Some days, parenting feels like running a marathon while wearing slippers and carrying a nappy bag that weighs more than your toddler.
The good news? There are some clever shortcuts that can help you save your precious energy for the truly important stuff—like locating the lost sock, refereeing yet another squabble, or perhaps sneaking in a cup of tea while it’s still hot.
Here’s the honest parent-to-parent download on seven shortcuts that make life easier, not messier.
1. The One-Plate Wonder
Multi-course meals? Dream on. Busy parents know the real magic lies in one-plate wonders.
Think: a build-your-own-taco night, loaded baked potatoes with a bit of everything, or a pasta bowl with all the veg hiding underneath a snowdrift of cheese.
Sheet pan dinners are another knight in shining foil. Toss everything on one tray, give it a shake, and bake.
Less washing-up, less arguing about who gets the ‘good’ plate, and less energy spent pretending you’re a contestant on “MasterChef.” The kids are fed, you’re fed, and the kitchen looks halfway decent.
2. The Wardrobe Shuffle
Children have an uncanny ability to change clothes seven times before 10am. If you’re tired of playing fashion assistant, try a weekly uniform system.
It doesn’t need to look like a school uniform—just a drawer of mix-and-match tops and bottoms that all go together, like Garanimals for grown-ups.
For those who battle the morning sock hunt, buy a dozen pairs of the same socks in a neutral colour. The odds of actually finding a matching pair will skyrocket.
Less brainpower spent on dressing, more energy saved for, say, explaining why you can’t have ice cream for breakfast.
3. The Mess Containment Zone
Let’s be honest, nobody’s house is ‘Instagram tidy’ unless an actual Instagrammer lives there (and even then, there’s a cupboard bursting with stuff somewhere).
Designate a couple of catch-all baskets or bins in high-traffic areas: one for toys, one for the mysterious detritus that travels with children (loose puzzle pieces, doll shoes, unidentified crumbs).
At the end of the day, lob everything in. Once a week, give the baskets a quick sort—ideally while listening to a podcast so you can pretend you’re not just collecting sticky LEGO bricks again.
This trick keeps the chaos contained and helps you avoid the energy-zapping tidy-up marathons.
4. The Five-Minute Tidy
When the house looks like a tornado collided with a toy store, it’s tempting to give up entirely.
The five-minute tidy is your secret weapon. Set a timer for five minutes—just five—and make it a family race to see how much everyone can pick up before the buzzer.
Children love a game, especially if there’s a silly soundtrack or you throw in a prize (winner gets the last biscuit?).
Experts like pediatrician Dr. Laura Markham recommend turning clean-up into a routine group activity to foster cooperation and reduce pushback.
The house won’t be spotless, but it’ll be livable—and you’ll keep your sanity.
5. The Strategic Screen Break
There’s no shame in a little strategic screen time. When you need to make a call, whip up dinner, or just stare out the window contemplating your life choices, hand over the tablet.
The key is to use apps and shows that actually help your child learn something (and don’t make your ears bleed).
Platforms like PBS Kids, BBC iPlayer Kids, and National Geographic Kids offer educational content that feels like fun. You’re not just buying yourself a breather—you’re supporting their curiosity, too.
Set the timer, hand over the remote, and allow yourself a guilt-free moment.
6. The Outsource Option
Every parent knows the value of a well-timed favour. Team up with another family for alternating playdates or carpool duty.
Grandparents, neighbours, or the parent you always see at the school gate can become your lifesaver.
Even outsourcing meals once a week through a meal kit company such as HelloFresh or calling in a takeaway is a gift to your future self.
Research published in the journal Appetite suggests that sharing household responsibilities actually reduces parental stress and increases family satisfaction (imagine that).
7. The Bedtime Ninja Moves
Battle at bedtime? You’re not alone.
Simplify the routine: a warm bath (every other night, unless your child has rolled in mud), a story, a song, and the same goodnight phrase every time.
Children love repetition—and it trains their brains to wind down.
To save your energy (and your voice), try audiobooks or bedtime meditation apps like Moshi or Calm.
Even the most determined night owl can be lulled to sleep by a gentle story, and you get to recline on the sofa with a cuppa, basking in your own bedtime victory.
Give Yourself a Gold Star
Every parent has days where putting your shoes on the right feet feels like an achievement.
These shortcuts aren’t about cutting corners—they’re about saving enough energy for the things that matter, like being present (and occasionally hilarious) for your kids.
So, go ahead: use the shortcuts, claim your well-earned breather, and remember that nobody ever looked back and wished they’d spent more time pairing socks.
