Homemaking isn’t easy – every mama knows that by heart. But if it is a task filled with love, and backed by tested-through-time strategies, creating a happier household will be a breeze.
Here are some valuable pieces of advice from our fellow mamas , preschool teacher Iam Serrano and vlogger-influencer Connh Cruz (also known as Modern Nanay) who gamely shared their thoughts during the recently concluded Edamama Family Expo at the SMX Convention Center.
1.) Find your routine
Families thrive better when they have a routine because they already know what to expect. But don’t let other family’s routines sway or intimidate you – find one that fits your lifestyle, body clock, and other tasks, says Serrano.
Make sure though that under this routine, everyone is on board – husbands should gamely share parenting and household tasks, and children should be involved.
“[Do] whatever works for you na routine.. parenting is a partnership, we both share that responsibility. Follow the routine that you have – sinong taga hatid taga sundo. Kids are [also] involved and when alam ng lahat ang gagawin, mas manageable ang home. Even babies thrive because of routine,” Serrano says
Don’t forget to add your “me-time” in this routine, adds Serrano. And we agree, because one can’t pour from an empty cup.
2.) Plan ahead and write it down
“Mama-brain” and multitasking make it hard for mothers to remember everything all at once. But for the vlogger mama Cruz, who has over 3 million followers on her Facebook page, it is helpful to visualize your tasks. She suggests writing your plans by hand so you know what to do next. Whether it’s a meal plan or chore plan, listing it down will help you manage the household in the long run.
“When you have a meal plan, money is budgeted,” says Cruz, adding that she cooks house meals in advance, then freeze it.
“Nakadivide na para madali initin at iniiwasan ang vegetables na madali masira,” she adds.
Store your little one’s healthy meals in airtight containers or leak-proof storage sets. You can also have clean and well-maintained refrigerators with fridge organizers.
3.) Declutter and organize
Triggered by untouched toys lying on the floor? Cruz believes decluttering at least twice a year keeps the household somehow less chaotic.
“Ibenta sa murang halaga, others donate. May mga gamit ang kids hindi na nagamit, ayaw na pansinin,” she says.
Husbands should also learn how to organize their things, Cruz adds.
Serrano meanwhile believes children should also be part of the decluttering or home organization process. As a preschool teacher, she uses the language of play in enticing her kids to put back toys in proper containers.
“Do household chores together. [I tell them] put your toy in its house,” she adds.
Get creative with organizers - this monster-design toy bin could encourage kids to put back their toys while this iFam elephant organizer can match your minimalist or white interior.
4.) Save time by buying online
No need to troop to department stores where you might just randomly pick an item.
“Kapag nasa mall, nadadampot ko ang hindi ko dapat bilhin,” Cruz explains.
Mama Connh and Mama Iam both agree that online shopping is better because it allows you to review your items before checking out – and take out what you don’t need. Serrano loves Edamama’s tailored suggestions on what her kids with varying ages need while Cruz loves how all of her family’s essentials are properly categorized. It also helps that Edamama carries only trusted brands, so it gives them peace of mind.
5.) Find time to reward yourself
Who says you need to buy stuff only for your children? Go get that make-up or whatever that makes you feel better. Serrano raves about Edamama’s wide selection for what mamas need. She adds, everyone at home will thrive if mama is happy too.
“Self-love. Start your day with a smile, an affirmation that ‘I can do this..’ and do shopping for yourself,” Serrano says.
Whether it’s a beauty cream or an essential oil, scented candles for the senses, calming tea, or fashionable clothes, mamas should find time to add to cart for themselves, too.
Check out Edamama’s selection for mamas here.
