Happy Mother’s Day to all of the working moms (grandmas, aunts, and others that play mom-like roles) in the printing industry. We hope you receive special TLC: breakfast in bed, bubble baths, flowers, bottomless beverages of your choice – all the things, plus an ink-on-paper printed card! – on May 12. You deserve it!

Our Mother’s Day gift to you, however, is for the other 364 days of the year.  It’s a list of go-to #PrintMom hacks compliments of our Women in Print Advisory Council and staff, who are collectively raising humans from age 2 to the teen years.  You’re certain to find at least one actionable take-away to help recalibrate your work-life balance.

The Morning Rush: More Coffee, Less Chaos

  • Waking our kids up an extra 15-30 minutes early has proved vital so they don’t feel rushed and they are more willing to cooperate.
  • Knowing what my kids will willingly, quickly eat for breakfast is also important so there’s not a waste of time trying to debate what to eat.
  • Coffeemaker on a timer! Set it up the night before as you are loading the dishwasher.
  • Pre-make pancakes, egg casserole cut into bars, etc. that you can microwave in the morning to provide a hot breakfast without all of the time and hassle.
  • Reduce friction by preparing the night before – yes, it’s the last thing you want to do after they are asleep, but it makes a world of a difference in the morning. Have outfits picked out, breakfast planned and setup, lunch packed, etc. (for you and for them!).

Time Management: Block & Tackle

  • I work almost exclusively at home since the pandemic. My husband goes to an office every day. I handle getting the kids on and off the bus. Blocking time on my schedule to allow for that and then getting back online once they’re settled is key.
  • Make a list of what you need to get done that day (especially weekend errands) and try to tackle things close to each other. Is the Home Depot next to the Costco?  Make sure you have your list for both and do both at the same time.
  • If you have to take your car in for repairs, see if the shop has wifi. You can stay up on work emails and calls while waiting for your car. (Note: This applies to other “waiting” errands and appointments, too!)

Tech Tips & Tricks: Keeping Everyone On Track

  • I’ve been using the Amazon Alexa app to keep our family on track when it comes to grocery lists, party planning lists, amazon store lists, Target store lists… I could go on.
  • We use a good old paper calendar to keep track of monthly commitments and we also have a dry erase board we use to keep track of weekly commitments.
  • I’m the “chef” in our house so I also handle the food shopping. We use a shared Google Keep Notes list that we can both add to throughout the week. In the last 5 years I used my local grocery store app to order groceries. Then one of us picks it up. It’s a huge time saver.
  • We share all of our iPhone calendars and everyone has a different color. This way we see what each other is doing individually and what we have to do as a family so we don’t double book.

Location, Location, Location: Just Like in Real Estate, It Matters!

  • I try to use resources (in the form of my husband, nanny, or parents) wherever possible so that I can continue my work day as normal. If that isn’t possible, I’ll block out my time and bring along a tablet or laptop so I can work while I’m sitting still – whether it’s car line or at a sports program.
  • The facility where my kids went for daycare is also where they went for before-after school care and will attend summer camp. In my opinion, this is best handled close to home since you have the option to put them in care even if you’re not going to work. If you’re sick or plan to take an adult-only day off, you don’t want to “commute” to childcare.
  • If your kid does an extracurricular activity, find one that has after-school care and/or buses to your kid’s school. Our example: Tae Kwon Do (TKD). They will pick up the kids, who then get to do both their homework and their TKD lesson after school.

Sustenance: It’s Kinda Sorta Definitely a Thing

  • I usually cook larger, more complicated meals on Sunday. This allows for leftovers. Sometimes, I’ll have another easier meal planned for later in the week. Or a frozen pizza and salad for nights when you need to quickly eat and get to practice or a game.
  • I refuse to cook dinner on Friday nights. That’s my own personal celebration of the end of the work week. We don’t have to go out, but I’m not cooking. HA!
  • Have breakfast items your kids can make and teach them how to make what they want. Also, get them involved in packing their own lunches.
  • Embrace the crockpot! Set it up before work and come home to minimal dinner prep.

Yes, We’re Doing It All Again Tomorrow: Night-Time Prep

  • ROUTINE! My children have a set routine from the time they get home to the time they go to bed.
  • My children have to burn energy when they get home from school so they have an easier time accomplishing chores, dinner, bath time, and bed time routines. Sometimes, a dance party is required in the middle of the routine to burn even more energy!
  • We find out the night before if they [kids] want to buy the next day’s lunch and if not, what would they like packed. This allows for a smoother morning the next day.
  • As you are cleaning up dinner dishes have your kids get their backpacks ready for the next day. Are their water bottles filled, is their homework in the bag, snacks?
  • Creating and sticking to [an evening] routine can be the biggest challenge, but it really does work. Kids thrive on consistency and knowing what to expect, and so do we!

Non-Negotiables: This. Is. Happening.

  • My children value Friday evenings because they know it’s their “relax day” and they can usually talk mom or dad into some take-out food and a movie.
  • I have to exercise throughout the week. Can be a simple 10-minute walk or a more rigorous class. But it must happen for my own physical and mental health. I also have a 15 yo dog that requires a lot of bathroom breaks during the day. This helps me walk away from the computer and get outside.
  • No devices at the dinner table.
  • I refuse to join the PTA at my kids’ school. There are plenty of parents who do not work out of the home who can contribute their time. I will happily contribute money to teacher gifts or a snack for a class party or school event. But moms, more than dads, are constantly pressured into signing up for so many things. Until I see more dads at these events and on the sign-up sheets, I refuse to share more of my time.  We still do too much of the heavy lifting at home.
  • Self care. I cannot be a great mom, wife, friend, etc. if I am not taking care of myself. I have to find time for my needs so that I have the capacity to take care of my family as well. #1 non-negotiable.

Finally, from a mom who’s been there/done that (with “kids” ages 19 and 21): Ask for help when you need it. Even superheroes need a break sometimes!

Did we miss one of your best #PrintMom hacks? If so, please share it with us on the Women in Print Alliance LinkedIn channel. And by the way, all of the above also apply to parenting partners, so feel welcome to share this list – and the load. Happy Mother’s Day!

Thank you to the following awe-inspiring, candid #PrintMoms who shared their best hacks with us, including: Jen Bytof, Tarrah Godish, Lane Hickey Wiggins, Julie Lamond, and Lexi Olinsky. Happy Mother’s Day to each of you!