No one ever said that being a parent is easy. Raising kids while juggling your career, household chores, family obligations and other responsibilities is hard. However, staying organized and making the most of the limited time in your hectic schedule allows you to stay on top of everything without breaking too much of a sweat.
When keeping up with your obligations seems impossible, there are several things you can do to relieve some of the burden and make your life a little bit easier. From switching to laundry detergent sheets that don’t require measuring to investing in convenient and safe childcare products, keep reading to discover a few essentials for parents with busy schedules.
1. Cleaning Products That Don’t Require Measuring
Every second counts when you have a hectic schedule. Even something as simple as measuring laundry or dishwasher detergent takes time. To save yourself some precious time, consider switching to laundry detergent sheets and dishwasher tablets that don’t require measuring.
In addition to shaving a few seconds off your day, detergent sheets are eco-friendly laundry products that reduce your impact on the environment. They come in a recyclable cardboard box rather than a plastic jug, so they have a lower carbon footprint and will take up less space in your laundry room. Plus, they make it easier for older kids to do their own laundry since they don’t need to measure anything.
2. Reusable Paper Towels
Whether you are trying to go green or are tired of constantly having to run out and buy paper towels, give reusable paper towels a try. Reusable paper towels are eco-friendly, extremely absorbent and durable. A single pack of reusable towels replaces up to 1,500 paper towels. In addition to being better for the planet, this means you won’t have to find a place to store bulky paper towel rolls or worry about making a last-minute trip to the store because you ran out.
Reusable paper towels are compact enough to fit in your child’s diaper bag or backpack for quick cleanups. You can even tuck a wet one in a zippered plastic bag for those activities that you know will include a sticky mess — like visiting a local ice cream shop.
3. Meal Delivery Service
Having meal kits delivered to your home may seem like an unnecessary luxury, but doing so is essential for busy parents. When you subscribe to Hello Fresh, Blue Apron or another meal delivery service, you’ll get to pick out meals your family will enjoy and have them shipped directly to your doorstep. That means that instead of swinging through the McDonald’s drive-thru again, you’ll be able to prepare a fresh, healthy meal.
Meal kits come with all the ingredients needed to prepare a taste bud-tantalizing meal. Some kits even include pre-measured, prepped ingredients that you just need to combine and cook according to the included recipe. No matter what kit you choose, you’ll spend less time trying to figure out what to eat and shopping for ingredients at the grocery store. Instead, you’ll get to enjoy tasty, home-cooked meals with your family without all the hassle.
4. Grocery Delivery
If the idea of ordering meal kits doesn’t appeal to you, try taking advantage of a grocery delivery service. You’ll get to select the products you need, and someone else will do the shopping for you. Whether you use Instacart or Shipt to order from your local grocery store or you place an online order through Misfits Market, your groceries will be delivered to your home. It doesn’t get much easier or more convenient than that!
5. Video Monitor
A video monitor makes it easier to keep an eye on your kiddos without having to go check on them. For busy parents, this means you can work on other household tasks while making sure your kids stay safe. Video monitors are especially useful for parents who work from home and may be unable to watch their kids’ every move throughout the day.
As your child gets older, you can use the video monitor to make sure they arrive home safely from school while you’re at work and check up on them until you’re done for the day. Whether you’re a new parent or already have a few years of experience under your belt, investing in a high-quality video monitor (or a few of them) is an excellent choice.
6. A Great Planner/Organizer
Planners have come a long way in the last few years. They come in nearly limitless styles and designs, making it easy to find one that perfectly suits your needs. There are event planners made especially for parents. Whether you just need a pocket calendar for keeping track of appointments and events, or you’re looking for a planner with all the bells and whistles, there’s one that’s right for you.
In addition to helping you manage your time, planning can be an enjoyable hobby. You can even combine planning with journaling to experience the soothing nature of writing down your thoughts.
7. Insulated Tumbler
An insulated tumbler might not seem like an essential at first glance, but hear us out. How often do you find yourself sipping cold coffee because you were too busy to drink it while it was hot? With a good insulated tumbler, you’ll get to enjoy your favorite hot beverages without having to reheat them — even if it takes you a while.
Plus, these tumblers keep cold drinks cold. If you’ve ever experienced the disappointment of reaching for a cold drink while sitting in the sweltering heat at your kid’s game only to discover it’s warm, you know why this is such a big deal.
Conclusion
When you are a busy parent, anything that makes your life easier is a worthwhile investment. The essentials above will save you time and make staying on top of all your responsibilities less overwhelming. Try one out today. Even if you start with something simple like switching to laundry detergent sheets, you’ll likely be surprised by just how much of a difference a small upgrade can make.
Article Submitted By Community Writer