Tag: time management

  • Balancing It All: Time Management for Parents & Homesteaders

    Balancing It All: Time Management for Parents & Homesteaders

    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:

    Is Meal Prepping Worth It?

    I also linked my other article on why I meal prep. It includes tips and tricks if you want to get started:

    Why I meal Prep: Benefits, Tips, and How to get Started Today

    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!

  • Is Meal Prepping Worth It?

    Is meal prepping truly worth it? In our busy lives, balancing work, family commitments, social activities, and personal aspirations often leaves little room for maintaining a nutritious diet. After a long day, the temptation to stop at a fast-food restaurant can be hard to resist.


    Yet, an effective strategy exists that can transform your approach to cooking: meal prepping. This method not only helps you save valuable time but also alleviates stress, while ensuring that you’re consistently enjoying wholesome, home-cooked meals. This article will guide you through the essentials of meal prepping and illustrate how it can revolutionize your week. Furthermore, we’ll explore whether it’s the right choice for you and your household.

    Understanding Meal-Prepping; What exactly is it?

    Preparing meals in advance, known as meal prepping, enables individuals to save time and reduce stress during busy weeknights. This method involves several steps, including planning menus, shopping for ingredients, cooking dishes, and properly storing the finished meals. By organizing your culinary tasks ahead of time, you can streamline your eating habits, allowing for the enjoyment of wholesome, home-cooked dishes every day without the pressure of fitting cooking into a packed schedule. With this strategy, mealtime becomes a stress-free experience, fostering a healthier lifestyle and better time management.

    What are the Benefits of Meal Prepping?

    Time Efficiency: Cooking can be time-consuming, but by dedicating a few hours once a week to meal prep, you can create enough dishes to last through the days ahead. This strategy minimizes kitchen visits and cuts down on cleaning efforts significantly.


    Portion Management: Meal prepping empowers you to manage your serving sizes effectively, facilitating adherence to healthy dietary habits and helping with calorie control.


    Nutritional Convenience: With some forethought, preparing your meals in advance guarantees that wholesome options are readily available, decreasing the likelihood of turning to fast food or unhealthy snacks.


    Cost Savings: Planning your meals and purchasing ingredients in larger quantities can lead to considerable financial savings when compared to frequent takeout or restaurant dining.


    Minimized Food Waste: By outlining your meals ahead of time, you can avoid overbuying and ensure that food doesn’t end up discarded, thus contributing to a more sustainable approach to eating.

    The Downsides to Meal-Prepping

    Significant time commitment: Engaging in meal prepping often demands a substantial investment of time at the outset. From brainstorming meal ideas to grocery shopping and actual cooking, you can easily spend several hours readying yourself for the week ahead. For those with limited time, this undertaking can appear daunting.


    Monotony of meals: A frequent concern surrounding meal prepping is the uniformity it brings. Consuming the same dishes multiple times each week can become tiresome, leading to what’s often referred to as “food fatigue.” This boredom might push you to seek takeout alternatives instead of sticking to your meal plan.


    Storage limitations: Efficient meal prepping requires adequate storage space in your refrigerator and kitchen. If your fridge is on the smaller side, finding room for numerous prepped meals can be challenging. Furthermore, the expenses associated with buying reusable containers can accumulate, and the tasks of cleaning and labeling them may begin to feel burdensome.


    Food safety issues: With meal prepping, some dishes inevitably remain in your refrigerator for several days. Improper storage and handling can heighten the risk of foodborne illnesses. Additionally, some individuals simply prefer not to eat leftovers, which can render meal prepping an impractical choice for them.


    Decreased spontaneity: Committing to meal prepping establishes a fixed schedule, which can pose inconveniences if your plans change or if you crave something different. This lack of flexibility makes it difficult to adapt to unexpected social engagements or sudden cravings.

    Weighing the benefits of meal prepping: Is it truly worthwhile?

    Is meal prepping worth it? The answer largely depends on your individual lifestyle and preferences. For many people, meal prepping can significantly improve daily routines. It saves time throughout the week, alleviates mealtime stress, and fosters healthier eating habits by making it easier to avoid quick, unhealthy choices. However, if you thrive on flexibility and derive joy from cooking creatively, adhering to a strict meal prep schedule might feel burdensome rather than advantageous. Ultimately, assessing whether meal prepping suits your lifestyle requires reflection on your preferences and needs. For numerous individuals, this approach leads to more deliberate eating habits and a sense of calm during busy days.


    Do you engage in meal prepping? Share your thoughts below, and if you’re considering diving into this practice, check out this article for guidance on getting started.

    Why I meal Prep: Benefits, Tips, and How to get Started Today