The Art of Hurrying

One thing I have learned as a stay at home mama, is what I call "the art of hurrying".  These are tips that I think are helpful for moms because we all know how it feels to be hurrying in the shower, hurrying to eat breakfast, hurrying to brush your teeth etc.  These are my tips for new mamas.

Teach your baby to love their crib

From a very early age, we taught Tallulah to love her crib.  After every diaper change, or in between clothing changes or whatever it might have been, we would put her in her crib for just a few minutes.  This would allow her time to play for a bit in her crib and enjoy hanging out.  This has come in handy as she as gotten older.  I have put her in her crib for times when I had to use the bathroom, vacuuming, laundry and showering.  I always have the monitor with me, in case I need to check on her.  This is a great thing to do but remember, keep it short like 15-20 minutes once they are older.  

Keep the routine predictable

Every day, Tallulah knows that when we are getting dressed that she will hang out in her crib while mama takes a quick shower.  She knows that she gets dressed, brushes her teeth and then mama showers and does the same.  The other important thing is that Tallulah knows that after doing this time in her crib that a fun activity like going to the park or the aquarium follows next.

Books and books

Read to your babies!  We have read to Tallulah since she was very little and now she can hang out in her crib and look at books while I shower and get dressed. She also looks at books when she wakes up in the morning which gives me an extra 20-30 minutes in the morning.

Plan ahead

If you know you are going somewhere that will require you to take a snack, lunch or an extra pair of clothes, pack your bag the night before or at least pack your bag mentally.  Prep snacks ahead of time. Use a fun snack cup that is easy to travel with.  Keep an extra pair of clothes, diapers, wipes and plastic bag in the car for random messes. Do not forget snacks for yourself. I love Clif bars, they are super yummy, have good protein and easy to pack!

Surprise toys

Always have secret toys that are only played with for special circumstances, like if you are in a hurry and need a special toy to entertain your little one or you are going to a lunch with friends or going for a longer drive then usual. 

Keep your routine simple

Keep your hair, make up and outfits simple. Plan your outfit out ahead.  If you know it is going to be a busy day, shower the night before if you have shave, wash your hair etc.  You can still look amazing while keeping it simple.

Take time for yourself

Make sure to take time for yourself.  Maybe find a mom that you can trade time with so you can both go to yoga or pilates and alternate watching each others children.  Or find time, to have a cup of tea but use really good tea. Treat yourself to one yummy thing a day, so good tea, good coffee or good chocolate, whatever your "yummy" thing is.

These are all things that make my daily routine a lot easier and bring ease to not only my day but also to my child's day.  I hope they work for you!