7 Helpful Time Savers for the Busy "Working" Mom

Working moms or moms who do a lot of volunteer work need to be extra organized to keep sane. If you find yourself exasperated at the end of the day, or when you feel that 24 hours in a single day is not enough time complete your daily tasks, then it's time for some help. Here are 7 helpful timesavers for the busy working mom that'll at least get you through one crunch day.

1. Use snack-bags. (Save 5 minutes/day)
Snack-bags are half the size of a regular sandwich bag and are usually available with a zip-lock. They are a great tool to have when packing a small snack for a child's lunch. Instead of buying the expensive individual packaged chip, cracker or cookie bags, you can be frugal by purchasing the large family size snacks. Then you can save time by putting the snacks from the family size bag into the snack bags all in one sitting. When it comes time to pack lunch, you can just grab a snack-bag of snacks without wasting time for less money.

2. Shower in the evening. (Save 10-20 minutes/day)
If you find yourself frazzled in the morning having to get your children ready as well as yourself, you can save time by modifying your morning prep routine. Instead of taking a shower in the morning, try doing it in the evening after dinner. You'll find yourself more relaxed for bedtime and less rushed in the morning.

3. Do your ironing the night before. (Save 10-15 minutes/day)
By ironing the night before, you will have already pre-determined your/children's clothes for the following day. You will have eliminated the empty staring in the closet in the morning.

4. Teach your kids to be self-sufficient. (Save 10-15 minutes/day per child)
Begin grooming your kids into doing age-appropriate tasks on their own. Although you may still have to select their outfit, encourage your five year old to put on their own clothes and place their dirty PJ's in the hamper. Also praise your kids for combing their own hair & dressing up on their own. Do a quick check before they leave the door for school so you can do some last minute straightening (i.e. ruffled collars, unzipped zippers, misaligned buttons, etc.).