The Ultimate Mum Hack: Outsourcing
If grown-ups had a secret for surviving parenthood, it would be outsourcing. For some reason, the idea of letting someone else handle a few things still makes so many of us feel guilty. Like we’ve failed if we’re not personally doing every single little task. And if you ask me, that’s just ridiculous. Outsourcing doesn’t mean you’re overwhelmed or can’t handle all the things. It’s about working smarter, not harder. The Supermum Myth Needs a Break You know that mum who always seems to have everything together? Her littlies look like they’ve stepped out of a kidswear catalogue, her house is immaculate, and she is always on time if not early to everything. She’s not doing it all on her own. Nobody is. Trying to manage every single task without help doesn’t make you strong; it just makes you tired. And that kind of tired can sneak up on you until you realise you haven’t had a single moment to just sit and breathe. Letting someone help you doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It means you’re smart enough to know your limits and kind enough to yourself to act on it. Outsourcing is a Life Saver Handing off a few of the constant jobs that drain your energy is one of the easiest ways to feel lighter. When you get a cleaner, you’re not spoiling yourself, you’re giving yourself back time. When you order groceries online instead of dragging the littlies down every aisle, you’re choosing peace. When you hire a babysitter, you’re giving yourself a chance to enjoy a dinner out or actually have a conversation with another adult. It’s not about control, it’s about balance. Every task you hand over gives you more space for the things that actually matter, like time with your family, time for yourself, and time that isn’t filled with to-do lists. Babysitters: The Experts You Can Rely OnOut of everything you can outsource, babysitting is the one that often has the biggest impact. Grown-ups need time away from the noise, the routines, and the demands that come with raising littlies. Time to laugh, relax, and remember that you’re still a person outside of being “Mum” or “Dad.” That’s not indulgent, it’s healthy. The littlies benefit too. They get someone new to play with, someone who might let them stay up five minutes longer or turn story time into a game. Babysitter nights often feel like an adventure for them, which makes it easier for everyone. At Coastal Babysitters, we see it all the time. Parents leave their littlies looking frazzled, and by the time they return, they’ve softened. The spark is back. That’s what a little help can do. The Guilt Thing That small voice that says, “I should be able to do it all,” needs to be quietened. It’s outdated and unhelpful. You’re not supposed to do it all on your own. The people who make it look effortless are usually the ones asking for help behind the scenes. Outsourcing doesn’t make you less efficient or less caring. It makes you more present, more patient, and more connected. When you’re rested, you’re calmer. When you’re calmer, your littlies pick up on it. Everyone benefits when the grown-ups are less stretched thin. What You Can Outsource Start small. Think about the things that drain your energy the most, and ask yourself, “Does this actually need to be me?” A few ideas to get you started: Book a babysitter for a night that’s just for you. Try click-and-collect groceries or delivery. Get a cleaner once a month, even just for bathrooms. Use a laundry service for bedding or uniforms. Ask a neighbour’s teenager to walk the dog or mow the lawn. Each small handover adds up to more time and a clearer head. You Deserve a Team Parenting isn’t a solo job. It’s meant to be shared. Having help doesn’t make you less of a grown-up or less of a parent; it makes you supported. You’re still the heartbeat of your home, but you don’t have to be the engine running every moving part. So go ahead and delegate something this week. Book the sitter. Order the groceries. Say yes when someone offers help. You’re not losing control of your life. You’re just reclaiming a little bit of it. Book a Sitter