Multi-tasking, time management, wearing multiple hats—all phrases on the tip of every single parent’s tongue; but if you really want to get a jump-start on the day and add a little insurance that things will run relatively smoother—get up earlier than everyone else.
When you’ve got a small child, you can still get plenty done and have a little time for yourself after the child goes to bed. With a relatively early bedtime, there can still be time for all sorts of necessary tasks and activities. But, as the child gets older, or if you’ve got more than one child—by the end of a full day of work, school, parenting, housework, etc. it becomes harder and harder to make it past your child or children’s bedtime—I can’t count how many times we all fell asleep while I was reading bedtime stories by the time my kids hit elementary school! I quickly learned to lock and “shut up” the house before story time, just in case.
But, by setting your alarm an hour earlier than the first child’s wake-up call—you’ll be amazed at all you can get done. In my world, I step into the shower first thing after getting out of bed so that is out of the way and then I manage to get basic chores done, throw in a load of laundry, set out breakfast, (lunch money, permission slips, etc.) and get started on work—all before it is time for the house to really come alive. Knowing I’m going to be up earlier than anyone else makes me feel more comfortable about going to bed in the evenings too. I know I’ll have that hour or so in the morning to set everything straight.
It can take some getting used to and re-programming—especially if you fancy yourself a night owl. But in talking with other single parents, I think that early morning jump-start makes all the difference in the world!
Also: Should You Have a Calendar to Share Between Two Houses?