Being a mother has both rewarding, fulfilling and “aah” moments, but at times, it is just downright exhausting. Mothers have the often unappreciated job of juggling school activities, meal prepping, extracurricular activities and much more, while having to plan, schedule, cook dinner, and, in many cases, a career to focus on. It’s easy to feel that there are just not enough hours in the day, and wish there could just be someone to step in and save you from the chaos.
Then again, have you ever considered nanny services? Whether you are a first-time parent or even a seasoned pro, hiring a nanny could ideally be a complete game changer.
When you take some time to fully understand the role of a nanny and accept the fact that it does not make you less of a parent, having a nanny can strike the perfect balance between “mom life” and “me time”.
With that in mind, let us look at five methods you may not have thought of that will make your life easier as a mom, without sacrificing your sanity!!
1. Take Advantage of Nanny Services for Extra Support
Not every parent wants to hear this, but taking advantage of a nanny or babysitter for additional support could just be the best thing for your family. If you’ve ever Googled “how to clone yourself,” you’re not alone. But while we wait for that technology to be perfected, nanny services could most likely be the solution that you are seeking.
Nanny services are essentially much more advanced and flexible than you may think. You could just hire someone to care for your children after school, or occasionally. Then again, nannies also offer full-time support, which allows you to focus on your careers and self-care.
Hiring a nanny is not quite the same as hiring a babysitter. A nanny is a professional and experienced individual who provides your children with so much more than just basic care. They are there to ease the burden of being a mother, giving you a breather when things become overwhelming.
2. Delegate Tasks Without Feeling Guilty
Often, as a mother, it is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to do everything yourself. However, here is a little secret for you, you don’t!!!! You can delegate tasks to your partner, or even older children, to make your load a little lighter.
Even if guilt comes with asking for help, remember, by delegating tasks you are investing in your well-being, which means you can be a better mother and partner, and obviously, you deserve some help!
So, take into consideration everyone’s schedules in the household, and delegate suitable tasks to reduce the load on your shoulders. Children should essentially learn to do age-appropriate chores from a young age because it is vital to teach them responsibility as part of their development.
Then again, if you hire a nanny service, there is an extra set of hands that can help with daily tasks at home, and with childcare. Many nannies offer light household tasks as part of the role of a nanny, in addition to childcare.
3. Build a Routine that Works for Everyone
Routine is your secret weapon against chaotic madness!!! It is a valuable and underrated tip that all mothers must take more seriously.
Children thrive on routine, and for them, it is all about consistency. That is why it is essential to have a daily schedule that works for you and your family. You will also notice that your life quickly becomes much more organised and less chaotic when you have a set routine. In addition, your children will also become calmer and more confident.
So what should you include in a routine? For starters, consider your regular day and everything that happens during the day.
- Create a schedule for meal times and meal preparation.
- Have clear and consistent bedtime routines for the children.
- Plan family activities, such as playing a board game after dinner, or just reading a story before bedtime.
- Delegate a few basic chores to children such as packing away their toys, brushing their teeth, or feeding the dog.
- Plan your morning routine carefully, as this is the area where most mothers struggle.
Having a daily schedule keeps you more organized and ensures a sense of stability for your children and family.
4. Use Technology to Stay Organized and On Top of Things
Technology is essentially your best friend as a parent. With the advancement of technology and so many applications available that can make your life easier today, why not take advantage of the opportunity?
Just to give you an idea, here are a few applications that you can use to make your daily schedule easier and more organised:
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Google Calendar
– Google Calendar acts as your own personal reminder for appointments, birthdays and any other activities that you need to be reminded of. You can easily activate it on your mobile phone, and its alarm will remind you.
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Task Management App
– This application helps you easily manage daily tasks and stay on top of your children’s activities.
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Communication Apps
– These applications help you to stay connected to family members, nannies, and even children.
These are but a few of the applications that you can use as a mother. Keep in mind they are all designed for busy parents specifically and created as an extension of your parenting efforts.
5. Focus on Self-Care (Because You Matter Too)
Mothers hear this a million times from doctors, friends, family and even psychiatrists. Well, remember this fact: “You cannot care for others if you neglect yourself”!!! If you are not in a good physical or emotional condition, how are you going to provide your family or children with the support and care that they require? When your cup is empty and your battery is low, what do you have to offer?
So, self-care is not selfish, but rather an investment in yourself to equip you to be the best mother you can be for your family.
Then again, what is self-care? Well, self-care is taking a much-deserved break, and ensuring that you stay physically healthy and mentally stable, to put it plainly.
Here are a few examples of self-care for mothers:
- Take some time every day to relax, take a breath and do something that gives you peace and that you enjoy.
- Take a long relaxing bath, shave your legs, exfoliate your skin, and use those essential oils.
- Make an appointment at the salon, whether it is for a relaxing massage or even a new hairstyle.
- Get some exercise. Even if it’s just a ten-minute walk, physical activity does wonders for the body and soul.
- Go out, enjoy a night out with friends, a movie, or even a romantic dinner with your spouse. You can always hire a reliable babysitter for the children.
Finally, in addition to the list of self-care, so often mothers give up their hobbies or aspirations, things that they are good at and enjoy doing, to care for their family. This is not necessary, and just a recipe for regret. Do the things that you enjoy, have a hobby. It is all about balance and routine, and with the right approach, you can easily allow yourself some time to do the things that you love.
As a Final Thought
Being a mom is one of the most fulfilling roles you can have, but let’s be honest, it’s also a lot of work! Now there are a few methods that work wonders to make your life easier as a mother, but essentially, you must admit that you do need some help.
Thus, whether it is delegating duties to family members, or hiring a reliable nanny, it will help you to reclaim some time for yourself, reduce stress, and enjoy a much more balanced lifestyle.
Many parents today consult the help of experienced and qualified nannies, by understanding the role of a nanny and utilising their help they easily form an integral part of our support team, and let us face it every mother can do with a little help now and again.
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