It’s challenging when you have a young child but you also need to go to work. You can do it. But you can’t do it all. Is it hard? Yes! So, you need to make it easier on yourself. You also need to figure out what your priorities are and schedule them. Then, whatever time you have with your young one. Make the most of it. Here are some of the things that I do to make sure that I don’t feel like I’m drowning so I can try to give my best to my young child.
Organize the various chores around the house and involve your little helper
I have chosen not to use any harsh chemicals for cleaning because of this. But also, when my young child was at the stage of licking everything or putting everything in her mouth, I made the switch.
Make the mundane tasks more fun
I only have a few minutes in the morning before I need to drop her off at daycare. So I sing a fun song for her to wake up to and talk her through her diaper change and putting on clothes for the day.
I also try to involve her in choosing her shoes for the day. I keep a minimal wardrobe which makes this so easy and helps me also not to get decision fatigue.
Wake up as early as you can and get things done
I don’t know where I first heard this, but implementing it as certainly been a game changer! All the things that I feel l just can’t even think through when I have to be dealing with a young child, I can do in this time.
Also things that I feel are imperative for me to de-stress and unwind I do at this time. This really gives me an edge over my day.
It helps create an atmosphere of energy and momentum.
Streamline your tasks to maximize efficiency
Cooking is a big thing that can take up a lot of time. Be we all need to eat. We also need to enjoy what we are eating.
So I’m a big advocate of freezing meals ahead of time so all I have to do is to thaw out dinner during the day and quickly heat it up when we get home.
I’m also an advocate of slow cooker meals that can cook while I’m away at work or while were are out enjoying a lovely summer day. Coming home to a delicious, freshly ready meal that is within your budget is an amazing feeling.
Limit your screen Time
Your child needs your undivided attention. Less screens for the both you means more time together. Being actively present with a young child will be an invaluable gift you give yourself and your child because they grow up so quickly!
Plan out your weekdays and be spontaneous on the weekend
I enjoy following an organized home cleaning list during the week so I can free up the weekend to devote to my toddler.
We go for long walks, picnics, day trips, playgrounds, parks, to the library etc. I like to take a little time during my “alone time” to plan some fun ideas for our full days together and we (mostly) have a blast!
Have an interactive bedtime routine
This is an avenue to form a nice ritual that I believe increases bonding between parent and child. I like to wash the the day off. That means bath time for her, shower time for me. Then we unwind/play and read a few books and pray before bed.
This is a daily time of helping her learn how to read and capture her imagination and also teach my values.
What things would you add to the list? Please leave a comment!