To Multitask or Not to Multitask?

Multitasking. It's what gets us by, isn't it? The only way to get everything crossed off our lists. At least that's what all of us big-time multitaskers seem to think. But according to several studies, multitasking is not very productive. (See http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/costs-of-multitasking.htm)

Upon hearing this, my brain immediately went to work. Maybe this is why I am not as productive as I'd like to be. Maybe I just need to learn to stick to one task at a time and I'll get a lot more accomplished. So, of course, I discussed this with some friends who basically told me I was wrong. That being a parent and a stay-at-home-mom requires multi-tasking. When I considered this, I realized they were right. Why? Quite simply, it comes down to the kids. There is no way to know when children are going to need help. Dirty diapers don't come at the top of the hour. Sibling arguments are not scheduled. 4-year olds are constantly interrupting with their many questions. Because of this, moms will always be multi-tasking.

So, then it becomes a question of how. How should a mom multi-task? What is going to be the most effective way to get everything done while still taking care of those dirty diapers, answering those questions and stopping those fights. After discussing this issue with a few moms, I've come up with an idea. It is a combination of multitasking and singletasking. I call it small-tasking. And this is how it works.

If I were to clean my kitchen, it would take me 30-45 minutes. This task is probably too long to complete in one session because the children will inevitably need something during that time. But if the tasks of the kitchen are broken up into smaller tasks -- things such as cleaning off the table, clearing the counter, sweeping the floor, emptying the dishwasher, etc -- then there will probably be enough time to do one or more of those tasks before an interruption. Focusing on one small task allows for a lot of flexibility in one's day. Have 5 minutes? Clean off the table. Have 15 minutes? Do the dishes. Have 30 minutes? Do the dishes, clean off the table and sweep the floor. 

This method will not completely eliminate the need to multitask as a mom. Obviously, if the 3-year old needs to go to the bathroom, the task you are working on will have to be left until that is taken care of. (While writing this, I've had multiple interruptions!) But it should eliminate the procrastination and frustration that comes from feeling like the kids never give you enough time to complete anything. 

So, go make your lists! Happy small-tasking!