Harder, better, faster, stronger… or so the Daft Punk song goes, right? There’s something so familiar in those infectious lyrics, I reckon they were written with parents in mind:
Harder – Yep. Life is most definitely that once the tiny terrorists arrive (but we do love a good challenge). Better – a big, fat YES to that – life is now tinged with a rosy glow (okay, not all the time, don’t judge me). Faster – this is the word you really do attempt to apply to everything you do in an effort to squeeze everything into the same 24 hours you had in your childless days. Stronger – in every way: mentally, once you get over the sudden teary outbursts in the early days, you surprise yourself how freaking amazing you are at coping, and physically, because you can carry a small child on your hip, while carrying a baby in 3 stone car seat (made by men, I am sure) while balancing a baby bag and a cuddly toy in both hands.
Can anyone relate?
Of course you can. Well, while we can’t help with every aspect of parent life (although, we will try) we think getting things done in a speedier way might just help you live your life in a more rhythmic way. Go faster stripes all the way.
Be time-starved no more.
1. Take 5 minutes in the morning to yourself
Yeah, who the hell has an extra five minutes in the morning, I hear you say…. well, try this. Take a few extra minutes before they wake up, breathe deep into your tummy through your nose and out through your mouth. This centres you, helps you relax and makes your mind and body run more efficiently. Promise.
2. Prioritise
Make a mental (or written) list of the three most important things you need to get done that day. This will help you seed out what’s necessary and what’s not. So, you don’t get the laundry basket emptied today, it’s not the end of the world, do what’s important that day and this will help with head-space for all the little daily inevitabilities that come with having kids.
3. Charge your gadgets faster
Pop your phone on Airplane mode, plug it into the wall, not your computer for faster charging and make sure you’re using a charger with the correct amperage. You can actually use higher amperage chargers, like the kind that come with tablets, to get your phone charged up in less time than it would if you charged via USB or using the charger the phone came with, and it won’t cause a problem.
4. Speed clean
Baby wipes and disinfectant bathroom wipes are your best allies. Have some stored in various places all over your home for inevitable spillages, pukes, grubby hand prints, sticky walls, stain-removal… and the rest. Then, throw on your favourite playlist and get the job done in super-speedy time.
5. Order online
Don’t even attempt to bring the kids to the supermarket – are you cracked? If you can help it, the extra few euro per week on delivery service will pay for the bribes and the petrol to the supermarket (well, almost). Ordering your groceries online saves you money too as you’re not tempted to splurge on things you don’t need. Then, try buying kids clothes, your health shop items and anything that saves you having to drive, park and waste precious time in the shops.
6. Use a microfiber towel
Wrap your hair in this baby after a shower and it not only sucks the water from your hair but it’s one of the niftiest time-savers when you’re getting ready.
7. Buy gifts in bulk
Endless kiddies parties to go to? Next time you’re in the book shop, buy a few extra books for the age group your kids are in. And while you’re at it, stock up on wrapping paper or present bags so you’re never stuck racing to the book or Art & Hobby shops ten minutes before the party begins.
8. Printables
Got a printer at home? Get on Pinterest, fast. Millions and I mean, millions of free printables are there for the kids to enjoy. Colouring, crafts, things to do when they’re bored. Just get online, search and print. Then, enjoy the sounds of silence. These are an absolute MUST for the school holidays.
9. Multi-tasking make-up
Use a BB cream – a cream that pulls double-duty as a moisturiser and a foundation. Buy a blusher that doubles as a lipstick. Try a shampoo and conditioner duo, or use an in-shower moisturiser to save time on applying body lotion and look great.
10. Put the kids to bed faster
Okay, not simples, we know. But toddlers and young kids are like tiny little lawyers, the devil is in the details. Be specific with them before bed. Tell them you are reading a specific book, this will cut down on whining and convincing time. Make sure the room is as dark as possible, even during story-time. Make it all a game or fun at least, time them to get into their PJs, make a game about getting them to brush their teeth and get into bed. Keep all the cues consistent so they know it’s the same drill each night.
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