CONT'D 12 TIPS FOR MOTHERS AT HOME TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE

ESTABLISH A REGULAR CLEANING ROUTINE: Some mothers prefer to clean the entire house all at once. When you have young kids, however, taking a few hours to devote your undivided attention to the house becomes almost impossible. It is best to add a few cleaning items to your to-do list each day rather than try to do it all at once. This daily checklist can help.

SCHEDULE ACTIVE AND QUIET TIMES: The most productive moms are often the ones who have a regular schedule and who stick it to without fail. Your kids need ample time to run and play as well as to socialize with other kids. Set up regularly scheduled active times, but ensure that you work quiet times into your day as well.

LET YOUR KIDS PLAY BESIDE YOU: There are always instances when you need to sit down and tend to adult matters, and you can easily set up activities for the kids to do beside you. For example, you can set out a few puzzles or art supplies. Let the kids go to town on their own while they sit quietly beside you.

HIRE A BABYSITTER: These tips can help you to free up a considerable amount of time in your day, but you may find that you still need extra time to be fully productive. Another idea is to hire a babysitter to spend a few afternoons each week with your kids. You can use this time to run errands or even to tend to chores in the house while someone else keeps a watchful eye on your kids. In many homes, evenings are spent gathered around the TV, but you can use this time more productively. For example, while your spouse is home from work, head to the grocery store so that you can cross an item off of your to-do list without the kids in tow. You may also use the evening to relax with a quiet bath and enjoy personal time.

Being more productive at home is often challenging, but you will find that using the right strategies and improving your organization is helpful. These tips can easily be used to help you free up more time in your busy day for productivity.