I was busy cleaning my kitchen after cooking today and reflecting on how for many parents the kitchen is the hub of the home, so I thought to share with you a few simple mom-dad hacks and must-haves for your kitchen. These I hope will contribute to helping you keep your sanity and save time in the midst of your busy days!

Have your kids help you with simple tasks in the kitchen

I can’t utilize this one just yet, because Lux is so young. However those of you with older children, this one’s for you. This is a great way to teach your kids responsibility and also the importance of contributing to the household chores. Invite your kids to come and help you out in the kitchen. Try not to make it a bore, and use it as an opportunity to have a conversation while you prepare dinner and ask for simple tasks to be completed, such as setting the table or folding tea towels away in drawers. Time will be saved as you have helpers and this doubles up as a bonding experience – you might be surprised how much information can be divulged during these moments. If you happen to have both a son and a daughter, try including both kids when asking for help in the kitchen. This will teach your kids that domestic labor should be split between everyone and is not gender-specific!

Use simple and natural products that are safe for the family

By now I think it’s clear that I’m a fan of natural and waste-free products for the family and home. Using simply baking soda and natural dish soap you can clean chrome, porcelain sink basins, oven tops, and stoves. You can add your favorite natural essential oil to the mix to have your home smelling sweet like lavender, or like a summer’s day, with lemon. Alternatively, you can use any white or dark vinegar and lemon juice for most hard duty jobs in and around the kitchen. Clean safely and with less stress knowing that your kitchen is phosphate- and chlorine-free. It’s great to know that you can leave your kitchen knowing that the family hub is without harsh chemical residue.

Create your own functional and stylish pantry display

Over the past few weeks I have been collecting glass jars. You’ll be amazed how many of these we go through. Pesto jars, jam jars, olive jars, the list truly does go on. When you clean these thoroughly and scrub off labels, you’re left with really cute little jars that can be put to use in a number of ways. You can store craft supplies, scrap materials and buttons, or pantry items! I love a good pantry room, but let’s face it; most of us unfortunately do not have access to one of these, living in Beijing. One hack for the pantry-less is an open display for produce, snacks, and baking supplies. You can use shelves or counters in your kitchen. Place fresh fruit in a bowl, or fill baskets with kids’ snacks and glass jars with baking items in a chic and stylish way. Trust me, the results are so cute.

Invest in a slow cooker

Now we already know the importance of owning a rice cooker here, especially if you have an ayi, who in my case would probably say it is her best friend in the kitchen. However one-pot dinners are lifesavers and one of the simplest but most efficient hacks for busy families. You can throw a bunch of ingredients into a slow cooker early in the morning, forget about it all day, and then have a slap up meal ready for everyone by the time you get home. Winning! You can also use this item to prep ahead and freeze meals, which can be thawed and warmed through in the slow cooker too. You’re very welcome.

What mom-dad hacks do you swear by for your family?

Photos: Pixabay

We moms, we do it all. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, your job is never done and it’s completely safe to say that our job is a 24/7 one!

For mommies who would like to carve out some extra time to hang out with the kids, enjoy self-care time, or even cook with a glass of wine in your hand rather than a milk bottle and a baby on your hip, these productivity tips will help you not only work better and get more things done, but also live the mantra of the day – work hard and play even harder.

Learn to say “no”

I find this incredibly difficult and feel like if I’m not doing a thousand and one things than I’m not being the modern woman of today, who can exude and demonstrate almighty physical and mental capabilities to do it all and then some. This one is at the top of the list because that’s exactly where it belongs. It should be a priority for busy moms and dads. Your family comes first.

Saying no applies to a number of situations. This month alone, I have been invited out at least twice a week to socialize and several other times to join my husband on account of his own personal invitations. Social obligations, invitations, to extra time-consuming, and on occasion, soul-sucking projects calls for you to set clear boundaries. The husband or partner needs your attention, along with the kids, work, friends, family, and then usually your needs get left at the bottom of the pile.

Don’t feel obligated to say yes – say no and carve out some time and space for yourself. You’ll be surprised how much time you’ll free up.

Give your 100 percent focus

Moms (and dads) are painfully familiar with the need to multitask when you have a family. However, in order to get the most out of the time you spend on the plethora of items on your to-do list, learn to give 100 percent focus to whatever task you’re completing. This means that the likelihood of you having to return to unfinished tasks decreases, the quality of your commitment means that you churn out awesome results, and if dedicating time to kid and partner-focused activities, your family will feel that you are both mentally and physically present.

Do the hardest thing first

Don’t procrastinate. I used to be the champion of procrastination. Over the course of the past few years I’ve really been working on this and realize that the idea of addressing an incomplete task is a lot more overwhelming than the actual process of just doing it. Once you get started you’ll be amazed how easily and quickly you will be able to tick off items on your get-done list, especially when you apply the 100 percent rule above. Do the hardest thing on your list first and be amazed by how easy it can be and enjoy no longer having to face it.

Use countdown timers

This is one of my favorite hacks for being more productive, although admittedly I have failed to remain consistent with it (something else to add to my own personal productivity list), but much like we encourage kids to complete tasks by turning them into a game, we can do the same and speed up the process of getting things done! Boost your everyday productivity by keep track of your time, when cleaning the house, returning emails, writing that draft, or prepping that meal.

Prep Meals

Speaking of prepping meals, feeding the family with delicious and wholesome meals can take time. Prepping and pre-cooking meals for the entire week will help save at least half of that time. First thing to tackle is a weekly meal plan. I sat down with hubby and selected five of our favorite meals that are easy to shop ingredients for, and easy to prep. Make your weekly plan fun by incorporating weekly themes, such as Taco Tuesdays, Fajita Fridays, or Three-bean Thursdays. Prepare as much as possible and rope in the Ayi if you happen to have one. Cooking and freezing broths and grains, slicing and portioning veggies, searing meats, etc., can all help with productivity during the week and involves simply dishing out, heating up, and enjoying.

Finally. Let it go

No, I’m not quoting Disney’s Frozen– but the soundtrack instantly came to mind. Learn to let go. Allow me to draw upon the mantra given to when me when I was growing up: accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Stress less over the little details and think about the bigger picture – this is particularly a necessity for expats living in China who are acclimatizing to a new culture and way of life. There’s no such thing as perfection. Be imperfectly perfect and be you.

Photos: courtesy of Pixabay