5 Things Busy Parents Waste Time On — And How to Get It Back

5 Things Busy Parents Waste Time On — And How to Get It Back

Being a working parent means you’re constantly in motion — but are you moving in the right direction? So many of us stay busy but feel like we’re not getting anything done. And that’s usually because of invisible time traps hiding in our day.

As a parent, Texas-certified teacher, and doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Innovation, I’ve spent years helping families and professionals identify the habits that quietly drain time and energy.

Here are five of the most common time-wasters — and what to do instead.

1. Multitasking That Breaks Focus

We think we’re saving time by juggling laundry, dinner, and emails… but really, we’re fragmenting our focus and doubling how long things take. Try task batching instead — grouping similar tasks together and doing them in blocks.

2. Overcommitting Without Boundaries

Saying yes to every school event, extra work task, or last-minute favor adds up. Set 1–2 default responses you can use when you're asked for something that isn’t aligned with your current priorities.

3. Unclear Priorities

Starting the day without a clear focus means you’ll spend most of it putting out fires. Try setting a “Top 3” list each morning. Even if everything else goes off track, those three items become your anchors.

This is one of the cornerstones of the Time Mastery course — learning to work with your time, not against it, using simple tools like the Top 3 Planner.

4. Checking Your Phone Without Intention

The quick scroll can easily turn into 20 minutes — especially when your brain is tired. Set phone-free windows in your day or use app timers. Protect your best focus time like you would protect an appointment.

5. Not Automating or Prepping Small Tasks

Making 10 tiny decisions each morning (what to wear, what to pack, what to cook) burns mental energy. Create simple prep routines: set out clothes at night, keep meal options pre-listed, or use grocery pickup instead of in-store shopping.

Want more time-saving strategies designed for real parents? That’s exactly what we cover inside Time Mastery for Working Parents — 12 weeks of structure you can actually use.

Final Thoughts

Time leaks don’t always look dramatic. Sometimes, they look like “just a minute” or “I’ll squeeze this in real quick.” But when you reclaim these invisible moments, you take back control of your day — and your peace of mind.

Start small. Notice the patterns. Then shift them, one day at a time.