Time-Saving Tricks

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Balancing Kids, Work and Everything Else

I'm always looking for ways to better manage my time. Having a big calendar posted in the kitchen has helped my family get organized since the kids were small. As they got older, I divided up the grocery list, gave them each some items to get, and we made quick work of our shopping at the supermarket or farmer's market. It took a while to train them to pick the produce, but they also picked up some math practice along the way. What time-saving tricks do you have for those of us trying to salvage more time for ourselves and our families?

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I made a work schedule for the family for all the chores in the house. On Monday my son has 3 things he must complete that day, doesnt matter when as long as he gets them done and so on with the whole family. My son and I decorated a shoe box and mad a slit in the top. When he completes his work for the day, he is allowed to put a card in the box that has somthing he would like to do as a family. If he completes the week with everything done, he can pick a card out of the box while not looking. Whatever the card says, we do as a family that weekend.

This also works well with teaching your kids about money. I made a cost sheet of all his things, from books to clothes. He earns money when he goes up and beyond and does something extra. But if he leaves his things out, he must buy them back.

Finding uniforms or clothes nightly helps save time dramatically. It allows both the children and the parents to be involved providing more "family time." The children are required to place their shoes neatly in a place they will be able to find them quickly. Letting the child choose which uniform shirt color allows the child to feel responsible and sometimes even important in the decision-making process. Parents are still highly encouraged to inspect the child's choices and ensure they are nicely ironed and prepared to represent the family well. One trick that will definitely help save time.

Make a list of what needs to be done that day. Cross them off as you go. This really helps me a mom of 4. The calendar of everyones schedule on the fridge works good as well. Take time for you so schedule that too. While you wait save things that can be done then to utilize the time instead of just sitting and waiting.

Great ideas!
I have 8 and almost 5. I buy almost everything in bulk. I do weekly laundry on Fridays' night, cook our weekly dinner on Saturdays and on Sundays, my spouse do the ironing for the entire week. My children select their clothing a night before and fix their breakfast most of the morning. My daughter takes bus most of the time and she is always the first person to be out of the door the day I work at home. My daughter started doing her laundry last month, but she has been washing her under-wears since age 6.

Children sleeping on time help save time and energy in the morning.

Ok....I have 13, 10, 8 yr olds...So here are couple of tips.
I have 4 bins for required snacks for school. *drink, carbo(granola), fruit, 4th bin is full of stuff they select. My kids can make their own sandwhiches. They grab 1 item from each bin and their sandwhich. Easy five min. Out the door on time.
Teach them how to laundry. Start with darks minimal risk. They can transfer into the dryer. If an 8yr old can play video games they can learn the washer and dryer.

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