Life as a full-time worker, parent, and homesteader can feel like a juggling act with more balls in the air than you can count. Between the demands of your job, raising a family, and maintaining a thriving homestead, it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Yet, with careful planning, prioritization, and a few clever strategies, it’s possible to make it all work without completely burning out.
In this article, I’ll share practical tips and insights for managing your time effectively while embracing the joys (and challenges) of this unique, full-filling lifestyle.
Set Priorities (And Be Honest About Them)
With so many responsibilities, it’s essential to prioritize what truly matters to you.
Ask Yourself: What are your non-negotiables? For example, maybe family dinners, keeping up with your job, and maintaining a vegetable garden are at the top of your list. So make sure you don’t add anything into your routine that could compromise those important ‘duties’. You want this journey to work for you and with you not against you.
Let Go of Perfection: Not everything will get done every day, and that’s okay. Learn to let go of tasks that aren’t urgent or meaningful in the grand scheme. There is always tomorrow and the next day to get things done. Stick to your priorities and then, just do what you can.
Write down your weekly goals for work, family, and the homestead. Then, rank them in order of importance to stay focused on what really needs your attention. This will help you stay organized and on task throughout the week.
Master the Art of Scheduling
A detailed schedule is your best friend when you’re managing so many roles.
Use a Planner or App: Whether it’s a physical planner or a digital app, keep track of work meetings, kids’ activities, appointments, and homestead chores all in one place.
Time Block Your Day: Dedicate blocks of time for specific tasks. For example:
– Mornings: Feed animals and prep for the day.
– Lunchtime: Check emails and manage quick homestead tasks like watering plants.
– Evenings: Focus on family time and meal prep.
Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together to save time. For instance, harvest vegetables and clean animal pens in the same afternoon rather than spreading them across days.
Involve Your Family
Homesteading is a lifestyle, and it can be a wonderful way to bond with your family. Involving your kids and partner not only teaches valuable life skills but also lightens your load.
Age-Appropriate Tasks for Kids:
– Younger kids can help collect eggs or water plants.
– Older kids can assist with animal care, weeding, or even learning to cook.
Make It Fun: Turn chores into games or competitions to keep kids engaged.
Divide and Conquer: If your partner is willing, split responsibilities to cover more ground. For example, one person can handle morning animal feedings while the other tackles meal prep.
If you want ideas to help involve your kiddos you can check out this video:
Meal Prep Like a Pro
As a busy parent and homesteader, meal prep is a lifesaver.
Cook in Bulk: Make large batches of soups, casseroles, or stews on the weekends to freeze and reheat during the week.
Use What You Grow: Plan meals around what’s in season on your homestead. Not only does this save money, but it also reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook.
Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Keep weeknight meals simple, like stir-fries, pasta, or salads using fresh ingredients.
If you want more information on meal prepping check out my article on whether it would be worth it to you:
I also linked my other article on why I meal prep. It includes tips and tricks if you want to get started:
Embrace Early Mornings (or Late Nights)
Quiet hours in the early morning or late at night can be the perfect time to tackle projects without interruptions. I personally use this time to workout, read a book or meditate.
Morning Routine: Use the early hours for essential homestead tasks, like feeding animals or checking the garden.
Evening Routine: Wind down your day with quieter activities, like planning, journaling, or prepping for the next day.
Find the time of day when you feel most productive and reserve it for tasks that require focus.
Automate and Streamline Tasks
When you’re stretched thin, look for ways to make your tasks easier and more efficient.
Invest in Time-Saving Tools: Automatic chicken feeders, drip irrigation systems, and other homesteading tools can save you hours each week.
Batch Chores: For example, clean all animal pens on one day instead of spreading the task out.
Simplify Workflows: Create a routine for repetitive tasks so they become second nature.
Practice Self-Care (Even When It’s Hard)
It’s tempting to skip self-care when you’re busy, but taking care of yourself is crucial to maintaining energy and focus.
Schedule Breaks: Even 10 minutes of quiet time can make a difference.
Stay Active: Physical activity on the homestead is great, but don’t forget to stretch, hydrate, and move mindfully.
Rest Guilt-Free: Remember, taking time to recharge isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Learn to Say No
You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Learn to say no to commitments or activities that don’t align with your priorities.
Focus on What Matters Most: Decline social events or unnecessary projects that take time away from your family, job, or homestead.
Be Realistic: Accept that some seasons will be busier than others, and it’s okay to scale back when needed.
Celebrate Small Wins
Managing work, family, and homesteading is no small feat, and it’s important to acknowledge your accomplishments.
Reflect on Progress: At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on what you achieved, no matter how small.
Reward Yourself: Treat yourself and your family to something special, like a home-cooked meal, movie night, or a quiet evening under the stars.
Remember Your “Why”
When the days feel overwhelming, remember why you chose this lifestyle in the first place. Whether it’s teaching your kids the value of hard work, connecting with nature, or living a more sustainable life, keeping your “why” in mind can help you push through the tough moments.
Final Thoughts
Managing time as a full-time worker, parent, and homesteader isn’t easy, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing, planning, and involving your family, you can create a lifestyle that balances your responsibilities while leaving room for joy and growth.
The key is to stay flexible, forgive yourself when things don’t go as planned, and find beauty in the chaos. After all, homesteading isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and embracing a life you love.
How do you manage your time as a busy homesteader? Share your tips or challenges in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
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