When my daughter turned 18 months I went back to work full-time as my workplace did not offer part-time work. Being a primary school teacher which is a very taxing and involved job, I needed to come up with a plan so that I could continue to successfully run a functioning household as a working mum. My daughter is now over two and I have been back full time for 8 months and I have survived!! Here are some of my tips which allow you to work and still provide healthy home cooked meals for your family and keep up to date with your chores!
1. Use a weekly meal planner and a categorised shopping list which are both attached to your fridge. Plan for two weeks worth of meals and order your groceries online! I do my meal planning and food order on fortnightly Sundays while my toddler is sleeping which saves on time and delivery fees. It saves so much time and effort ordering online and having it delivered to your door. I also pop to the local supermarket once a week to top up fresh fruit and vegetables.
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2. Put a load of washing on each night. My hubby baths my daughter and I use this as an opportunity to keep up to date with the washing and folding of clean washing! Another great time to do this is during the ad break of your favourite television show.
3. Use a pressure cooker or slow cooker for a few meals each week. It’s a great time saver and will allow you to feed your kids all the vegetables disguised in a yummy sauce! A rice cooker is another must in the kitchen, most can be purchased for under $15, they save dishes and time, a win for all! I have an all in one slow, pressure and rice cooker – its the Ronson . Pick one up for a good price at Target. http://www.target.com.au/p/ronson-pressure-cooker-rpr8/51182250. It is trully fantastic!
4. Have a few spare pre-made meals cooked in advance and in the freezer for those hectic evenings when you have no time to cook. I often cook up a few extra meals the day the food order is delivered when all ingredients are fresh.
5. Pack lunches for you and your family using leftovers (most of my recipes posted allow enough leftovers for lunch). Pack daycare bags and lay out work and children’s clothes for the next day. This will leave you well organised for the morning.
What do you do to keep on top of things in your busy household?
You are so organised What great tips!