sandwiches. My daughter was due for a bath last night, but did not get it. If you read my blog and think I have it all, or I have it all figured out, I'm here to tell you, I don't!
For those of you who blog (and even those who don't) and are looking for tips on managing your time, I can tell you that these are things I've learned over the past 3 years that help me get things done:
- When you sit down to write a blog post, turn Facebook OFF! This is a big one, at least for me. Facebook can be a big time sucker and if it's open in a tab, those notifications are going to keep taunting you. Just turn it off for 30-60 minutes and get your post written!
- Your children are, and should always be #1. I try to do all of my intense blog work now when they are sleeping. Sure, I'll answer an email here and there or update on Facebook while they are awake, but I try to make the most of nap time and work then on blogging.
- Children LOVE to be helpers, so in order to get your housework/baking accomplished, include them in things! This means that they are spending time with you, gaining valuable knowledge AND you're getting your work done. Honestly, it doesn't matter the age either. Jacob who just turned one, spends many afternoons in the Moby wrap or soft-structured carrier with me while I cook dinner or vacuum the house. He LOVES it. Maggie adores helping me fix dinner and clean the house as well. Doing these things with her might take me longer--okay, a lot longer-- but it's worth it!
- Try to prioritize each morning. If you are a blogger (or Scentsy rep, sewer, cake maker, etc ) Think of that ONE thing that must get done...and then do that as soon as you can. Today for instance, I had to put away that massive pile of laundry above that I folded (housework priority #1), I need to work on a blog post for a new review and giveaway I have coming up for Brylane Home (blog priority #1) and I would like to get my inbox below 50 emails (there are about 75 in there right now--ouch!) before bed (blog priority #2). I also purpose to play with my children doing something they want to do for at least 30 minutes (each) a day (family priority #1). I then prioritize in order of which priority is most important. SO, I played My Little Ponies with Maggie and cars with Jacob first, then put the laundry away (with Maggie's help) and then, hopefully now that it's nap time, I will get that Brylane Home post written, followed by emails if time allows.
The truth of the matter is that, as moms, we will always have something else that needs done or we'd like to do. That's just life and that's okay! By setting just a few goals every day, rather than a massive long list of things that need done, I can usually go to bed each night feeling good about what I accomplished, rather than badly about what I did not.
Remember that every day is a new start. And, even though you and I may not truly be supermom, in the eyes of my children (and I bet in yours as well) you ARE! We are always are toughest critic!
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Sounds like my house on some days or most. This was fun to read because I felt like I was reading about my self. Thanks for letting us know we are not alone
ReplyDeleteWow very well put. I am mommy of 3 plus work full time and I also spend my time couponing and admatching my local Walmart store. I just decicded to start my own blog. Something small, nothing major. Somedays I feel that I will never sit down for the evening and there are a million things to do. But to be honest....I would never trade this for the world. None of us supermoms but we all strive our best to be "super mom" in our kids eyes. Sometimes we actually might achieve that some days. But other day we get overwhelmed from all the mommy-to-do's. That is our job, this is what we signed on for. And we all love it, or at least I do
ReplyDeleteI feel you! I am no super mum either, but we all try our best and i am sure in your family's eyes you are super mum! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for this. I have recently been so overwhelmed as blogging picks up (thankful) trying to juggle everything. Time already flies by too fast, and I don't want to feel guilty for working too much. Trying to find a balance like everyone else!
ReplyDeleteHe he I know the feeling. No kids yet but everyone thinks that I am the Martha Stewart of wifedom. I wish! lol like you I feel like there isn't enough time in a day. trying to catch up on my blog as well. Trying to start a family of my own its nice to read about what i can expect.
ReplyDeleteThis is how it gets at my house, never ending. I think the family should pitch in but they seem to make the mess while I clean it up. I think it's time for a change and I don't mean a wardrobe change. Good luck to all you women out there.
ReplyDeletesibabe64 at ptd dot net
You are so freaking awesome. You remind me of my friend Tracy whom I think should start blogging. I think she is a supermom and I look up to her. Everyone has their own definitions of a supermom - mine is more realistic.
ReplyDelete