Great shortcuts for busy parents

These practical time-saving parenting tips will give you back precious moments and help you stay on top of life's demands. My husband and I have managed both styles of parenting and for the last 17 years have been a part of a blended family with 6 kids. They were all under 12 when number six was born, so it was a very busy time that required some lateral thinking!.

• 1. Goodbye PJs

  If your child is under one, put them to bed in their clothes ready for the next day (now is the time to use the good nappies at night time if you can). Then all you need to do is change their nappy in the morning. This will give you an extra 5 minutes to spend on getting you ready, putting on a load of washing or other tasks.

• 2. One basket policy

  Only have one washing basket. This way you must put away dry clothes before you deal with the next load. Don’t be tempted to dump it on a bed/couch somewhere. It will take 10 minutes to fold and put away. Even hang up clothes that may need ironing before you wear them next as it at least gets them away.

• 3. One step ahead

  Instead of watching TV at night, spend just 30 minutes getting ready for the next day. Make lunches and get work clothes ready. Even if you're tired, it's a lovely feeling to wake up knowing you don’t have as much to do before you get out of the house. You will still have time to read/watch TV before bed.

• 4. Get it delivered fresh

  Use Click and Collect and grocery delivery services. Not having to take small children to the supermarket on a regular basis is a blessing. It will save you precious time and possibly some $$ too. Food subscription services are also a great time-saving option and often cost little more than buying the ingredients yourself. 

• 5. Ten-minute time

  By the time your child is 3 or 4 they can easily take on quick and simple jobs. They can empty wastepaper bins, pick up toys, put the washing on beds, or set the table. Anything that is quick and helpful to you will do. Little jobs for little people help them learn to share the load.

• 6. The power of when

  Harness the power of “WHEN”. Instead of saying we won't be going to the park until you're dressed and ready, tell them that WHEN they're ready you can go and you're just waiting for them to be ready. It puts the responsibility on them, not you, to be ready for the fun times.