With four kids at home, it is safe to say that I am the Queen of multitasking. I can cook a whole roast dinner with trimmings whilst burping a baby, doing spelling tests with my son all the while building clay models with the three year old to keep her entertained.
Multi-tasking is a way for life for us mothers, we are unable to smoothly run the household without engaging in several projects at the same time. For arguments sake one can question whether we are able to give all our attention to the project at hand.
Leaving aside the household projects when it comes to multi-tasking my children I often worry if I am giving them the just attention. Missing my older daughter being crowned the under nine swimming champion because I had to be home to feed the baby was not a highlight in my mummy career.
If I could clone myself I sometimes wonder how easy life would be, where I could give everyone their much needed time and still have some time all for myself. But CRASH BANG, kill the violins, reality is that only I exist and me on my loneseome have to make it a success.
How to be a successful ‘MULI-TASKING’ mum.
Invest in your equipment- In terms of dates, from when the plumber is coming to when’s Aloka’s ballet recital is I try and leave very little to memory, in fact everything is written down on whiteboards, calendars, diary’s, programmed into phones etc. Even though this might seem tedious and a waste of time, I would rather take those few minutes to jot down the important dates for that week rather miss an event all together.
Know your limits- I realize from the moment we wake up our days are dizzy with running from task to task, but however much we want to be we are not superheros, do only what you feel you can handle.
Have some down time – When you have kids each day starts with a bang and increases speed like a commuter train as the day progresses. Find that time to wind down and give your mind and body a rest. Have an afternoon nap, relax with that cup of coffee in the evening or spend a hour all by yourself once the kids have gone to better. Your mind and body needs the time to recuperate and rejuvenate for the next chaotic day.
Don’t be afraid to share – If people are willing to help you with tasks, please allow them. The utility bill gets paid whoever goes to pay it whilst your son needs only YOU to watch him at his athletic practices. These are the more important tasks in life that you need to be there for.
Not a bad mother- Always remember that you are not a bad mother if the house is not clean and everything is not running like clockwork. In the scheme of life it is more important to have happy healthy kids rather than a spic and span house. Give more priority to the more important things like your children.
Do not wallow – The worst you can do is to wallow in your situation, before you start the day do not dwell too much on how much you have to do, this will send you into panic mode and will be more destructive than constructive. Armed with your schedules and lists, get started with the day and never look back.
When the day is in full motion and you have already fire fought a number of disasters, and your nerves are in tethers and you would rather climb the wall than sing nursery rhymes take a moment, take a deep breath do not allow yourself to break, reel yourself back from the precipice of wanting to scream like a banshee. Your children need you and like all moments, this too will pass and tomorrow will be a better brighter day!
By Mayuri Jayasinghe
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