- The “Wake Up Before Them” Strategy – Sounds great in theory, but your child has a built-in alarm that detects when you’re trying to have alone time and will wake up even earlier. In my case also impossible as I will snooze until I lose.
2. The “I’ll Just Do It During Nap Time” Plan – Also known as “The Great Lie,” since naps are now either optional, nonexistent, or filled with mysterious sounds that require immediate investigation. It is during the pretend naps when all the wall painting and filling shoes with glitter is happening.
3. The “Multitasking Master” Approach – Sure, you can send an email while making lunch, but expect it to contain phrases like “Per my last unicorn” and “Looking forward to our playdate—I mean, meeting.” Also every time my child can see me on the phone or laptop, she’s right on it sneak peeking, interfering or simply hijacking my devices entirely. While on the laptop, she is pretending to be very busy working, which is insanely cute (but completely ruins my productivity).
4. The “Bribery Works” Technique – Need 10 uninterrupted minutes? Offer a snack. Need 20? Hand over the tablet. Need an entire hour? That might cost you a future pony and an epic evening meltdown. Usually ends up in my daughter’s officially complaining to her grandparents that her mommy is neglecting her.
5. The “Just Give Up” Method – Accept that time is now measured in “episodes of Bluey” and “meltdown intervals.” Productivity is relative, and some days, just keeping everyone alive is a win!
Managing time with a 4-year-old is not about “scheduling” for me, it’s more about “surviving.” Between (infuriating) sock debates, snack negotiations, and spontaneous existential crises about which cup to use, traditional productivity flies out the window. There is only one tip – embrace the beautiful chaos!
Ella Keeps Learning 
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