A heart to heart from mum to mum

Six super-organised mums on the east coast share some of their best advice on how to juggle families with careers, without breaking out into a sweat….

1. Delegate tasks in the morning to the kids e.g. feeding dogs/polishing shoes/gathering bags

2. Dedicate a set time to homework and reading and ensure you're fully present for that time and not on your phone or email or watching TV. Trying to find the ‘perfect work/life’ balance is an ongoing struggle for ALL working moms – so don’t beat yourself up about it, rather dedicate short periods of quality, face-to-face time with your children!

3. Arrange lift clubs to and from school so you're not losing chunks of work time every day (it’s a win-win for all families)

4. Planning, planning, planning – we all know kids love routine, so being proactive helps them get more organised and then they know what to expect

5. Create and nurture a support system - people you can call on if/when you need to (a Backup Plan/wingman or woman!)  

6. Don't try and be superwoman!! You can't do it all, so prioritise and make a list.  You don't want to be so busy doing it all, that you miss those precious never to be repeated moments

7. Never feel guilty about leaving your kids behind, they are more independent than you think!

8. Have a gift cupboard and stock it regularly with presents and novelties, cards, ribbons and wrapping paper/bags so that you are never caught unawares with last minutes parties that need presents.

9. Also good idea to have a packet of ready to make Muffins in the cupboard especially for Baker Day or unexpected Tea Date!

10. In an ideal world – try and plan tomorrow today - have everything lined up for school and work the night before, makes for a very pleasant morning for everyone

11. Draw up a weekly planner (including: during and after school activities) and put one up in each child’s bedroom & one for the fridge – everyone knows what is happening at any given time (limits confusion and forgetfulness, as well as shares the load of responsibilities – symbols work well for little people)

12. Leave your work at the office – try not to take work home to complete in the evenings. ‘You time’ or ‘couple time’ with your partner is very important!

13. Aftercare was created just for that, after CARE – often they would rather be with their friends on the jungle gyms anyway!

14. Buy peeled packet of veggies and that saves the rush when you walk through the door

15. Online grocery shopping has saved many marriages and parent sanity!! Leaves a lot more time for ice creams on the beach

16. Bulk cook and freeze – saves time, money and electricity. Whack on a huge hearty stew/soup/tomato sauce and when done and dusted, divide into containers and freeze. Makes week day dinners a breeze!

The 6 super organised Contributing Moms are Karen Brokensha (Matatu Hospitality Marketing Consultant), Emma Dunk (Owner of Embetween Communications), Cindy Norcott (Owner of Pro Appointments/Founder of Robinhood), Alice Leah (Editor of Mum’s Mail), Lucy Markewicz (Owns Lucy’s Cake Shop/Manages Freedom Cafe) and Marcelle Roberts (Owner of Cafe 1999/Unity)