10 Time Management Tips for First-Time Moms and Dads
Mount Laurel, NJ (PRWEB) July 24, 2013 -- The birth of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first child highlights the major lifestyle changes new parenthood brings. One of the biggest adjustments first-time moms and dads must make is time management, as they learn to juggle the demands of caring for a newborn, themselves, and their home. Members of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) who specialize in working with families offer a few helpful tips to help new and expectant parents adapt to life with baby:
• Establish a daily routine. Easing the baby into a regular schedule of feedings, sleep, and playtime takes discipline and commitment, but once everyone adjusts to the routine, everyday tasks require less time and effort.
• Resist the urge to buy excess baby gear. Many specialty products are cute but end up becoming clutter because they only serve a single purpose. Ask other parents which time-saving items they use regularly, and skip the rest.
• Accept that routine tasks or errands will take longer to do. Calming the baby, packing supplies for outings, unexpected clean-ups, and other minor occurrences will increase the time required to complete most activities so plan accordingly.
• Get help for the first month or so. Family members and friends typically volunteer to help with cleaning, cooking, and errands for the first few weeks so take them up on the offer. If family or friends aren’t available, consider hiring a maid service to handle household chores until family members adjust to the “new normal.”
• Take advantage of the baby’s nap times. Use the hours when the baby is sleeping during the day to catch up on sleep, take care of household tasks, catch up on e-mails, or just relax.
• Establish visiting hours. When people drop by unannounced or on short notice, it can be disruptive and stressful. Let friends, family and neighbors know when visits are welcome, and when they aren’t convenient.
• Plan meals in advance. Compile recipes and create shopping lists in advance to streamline shopping trips and reduce meal preparation time. Whenever possible, make a few main dishes at once that can be re-heated quickly throughout the week.
• Set up a “Family Command Center.” Establish a single place where frequently used information like schedules, mail, meal plans, etc. can be stored and accessed quickly and easily.
• Start a permanent file of baby’s vital information. Copies of official documents (birth certificate, Social Security number, passport) and medical records (doctor visits, vaccination information, prescriptions, lists of those authorized to receive baby’s medical info) should be kept in a single location so the information is available when needed. Original copies of official documents should be stored in a fireproof box, home safe, or safe deposit box.
• Consider having a professional organizer help set up the nursery. An organizer who has experience working with families can provide practical advice on ways to optimize room layout and maximize storage space.
Practicing effective time management helps ensure each family member’s needs are met, and can prevent new parents from feeling overwhelmed by the swirl of new responsibilities and experiences having a baby brings. As their lives become more complex, new parents are increasingly turning to professional organizers for help. Space planning and reorganization, management of paperwork and computer files, personal finance and estate organization, moving and relocation, and coaching are just some of the services professional organizers offer to help families gain better control of their lives.
To find a professional organizer in your area, visit http://www.NAPO.net.
Jill Banks, NAPO, 856-380-6902, [email protected]
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