Being a parent is a full-time job. For lots of people, this job comes in addition to a demanding career. With that being a said, maintaining a household can easily start to get overwhelming as parents’ schedules continue to get busier and busier.
The key to keeping things running smoothly while also keeping your sanity is delegation. Letting your children and/or other loved ones help with tasks and responsibilities can help lighten your load while making them feel important and valued in the home.
So, just how does delegation work? Take a look at these easy delegating tips for busy parents.
1. Give children age appropriate chores
Chores can be a very important part of a child’s development, but it’s important that the chores they’re given be age appropriate. Not only can asking them to do things they can’t do cause a blow to their self esteem, but it also won’t help you out very much. For example, if your child is only 5, asking him or her to iron may not be a good idea.
Choosing age appropriate chores is the best way to ensure that your child will be successful and helpful.
2. Stay consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to creating a habit. When delegating things around the house, it’s always good to set expectations by having a regular schedule your children can follow. You also may want to get your kids in the mindset that helping out with things around the house is part of their responsibility and by asking for help you’re showing you trust them to do a good job.
Creating a chore chart is a great way to come up with a consistent schedule your kids can see.
3. Give specific instructions
There’s nothing worse than asking someone to help you do something only to have them do it completely wrong. This is why it’s important to be specific when delegating things. Make sure your children, or whoever is giving you a hand, knows exactly what is being asked of them. You may even need to walk them through the task so there’s no confusion on how it should be done.
Being as specific as possible will save you the time or having to follow behind and do things again.
4. Make the most of your resources
No matter how busy you are, you still may be tempted to try to do everything on your own, but that isn’t always possible. Using the resources around you can be extremely helpful when trying to manage multiple tasks at once.
For example, instead of trying to repair the pricey appliances in your home, you may want to outsource the work through a home protection plan. For your other expensive purchases, such as your vehicle, you could outsource necessary repairs with a vehicle protection plan. Anything that can prepare you to delegate when problems arise will is a good idea.
5. Let go of control
One of the hardest things about delegating is letting go of control and the need for things to be done a certain way. But instead of worrying about how things may be handled a little differently once they’re delegated, remember that delegating is necessary to give yourself a break.Don’t wait until you’re so busy that you want to cry to start delegating things. Being proactive with delegation can be a great way to avoid some stressful situations.
Now that you have the tips you need to understand how things can be doled out around the house, it’s time to take a look at which things in your home can be passed to someone else.
Emma R. Cook
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I don’t have children, but I totally relate to number 5. I have real trouble letting go and have things done a different way to my way
Debbie
#Mixitup
I have trouble letting go of control, since becoming disabled I’ve had to delegate tasks, but it’s not something that comes easy for me. When my eldest children were young I was insistent that they did not have to do housework and chores (things I hated doing as a kid) but it’s not helped them as they can be pretty lazy now and have to be told. It’s not only good to get help but it teaches important skills.
#mixitup
Hello Karen,
Thank you for sharing these tips. They are very useful and some of them I haven’t really thought of. The last one, letting go of control, is something I’m work on!
Best,
Sigrid
I find the hardest part is being OK with stuff being done differently than you would do them #anythinggoes
Love that last point! I have a tendency to get really attached to the results, when all that is required of me is to show up, pay attention, and be present to the needs and growth of my kids.
Wish I had read this years ago. Too easy for mums to pile all the pressure on themselves and then wonder why they end up burnt out or depressed. I have recently found that the less housework I do the more other family members start to do without me asking/nagging – wish I had worked this out years ago. #DreamTeam
Ah, that last one – that’s the tricky part isn’t it? Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Definitely is, thanks for your feedback x
Great tips. It really is important to let them learn. 🙂
Thanks for sharing with #pocolo
Popping back again from #thatfridaylinky
Debbie
Definitely getting age appropriate chores in place can help with operation clean up! Even simple things like picking up their clothes or helping to set the table. Fab tips and thank you for joining us for the #dreamteam.
Chores gives them a chance to contribute to the family household in a helpful (usually) way. Although the kitchen is a real stretch for our girls. It often times seems messier when they are done. I just live with it, as they do! Nice post! #thatfridaylinky xo
I think the last one is the hardest! Sometimes its that much easier to do things ourselves as we know how it needs to be done. Thanks for linking up #twinklytuesday
I really like this post. I think it’s very important to be clear with your child on what you expect. Chores are a great idea and I distribute certain chores to both of my children x #TwinklyTuesday
I definitely don’t give my three enough to do – this has inspired me! #ThatFridayLinky
Yep I think I need to create a chore chart. My 8 year should be able to do some chores. Might a little bit tricky to get my autistic 5 yr old to some but he might join in if he sees my eldest doing it.
Sensible tips! Thanks for sharing with #itsok
Good advice. I’m a firm believer in age appropriate chores but I do struggle with letting go of the control. #itsok