Mommy Moments
A Mother’s Work is Never Done
By Melanie Lewis
I’m busy. That is the report of moms and dads everywhere. Our plate is full; driving kids to school, activities, visiting friends, social events, in addition to the everyday chores of housework, cooking, shopping, volunteering and work. What’s left over? Is there time to take care of yourself? What happened to exercise, your social life, time to reflect or even think? The key is time.
I discovered a few tricks that really help accomplish a better utilization of those precious minutes. The time consuming or important things have to go first, or there is no more time for it. For me this is my five-minute ABs. It’s not time-consuming, but if I didn’t get to it first thing in the morning, I won’t get to it. Is your exercise important and you’re missing it? Then do it first. Emails and Facebook can wait. If there’s something you can multi-task, then watch your Netflicks on the treadmill. Now that exercise attire is in style, wear the yoga pants and you’re always ready to do a strength activity or stretch.
Simplifying is the next step. Reduce pressures and lofty expectations by selecting 1 thing that you love and eliminate the others. If you have a refinishing project or craft. Pick it and then devote time to it and get rid of the others. Ok, you’ve had that refinishing or restoration project sitting in the corner haunting you. Either take it up and devote a certain amount of time instead of watching TV, cruising FB, etc. Or just get rid of it! It is or it isn’t. No more I may get to it pie-in-the sky idea. Right now if you have kids, pick one thing to focus on and when they get older, if you still have the desire, then buy that model T to restore or make that quilt. Automate bill-paying, elect paperless statements, reduce the number of bank accounts, and consolidate insurance to one provider. Once you get through the initial start up, the workload is reduced.
Likewise, get rid of clutter. Have that neighborhood yard sale now. Anything not sold goes to charity. You’ll be able to take it off your taxes if you itemize. Papers, books, clothes – the rule is… if you haven’t used it or worn it in three years, then adios! Scour the dark and hidden places of your cupboards for the graveyard of cleaners – donate to a non-profit organization. Go through body lotions, makeup, and toss. I sometimes leave products I didn’t like at church for others or at the bus stop with a sign that says “perfectly good – I didn’t like.” Make cleaning kits. Cleaner go into a bucket or tote to be at the ready. It takes up less storage space and you always have the tools at hand. I have a vacuum for upstairs and one for downstairs. More enjoyable and likely that the kids will pitch in when it’s convenient.
Now that you have a few less things to manage, use a routine like FLYLADY to keep on top of it. I signed up for the newsletters and there you just take directions. One day it’s clean the sink, the next day it’s wash clothes. There are other routines like drink water, or swish the toilet once a day. Post the schedule and say, “all occupants, tomorrow is laundry day. It’s in the bin or you wear it dirty.” We schedule play-dates, so why not chores to have a house run effectively? I hate CHAOS. So fly-lady lends order and routine, so it becomes naturally effortless and freeing. Hopefully when asked how you’re doing, you’re busy, but it’s enjoying something you like; reading a book or games with your kids.
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Melanie Lewis is the mother of 2 active young boys. She is married and works part-time as a Silpada representative and a weight loss consultant. She enjoys book club, and playing with her Blue-mitted Ragdoll, Percy and Golden Retriever, Rosie. She can be reached at[email protected].