DAD HACKS: TIME-SAVING TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BUSY FATHERS

Written by Lance Green

Hey there dads! As a fellow father, I know how hectic and overwhelming parenting can be. Between work, household chores, and trying to keep up with our kids’ busy schedules, it seems like there’s never enough time in the day. That’s why I want to share some of my favourite dad hacks with all of you. These time-saving tips and tricks have been a lifesaver for me and I hope they can help make your life a little easier too.

First off, let’s talk about meal prep. As much as we love our families, cooking every single night can be exhausting. That’s why I highly recommend investing in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. These appliances are a dad’s best friend when it comes to meal prep. With just a little bit of prep in the morning, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal waiting for you when you get home from work. Plus, the leftovers can be used for lunches throughout the week. Talk about a win-win!

Speaking of meals, let’s talk about grocery shopping. I used to dread taking my kids to the store with me, but then I discovered the magic of online grocery shopping. Many stores now offer this service where you can simply add items to your virtual cart and have them delivered right to your door. This not only saves you time but also eliminates the stress of trying to wrangle your kids in the store. Plus, you can easily compare prices and find the best deals without having to physically walk up and down every aisle.

Now, let’s talk about laundry. It’s never-ending, isn’t it? Well, here’s a dad hack that will save you time and sanity – delegate laundry duties to your kids. Yes, you read that right. Even young children can help with simple tasks like sorting and folding laundry. Not only does this take some of the workload off of you, but it also teaches your kids responsibility and gives them a sense of accomplishment. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you have a little extra help in the laundry department.

Next up, let’s discuss organisation. As much as we may try to deny it, a cluttered and disorganised home can add unnecessary stress to our lives. That’s why it’s important to have a system in place to keep things tidy. One of my favourite dad hacks for organisation is the ‘one-touch rule.’ This means that whenever you pick something up, you either use it or put it away in its designated spot. This simple rule has saved me so much time and energy in the long run.

Now, let’s talk about multitasking. As dads, we are experts in juggling multiple tasks at once. But sometimes, it can be overwhelming and we end up feeling like we’re not getting anything done. That’s where the power of multitasking comes in. For example, while your kids are doing their homework, you can use that time to do some household chores or pay bills. Or, while you’re waiting for them at soccer practice, you can catch up on some work emails. Finding ways to combine tasks can be a game-changer in terms of time management.

Another dad hack that has been a game-changer for me is setting aside designated ‘dad time.’ This is time that is solely dedicated to spending quality time with my kids, without any distractions. It could be something as simple as reading a book together or having a movie night. This not only strengthens the bond between you and your kids but also gives you a break from the chaos of everyday life.

Lastly, let’s talk about self-care. As dads, we tend to put our own needs last, but it’s important to take care of ourselves too. One of my favourite dad hacks for self-care is waking up just 15 minutes earlier. This extra time in the morning allows me to have a peaceful cup of coffee and maybe even squeeze in a quick workout. It sets a positive tone for the day and helps me feel more energised and focused.

These are just a few of my go-to dad hacks for making the most of my time and simplifying my life as a busy father. I hope they can be helpful for all of you fellow dads out there. Remember, we’re all in this together and it’s important to support and share our tips and tricks with one another. Here’s to making our dad’s lives a little easier, one hack at a time!