Simple Daily Shortcuts for Parents

Thanks to the Parent Bloggers Network for this awesome idea on shortcuts and to Ore Ida for their new Steam N Mash Potatoes. I simply love mashed potatoes, click here to find out more.

Well the shortcuts I use are simple and of course they can be for anyone who has children, watches children, etc...

In my household I like to keep things on a schedule, most of the time the schedule is followed through with, other times there are unexpected events that throw me off but we are still generally on A schedule. I may sound slightly strict or a bit OCD but this works for me and my family.

How our day begins:

I get up at least 30 minutes to an hour every day (depending on the amount of rest), firth thing I do every morning is start the Coffee, I'm sorry but I cannot function without my first cup of Joe every morning, am I the only one? I highly doubt it.. I have to have my first cup to start the day fresh.

The previous night I already set out what I need to quickly make sure both of my children are fed. My son Gabriel who is 19 months old requires me taking him out of his room, changing his diaper/clothes, and a bowl of cheerios and a cup of milk or juice before I cook him his breakfast.

Helana's (1 month old) bottles and formula are nearby for when she wakes up to eat which is usually after Gabriel is situated.

My husband doesn't eat breakfast before leaving for work and neither does he get out of bed until 7:30 for his shower and consuming most of my 2nd cup of coffee.

I have my breakfast after both children have been taken care of and are content for me to do so, because believe me .. trying to eat before or even during their breakfast is impossible...

So my simple shortcut for breakfast is to have everything layed out and close by the night before, or doing it in that lil' time frame before the children (monsters) wake up.

Gabriel is very easily entertained while I'm having to take care of Helana's needs, may they be the extra gassiness in the morning or the hiccups. We will sing some songs or read books and this helps to keep him involved with his newborn sister as well.

Nap time
This mostly pertains to Gabriel since Helana just eats and sleeps (thank GOD for newborns). His naptime every day is either at 10 am to Noon or 11 am to 1 pm, it only changes if we had an appointment or unexpected event. He gladly goes to "Sleepytown" (that's my word for nap/bedtime), I let him take half a cup of juice, water or milk (working more on water..) a favorite lovey, his blanket, and I put on a classical music cd to help him drift off more peacefully. This same routine is what I use for bedtime as well, the only change is that he gets a bath each night before bedtime.

Afternoon/Play time/Snack:

The afternoon is mostly consisted of independant play, arts/crafts, more story time/singing and an educational show or movie which I supervise with him. So its more family time as well, sorry for the Mother's/Father's that work outside of the home, I'm a SAHM so I'm able to do this with my children. Snack is also incorporated, my son enjoys graham crackers, pretzels, and Goldfish crackers, this helps with his manners as well. He will say please when requesting a snack and thank you upon recieving it.


Dinner/Supper:
Now I know your wondering how I have time to cook dinner with a newborn and a toddler? Simple, I plan my meals out each week, I know exactly what ingredients I will need and how much prep time I need for each meal. During nap if I need to prep anything I do so then, or the night before when the children are sleeping. My hubby also helps cook every other night so it helps to take the load off of me.


Also I wash dishes as soon as I'm done using them, this helps prevent diry dishes stacking up and more time wasted cleaning them, I'm highly agitated if I see dishes just sitting in the sink, in my house this rarely happens unless my hubby "forgets" to wash his dish or I don't realize he has dirtied any of them.

Laundry I always save for the weekend, usually at nap time or after dinner, we have to wash laundry downstairs due to living in an apartment and this seems to be the best time due to other tenants.

Grocery shopping/Shopping is always done a few days before payday or after, I don't have time to waste going to a grocery store that is unstocked due to the rush after payday. I always make lists, I always cut coupons, and I "usually" unless the hubby is with me stick to my list. Planning is everything and it can be simple, you just have to want to do it. Life is a lot smoother, believe me!

My time:

This helps my day to run smoothly and I still usually have my nights to myself for personal pleasures (eating chocolate while the kids are sleeping, blogging, reading, watching a movie, quality time with the hubby, etc..).

Helana is still awake some hours of the night but its all due to her feeding schedule which seems to be for now every 3 to 4 hours but as she gets older she will be on the same routine as Gabriel (I hope, LOL).

Do you have any shortcut ideas for a simple day?






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Smiles,

~Kristinia/Loving Heart Mommy~

Simple Daily Shortcuts for Parents