Shortcuts That Will Keep You Sane As a Parent

The many plates are spinning and it can feel as though at any minute they will all come crashing down.

• I've started buying clothes that require no ironing. I never ironed other than the hubby's shirts (occasionally) but now I can ignore it without the feeling of guilt when I see my child wearing said creased clothes.
• We have 1-2 “easy dinners” per week. Serving healthy wholesome food is important to me but some days it's just not as easy to make it happen. I've now accepted that 1-2 nights per week it's something quick and easy OR it's a cheeky Mc Donalds or take-away for little hands. Making that decision takes away the stress and guilt that I once experienced on those days flustered in the kitchen.
• Baths are twice a week now rather than every single day. It's just not necessary. Daily bathing was an hour long affair and my son was filthy after an hour of pre-school. A good wash before bed every night is just as effective and it's saving me heaps of time on busy mid-week evenings. Plus, I now enjoy and savour that beautiful freshly bathed child experience now. There is nothing like it!
• I take fifteen minutes every evening to make lunches and leave out clothes for the morning. It makes me feel calmer and less rushed in the mornings. I find it's easy to do it when I have the utensils and ingredients to hand rather than in the midst of morning tantrums.
• Cleaning Wipes. I give the house a “good clean” once a week now. Every other day I use anti-bacterial cleaning wipes to give the bathroom and surfaces a good once over. On top of the regular tidying up this is just enough of a “top up”. We've found a good balance. The place isn't gleaming but I wouldn't die of mortification if an unexpected guest showed up!