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Sometimes, just thinking about all the things you need to fit in to one day is too much. Without the energy and special powers of one of
your kid's superheroes, it can be hard to accomplish everything you want to do both inside and outside the home. Then there's the small matter of making
some time for yourself, just so you can feel human once in a while. We've been looking at what you can do to make your life that little
bit easier. Whether it's building up a 'helping' network' or taking advantage of technology, it all adds up! Here are our practical tips:
during pregnancy
Whether it's your first or your third child, being pregnant can be both physically and mentally draining. It's perfectly normal to think
that you can take it on and still do everything you did before, until you find yourself so exhausted you can't move. Here's how you can
lighten the load:
- Ante-natal classes are great places to make friends. Not only will they live in the area but you will all have kids around the
same time. This will provide a great support network of people who know what you are going through and with whom you can let off steam.
- Don't be shy about accepting offers from family and friends to help around the house, do shopping etc and if they don't offer
then don't be shy about asking!
- Treat yourself. Once a month, have dinner out with girlfriends or pamper yourself by booking in for a facial or manicure. It
may only be a couple of hours but it will do wonders for your energy and self-esteem.
- Talk to your partner. He will also need to adjust, especially if he hasn't been through it before. Let him know what you need
and when you'd appreciate help. Remember if you don't ask you don't get!
after your baby is born
- As your toddler establishes a routine, take advantage of nap times, but don't just use this time to get tasks done. This is
'you' time - these moments are for putting your feet up and relaxing. You could even have a nap.
- Team up with other new mums from your ante-natal class for group play sessions. They will enjoy the company and you'll have
someone else helping to watch the kids while you have a chat at the same time!
- When baby starts weaning, don't feel guilty about using pre-prepared baby foods. There are some excellent products on the
market including frozen natural baby foods which are microwaveable.
- You have probably organised direct debits for all your bills by now. Online banking can also save you lots of time.
- Plan meals as far ahead as you can and cultivate a collection of recipes that can be on the table in less than half an hour.
We feature some excellent ones each month and there are cookbooks that specialise in fast, low maintenance one-pot meals. Cook
more than you need, the extra food can be frozen and saved for a rainy day.
special tips for working mums
There's a tendency for mums who go to work to feel more guilty than most yet there's absolutely no reason why we should. Historically,
women have always worked, whether it's selling the family wares in the town market or gathering berries for dinner. At the same time,
children have been shown to benefit from additional sources of love and care. Playgroups, parents, in-laws and good friends all form
an extended family that can help both you and your child.
Time is your most precious commodity so don't apologise for shortcuts that allow you to have more of it. Practical tradeoffs
can help as well. It's worth leaving the office early and doing some late evening emailing in order to have dinner with your children.
And while we're on that subject, pick up dinner on the way home occasionally. There are services, people and technology out there to
help you, so use them!
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