A weekend uniform rule and 6 other parenting shortcuts for when patience has left the chat.

Thanks to our brand partner, Hola Health

Some days, parenting can feel like a lot.

Think: juggling a clingy toddler, forgetting it's dress-up day at daycare (again) and discovering the laundry pile is now large enough to qualify for its own postcode.

Other days, it feels like you've just about got it together — you remembered the library bag, everyone's been fed and no one has put stickers on the dog.

If you're thinking, "yep, that's me," then hi, welcome. You're among friends.

We've all been there. And whether you're working, home with little ones or trying to do both at once, there are moments when patience has well and truly left the chat.

Because as much as we love our small humans, raising them is equal parts heartwarming and head-spinning. And when patience has packed its bags and left the building, you need shortcuts. Hacks.

Here are seven parenting tricks for when you're time-poor and just trying to make it to bedtime without someone crying (you included).

Get healthcare online from the comfort of your home.

When little ones (or grown-ups) are unwell, juggling appointments and schedules can be tricky.

This is where Hola Health comes in. With Hola, you can connect with a registered Australian GP — anytime, day or night.

Whether your child is feeling unwell late at night or you need medical advice on prescription options, Hola Health makes it convenient to connect with a GP from your home, car or even while you're away on holiday — bringing healthcare to wherever you are.

The process is easy: go online or use the app, choose the service you need (consult, medical certificate or prescription), and a GP will review your request or consult with you — with the average wait time being within 15 minutes upon approval.

Plus, in select areas, same-day delivery of pharmacy goods and eligible prescription medications may also be available.

Rotate the same five dinners (and never apologise).

You don't need to reinvent the wheel. You just need to get dinner on the table. Pick five easy, kid-friendly meals that they'll actually eat and put them on repeat.

Pasta, fried rice, tacos, sausages and a no-cook "snack plate" dinner? Done.

Sure, it might not win any gourmet awards, but it will win back your time and sanity.

And bonus points for building a rotating shopping list so you can order the same groceries with a few clicks too.

Prep school lunches the night before.

Future you will thank you because let's face it, no one wants to be cutting up fruit at 7am while yelling, "where are your shoes?!".

So take 15 minutes after dinner to prep. You'll have more time in the morning for other fun activities like finding a missing library book or brushing bed hair that's turned into a bird's nest overnight.

And keep it simple: sandwiches in airtight containers, chopped fruit in mini tubs and snacks grouped in grab-and-go bins in the fridge or pantry.

Set up a "get out the door" station.

Create a spot near your front door for all the things you always forget in the morning — hats, spare socks, raincoats, drink bottles and even the baby wipes that end up in the car 80 per cent of the time anyway.

Use labelled baskets, hooks or clear tubs. You'll be amazed how much smoother mornings go when everything has a place — and when "Mum, where's my…" doesn't become the family theme song.

The "weekend uniform" rule.

Some kids want to wear a tutu to the shops. Others insist on gumboots in 30-degree heat. And you? Well, you're just trying to get out of the house without drama.

Enter the weekend uniform: a go-to outfit that's comfy, practical and easy for your child to put on themselves. Think soft leggings, a T-shirt they love and shoes that don't need adult assistance.

Less arguing because they know it's what they wear on the weekends and less stress for everyone.

And if they want to wear a superhero cape on top? Well, that's fashion, baby.

Create a shared digital calendar (aka the family brain).

Between daycare rosters, school events, birthdays and after-school activities, it's easy to lose track. A shared digital calendar becomes the external hard drive your brain desperately needs.

Colour code by family member, set up weekly reminders (so nothing slips through the cracks) and sync it with your partner so you're not constantly fielding questions like, "do we have swimming today?".

Spoiler: you do. It's in the calendar.

Quiet time is the new nap time.

If your child has decided naps are for the weak, introduce "quiet time". It's not about sleep — it's about rest.

Set up a calm corner with books, puzzles, audio stories or sensory toys and let them chill for 30 minutes. It teaches kids how to entertain themselves and gives you some time to fold a load of washing, or stare into space for a few glorious, uninterrupted moments.

Tip: start with 10 minutes and build up. It soon becomes part of your daily routine — and might even lead to a surprise nap (we can dream).

Head to Hola Health's website to find out more about their services. Use code MMIA25 for 25 per cent off your next consultation. T&C's apply.

This information is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. As with any medical condition, always seek health advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

MMIA25 discount code must be applied at Hola's checkout or in-app for redemption. It can only be used once and applied to a consultation purchase. Expiry: 11:59 PM AEST 31st July 2025. See consultation terms here.

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Keep hola.health in the back of your pocket this flu season. The easiest way to see a GP - Online within minutes, 24/7. Use code MMIA25 for 25% off your next consultation. T&C's apply.