I need to make my life significantly easier -- "hacks" to make life, and parenting life, easier?

[Anonymous]

People regularly suggest paper plates. That never sounds like it will make life significant easier to me, but I will try it. We already do a lot of screen time. Give me other suggestions, please.

[Anonymous]

Well it depends on what you want and the challenges you’re facing. I feel like plates are the least of my problems and not cooking is a better shortcut, but everybody is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well it depends on what you want and the challenges you’re facing. I feel like plates are the least of my problems and not cooking is a better shortcut, but everybody is different.

+1. My bathroom cleaning hacks won’t help you if bathroom cleaning isn’t a source of stress/time pressure for you.

[Anonymous]

I think you need to give insight to what is the most overwhelming right now to get feedback. I don't think paper plates sound that much easier. Currently just use plates, put them in dishwasher and then they come out. It's just as easy as paper plates.

-hire a cleaning lady
-hire a babysitter 1 night a week or during the day on Sat/Sunday
- our favorite is picnics with subs when it's warmer. Zero mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People regularly suggest paper plates. That never sounds like it will make life significant easier to me, but I will try it. We already do a lot of screen time. Give me other suggestions, please.

I find that one of the most stupid suggestions. If you want to simplify your dishes, I would suggest buying several sets of Correlle, so you have enough plates, cups, bowls. It stacks without taking too much space, it washes easily and it is virtually unbreakable. Besides if you have enough place setting, you can keep loading up the dishwaster and run it at the end of the day. Washing dishes all the time because you only have 6 or 12 plates is a pain. You can also get divided plates if that will work with your family.

[Anonymous]

Eww, why would you do paper plates? What a waste.

[Anonymous]

- Outsource what you can( cooking, driving the kids, childcare, cleaning)
- 'Easier' is sort of a state of mind. Things seem to be in control when you are happier. So make time for each other and go on dates - even if it's just a walk to the coffee shop or a bike ride somewhere.
- For me personally, a flexible routine works well, where we know what all needs to be done but we aren't stressing ourselves to be on 'schedule'
- Meal planning

[Anonymous]

The biggest thing for me is just to care less. About screen time, about everyone's diet, about the state of my marriage, about work. Not permanently, but for a while. I checked out for a couple months at the end of 2020 and I think it's the only reason I got through it. Now I have a bit more energy to deal with it all because I spent two months just saying "okay sure" when my kids wanted TV or sweets, mailing it in at work, and just kind of ignoring my DH. Like a little vacation for my brain.

[Anonymous]

OUTSOURCE LAUNDRY. Nothing changed the game as much as that.

[Anonymous]

Pffffft to "hacks". The things that have made my life easier are:

1) Nanny instead of daycare
2) Cleaning lady
3) Grocery delivery
4) DH who does his fair share
5) Short commute (this meant giving up space, paying more $$$ for our home)

The only "hack" type thing I'd say is dry shampoo, ha!

[Anonymous]

Independent playtime! My 12 months old plays by himself in his crib for 30 mins twice a day, and has since he was 6 months old. That extra hour a day is amazing.

[Anonymous]

Please don't use paper plates as a default. Such a waste. It's not hard to wash 4 plates when other things are going to go in the dishwasher.

[Anonymous]

This is OP. This is a little depressing. I already do grocery delivery and don’t wash my hair as much as I should! I have no commute because WFH right now. Usually have a housekeeper but she stopped coming for a while because she was sick and then sister was sick and then mom was sick and then we just never rescheduled, which seems ok to me given covid rates right now. So basically I am doing all of the hacks other than a nanny, and switching childcare providers is never easy. So I’m doomed!

[Anonymous]

The best thing I heard on DCUM was “only touch something once”. Like, don’t put a plate from the table to the sink when you can put it in the dishwasher. Don’t put shoes on the steps to go upstairs: just bring them up.

It’s so silly but that mantra has helped me keep a tidy house!

[Anonymous]

once you've collected any useful info from this thread, get off DCUM. Best life hack. I waste way too much time here.