Most of the time, balancing the demands of taking care of a toddler and running a household can seem like an impossible task. Even if you want to become a supermom, there are only 24 hours in a day. And even supermoms need time to breathe.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make the balancing act easier. Here are five tips you can use:
1. Create a Routine and Stick to It
The key to successfully managing a household and taking care of a toddler is to create a routine and stick to it as much as possible. By having designated times for specific tasks, you can ensure that everything gets done and that your little one is kept on a schedule.
For instance, if your child wakes up at 7 am, breakfast can be at 7:30 am, followed by playtime, then a morning nap. You can squeeze in some work, exercise, or even light cleaning during their nap. Just make sure to take your baby monitor with you to hear if they wake up.
After lunch, there can be some more playtime, and then it’s time for dinner and bedtime. Creating a routine makes it easier for you and your child to know what to expect throughout the day and helps make the balancing act a little easier.
2. Divide and Conquer
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether from your partner, family, or friends. You can’t do it all on your own, and trying to will only lead to burnout. Learn how to delegate the tasks around the house so you’re not shouldering the entire burden yourself.
Aside from your loved ones, you can also get help from various home services. Suppose your house is carpeted, and you don’t have the time or energy to vacuum regularly. In that case, you can hire professional carpet cleaners to come in once a week or every other week to take care of it for you.
3. Stay on Top of Your Game
One of the best ways to balance taking care of your household and toddler is to stay on top of things. Don’t let the laundry pile up or the dishes go unwashed. If you can stay ahead of the game, it will make everything much easier in the long run.
Consider practicing the “Do It Now” mentality. If you see something that needs to be done within the next few minutes, take care of it right then and there. Don’t put it off until later because chances are you’ll forget or simply won’t have the time to do it.
The same goes for your toddler. If they’re crying or need a diaper change, attend to them as soon as possible. It’s better to deal with the issue right away rather than wait and have it escalate into something bigger because there’s a chance you won’t be able to handle it.
4. Take Advantage of Technology
Many helpful apps and websites can make managing a household and taking care of a toddler much more manageable. There’s an app for almost everything these days, from to-do lists to meal planning. Use them to your advantage every chance you get.
You can also use online retailers to help you save time by delivering groceries and other necessary household items right to your doorstep. This way, you won’t have to make a trip to the store every time you need something, such as formula, diapers, or wipes.
5. Make Time for Yourself
It’s essential to take some time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Once the kids are in bed, take a break to relax and recharge. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you don’t have time for a full-blown self-care routine, try to at least squeeze in some “me” time here and there.
You can use this time to do something you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a hot bath. If you’re due for a more extended break from being a mom, don’t hesitate to hire a babysitter so you can have a night out with your friends or significant other.
It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it’s something that makes you happy and helps you relax. So, don’t feel guilty for needing a break — it only makes you human to feel tired. Plus, once you’ve recharged your mom’s batteries, you’ll be in a much better shape to handle the balancing act.
No matter how you look at it, being a parent is hard work. It’s a full-time job and then some. However, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have in your life. Just remember to take things one day at a time and ask for help when you need it. With some effort, you’ll be able to find the perfect balance between taking care of your toddler and your household!
