Batteries: A Problem for Busy Moms

I received a post that I had to share from a mom who has a message for toy marketers and battery manufacturers: batteries bite. Multi-minding moms, busy with a million things a day, can't be bothered with battery upkeep. Isn't there a better way? Help!

Here's the post and thanks, AC for sharing:

"But can we pause and talk about batteries for a minute? They're my nemesis, the absolute death of me. Sure they make toys vroom and zoom and do all sorts of cool things, but every time I turn around, something needs a new battery. And why is it that every toy -- even toys you wouldn't think need batteries -- require them? And a screwdriver. Sure I own a Costco-sized box, but I'm forever buying them. Or at least thinking about buying them. I need Ed McMahon to show up on my front lawn with a life-time supply. No wonder it's so difficult to get things done, I'm always replacing batteries!

Just think how much more time we'd have to do useful and productive activities if we did not have to replace batteries.

Kids Help Multi-Minding Moms and Learne at Same Time

This just in from my sister re my post last week "Kids Can Aid Multi-Minding Moms." My sister has an even better idea. Not only do you ask the kids, whose brains are much more highly functioning than mine, to remember items you need to get at the store, you also have them write a list. That way, you remember and your kiddie practices writing letters and words.

Great idea that serves two purposes. Busy, multi-minding women love that.

Only problem for me is... all of my lists end up sitting on the kitchen counter b/c I forget to take them with me. Guess I need to ask Ellie to remind me to take the list, too!

Travel Is No Friend to Multi-Minding Women

Yet another evening spent in an airport... wishing I could see my kids before they go to bed and not able to do much productive work after thumb-typing for two hours on my handheld device. Yes, after after spending 10 hours traveling and six hours in meetings yesterday (and having done that for years), I have concluded that air travel is a multi-minding mom's worst enemy.

So much time is wasted. I can't stand it. Between the lines, the delays and the generally unpleasant state of air travel and the airlines, you can't make any part of the experience work for you.

I take that back with two exceptions. The only physical stores (meaning not online) I shop at anymore are at airports because the delays enable me to buy gifts there. The air mall at the Pittsburgh airport is one of the best. And on occasion, I've been known to visit Express Spas at the airport. When you have hours of waiting, a 15-minute massage is a worthwhile indulgence.

If you have any tips for making the most of your time while you travel, PLEASE share!

Kids Can Aid Mom's Multi-Minding

I have discovered a new help for multi-minding moms -- lean on the memory capacity of your very able kids. With so much on my mind, I am always saying to one of my two kids, "remind me to..." and they always remember.

Today, before I shopped, I asked my four-year-old daughter to help me remember the items I wanted to get, which were out of the ordinary for the normal trip to the grocery store. Not only did she remember every one, but she also spotted them for me in the store.

While my mind seems is similar to a sieve, her little brain works on all cylinders. Thanks, Ellie! Your multi-minding mom appreciates your help.

No Time to Return Purchases

The last time I had to return something I ordered on-line b/c it did not fit my daughter, it stayed in the trunk of my car for four months. In fact, it’s still there.

It’s not that I’m lazy. I’m just busy and a return is so ungratifying. You are admitting that you’ve made a mistake in size and now you have to take your precious time to correct the mistake. That means filling out return forms, putting the item in a box, taping the box and, most time-consuming… taking the box to the post office or to FedEx.

Here’s my dream. I wish all e-tailers would provide an adhesive return label AND a sealable return pouch. That way, I can stick on the label and squish it into my mailbox. Saves my time, mailing tape and patience. Most of all, I’ll order again.

Any suggestions for e-tailers that make it easy to return or exchange purchases?

Little Time to Shop... for Yourself

An interesting take on having time to shop... many women make time to shop for others, but not for themselves. This feedback is very consistent with research I have seen that indicates multi-minding women think of other's needs first 75 percent of the time.

Here's proof...

I love your blog and will send it around to all of my friends – the concept is so true. We’re having my baby's baptism on Easter in Atlanta (timing is a big coup.) The baby has numerous ensembles, I made sure my husband has a new suit weeks ago. Of course this weekend, I finally found something for myself in 20 minutes while my husband waited for me with the baby. Leisurely shopping is over for me.

Thanks, Laurie!

Fundraisers: Good Causes Can Help You Save Time

Seems like you can't escape fundraisers -- every school, sport, charitable organization and community has one, or several. I used to look at fundraisers as something else I had to do... having to take the time to fill out paperwork for something extra I really did not need.

It occurred to me at some point, though, that what I buy through fundraisers could actually replace things I would buy and, given many fundraising products are delivered to your door, could save me time, too.

So, rather than make a trip to the store to buy candy at Easter time, I buy all of the candy through my son's school fundraiser. It helps the school and it's delivered to me. No extra trip to the store. At the holidays, instead of searching for small gifts for a variety of co-workers, friends and teachers, I patronize the Cub Scouts popcorn sale. Everyone seems to like the popcorn and the purchase helps my son's cub scout troop.

Try participating in the next fundraiser that comes your way. You are helping a local cause and your too busy to shop, multi-minding lifestyle.