5 Ways to Be a Multitasking Mom

People often ask me how I get so much done and keep so many balls in the air. It doesn't seem like I'm doing anything special, so I usually answer with some kind of flip answer like, "Oh, I rarely bathe," or, "My house is really messy!"

But that is not completely true. Upon further reflection, I've discovered that:

a. I do bathe at least as frequently as the average mom of three, and

b. I have a fairly clean, organized house, and

c. I have some tips that may be of use to you! 

So here are my ways of getting a little more done in a little less time and enjoying it a little more:

1. Use "wasted" time. I spend a goodly portion of my day behind the wheel of my car. My three kids are at three different schools, spread out across five miles. Plus we have basketball practices (2 kids), baseball practices (1 kid), soccer practices (1 kid), and wrestling meets (1 kid, not counting the "unofficial" meets that take place on the family room floor each night). I easily spend an hour or more in the car each day, with one or more of the kids. I use this time to connect (if we're one-on-one), or to "do" something together (our choice: Books on CD). Listening to a story together has cut down on the backseat fights tremendously, and turned "wasted" time in to "quality" time.

2. Lower your standards. When the prolific poet William Carlos Williams was asked how he managed to write a poem each and every day, he answered, "I have very low standards." This is my advice when it comes to parenting, homemaking, and life in general. Most people (and probably all of my readers) are perfectionist-types who like everything "just so." You want the perfect home, the perfect career, the perfect kids, the perfect body, the perfect scrapbook pages, the perfect marriage... and it's just not all possible. Maybe you can settle for "just okay" in some of those categories. 

3. Multitask. I know there's a renewed interest in single-tasking, or mindfulness. While it's a wonderful skill to master and put into play in certain situations (romantic evenings out with your spouse, for instance), there are plenty of moments throughout your day that do not require your full attention. My kids and husband like to watch movies; I do not, unless I'm doing something else. So I'll sit on the couch with them while they watch their Rockford Files reruns, and I'll check email. They have my presence, and that's enough. Other examples: 

• I check my email on my iPhone and read while I ride the bike at the gym
• I dictate spelling words in the car
• I knit at the kids' basketball/soccer/etc. games and practices
• I listen to podcasts while doing the grocery shopping
• I take walks with my girlfriend to catch up while exercising
• I carry a book with me at all times to take advantage of those 10-15 minutes of "waiting" time that pile up throughout the day

 image from Natalie Dee 

4. Make technology work for you. With the wonders of technology, you can seem to be everywhere at once! You can schedule tweets to go out after your bedtime. You can set up emails to be sent later, and replied to in bulk if they require the same answer. In fact, I'm writing this post on Monday morning to be published on Tuesday, because now is when I have the time. Take advantage of Crock Pots, iPhones, cell phones, and WiFi.

 image from Linzie Hunter

5. Love your life. Remember that all these things (kids, in particular!) are for the most part joys! You're swamped because your life is overflowing with opportunity and love. You have passions you enjoy, people you want to be with, and goals to achieve -- and THAT'S why you feel overwhelmed. You have an abundance of riches! Remembering this will not help you get more done, but it may help you be a bit happier while you're doing what you have to. 

I hope these little hints will help you think about your own schedule and areas of overwhelm. And if all else fails, I'm not above a little Prozac. ;)

Comments

[Lee]

My kids laugh at me since we can't leave the house without our "mama survival kit" which is simply my big LuLuLemon bag filled with books, journals and activities for all the found parking lot time! I should actually fill the bag with work-out clothes, but alas, it is what it is :) Have a wonderful multi-tasking day, Lain.

[Debbie]

Loved this post! I use #2 and #3 as my main survival strategies, but you reminded me that #5 is very important too.

[Sherry Coggins]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE your explanation of WHY we are overwhelmed!!! I think you have hit the nail on the head!! I have often thought about this subject and wondered WHY...........I feel like you have spoken to my heart this morning! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
by being YOU, you have touched my heart!

[Agata]

Thanks for sharing your tips! It's so good you've written them down! And yes, I'm overwhelmed, too!

[michelle]

This is great! I completely and totally agree with you..
I am going to link this on my blog to share with my friends.
Glad you put it all into words. This will be VERY helpful for busy moms!

[FuzzyCricket]

"Lower your expectations." The Perfection Illusion is my personal curse. I just barely figured out that lowering my expectations doesn't have to mean, "Let everything go to crap." (I'm good with extremes! If it's not perfect it's crap, etc.) It just means I don't have to fine tune everything to perfection. I can now let a *few* things evolve without micromanaging them to death. Hooray!

[Kelli]

Amazing list :o) Several friends with younger children ask me how I have so much free time... sadly, it's just because as my children age, they want to spend less time with me :o( It makes me very sad...make the most of their company while they let you!

[Cynthia]

These are quite encouraging. Thanks for the ideas!

[Christy]

Great post, Lain. Thanks for these tips!

[Dynasty]

This is great. I write my blog posts at night after the kids go to sleep.

That is a good tip about listening to the podcast while grocery shopping. **Do not take your kids to the grocery store if possible. This saves me time and money (from all the begging).

Thanks for all the tips.

[Rebecca]

aahh...Prozac...I knew I was missing something. ;) just kidding...

[Terrah]

Well put. ;)

[amy]

awesome!!!

[Homegrownart]

Good post. I sometimes stop to prioritize. Many times I press the pause button on my hobbies to keep up with my most important-family. When I am going out of balance, then I prioritize-me!

[Sue]

I totally agree. When you have kids, you spend a big portion of your day in the car. It's amazing what you can get done while in the car.

[twitter.com/pmakurat]

I've always wondered how you found time for all the reading. Even with my kids grown, I only get to read on weekends. Great post!

[Gab]

Love those tips especially walking with a friend - much better than a coffee date ... might have to do that soon!

[Anna]

You're Superb!

[Claudia]

I guess i am a huge time waster but i love to just sit and stare at the birds. Plus the meditating I do - 1 hour each day. Still I get to blog, prepare meals, talk to the kids, check home work, do exercise and not forget the kitchen and laundry. plus i can only concentrate on one thing at a time - I'm definately not gifted in the multitasking area.

[Aubrey]

Thanks for this. I really needed some helpful tips. Feeling really overwhelmed, especially as a newly single mom.

[Diane Glazier]

This blog was really helpful, and too funny! GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[Multitask tips]

Ha ha very cool posting.....
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viva-Magazine-Your-Premium-Womens-Natural-Health-Magazine/262734921452?ref=ts

[Rachel]

Love these hints. I think it was Voltaire who said, "The perfect is the enemy of the good." Has been so helpful to me.

[Lain]



OOh, I will have to quote him! Those French writers
are such smart gents. :)

xoxo

L

Lain Ehmann
Life doesnt have to be perfect to
be good.
[email protected]
408.348-2156