Overwhelmed Single Mum? 6 Tips for an efficient time management
Being a mother is an incredibly rewarding role, but it’s also time-consuming. Between family, professional and personal responsibilities, it can quickly feel like you’re running out of time! Even more so when you’re a solo mom. However, with the right organization and time management, it’s possible to find a balance. Here are some practical tips to help you manage your time.
Plan your week to save time
Planning is the key to saving time in your day. Here are a few tips for successful planning:
- Use a diary or planning app: Whether you prefer a paper diary or an app like Google Calendar, writing down all your activities and appointments will help you keep an overview of your week. If you’re more into new technologies, you can turn to apps like Google Calendar, Todoist, or Notion to organize your tasks and projects. Combine your work and personal agendas to get a clearer picture of your day and week.
- Prioritize your tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks. Use the Eisenhower matrix to differentiate between what’s urgent and important, and what’s a lower priority.
- Plan your weeks in advance: Take a moment every Sunday evening to plan your week. Make a note of appointments (medical appointments with the kids, outings with friends…), tasks to be accomplished, and anticipate any difficulties. Use apps if you need them for meal preparation, as you’ll quickly run out of ideas (like the Jow app).
Define routines
Routines bring structure to your day, which can significantly reduce stress and improve efficiency.
- Morning routines: Get your day off to a productive start. Wake up a little earlier to have a moment to yourself before the kids get up. Use this time to meditate, exercise, or simply have a quiet coffee.
- Evening routines: Get ready for the next day. Lay out clothes, prepare lunches, and organize school and work bags to save time in the morning.
- Weekly routines: Set aside specific time slots for recurring tasks such as shopping, housework and family activities.
Delegate and collaborate
It’s important to realize that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating certain tasks can free up valuable time.
- Get the kids involved: Depending on their age, children can help with simple tasks like putting away toys, making their beds, or even helping to prepare meals. To save time, I follow my daughter’s rhythm. So I eat at 7pm like she does, and sometimes I shower when she’s having her bath to optimize my time.
- Outsource if possible: If your budget allows, consider hiring a housekeeper, or use delivery services for shopping. In France, you can even benefit from tax deduction if you employ someone, so it may be worth considering. Take advantage of delivery services for shopping, meals…
- Use technology: It can be an excellent ally in managing your time and simplifying your life. For housework, if your budget allows, favor dishwashers, robot vacuum cleaners… For more tips on how to keep a tidy house with children, see my article on the subject. And for the kitchen, self-cooking robots let you do other chores while the meal is being prepared.
Maximize Family Time
Spending quality time with your family is crucial, but it doesn’t have to mean big outings or activities.
- Plan simple activities: board game nights, family walks, or movie nights at home can be just as rewarding as more elaborate outings. Favor outdoor activities to keep you from having to clean up and tidy up afterwards;
- Multitask: Use the time when you’re doing chores to chat with your kids or listen to inspiring audiobooks or podcasts.
- Create family traditions: Traditions strengthen family bonds and give everyone something to look forward to. It can be as simple as baking a cake together every Sunday or a pizza party every Friday…
Take Care of Yourself
A happy, healthy mother is essential for a happy family. Take time for yourself and your own needs.
- Make time for yourself: Set aside time for activities that recharge your batteries, whether it’s reading, exercising, meditating or taking a relaxing bath.
- Learn to say no: You don’t have to accept every invitation or respond to every request. Learn to recognize your limits and respect them.
- Seek support: Don’t underestimate the importance of social support. Whether it’s through friends, family, or mothers’ support groups, talking about your experiences and sharing your challenges can be very beneficial. For example, look for associations in your city that can support you. In Lyon, I’m a member of the Monoparenthèse association, which works in this direction.
Accepting flexibility
Finally, flexibility is essential for any mother. Plans can change and the unexpected happens.
- Be ready to adapt your plans: Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Learn to adjust your plans without stress and find alternative solutions.
- Practice gratitude: Take time each day to recognize the positive aspects of your life. This can help maintain a positive outlook even when things get chaotic.
- Accept imperfection: You don’t have to be a perfect super-mom. Do the best you can, and make allowances for yourself.
By putting these tips into practice, you can optimize your time and create a harmonious balance between your different responsibilities. Every mother is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you and your family. With a little planning and delegation, you can improve your time management and make the most of every precious moment with your loved ones.
