We all know them: those perky mothers and fathers who zip through the grocery shopping, two birthday parties, a soccer game and Pilates, all on a Sunday— while you’re zonked after merely getting the kids fed and dressed. Yes, these hyper-parents are annoying. But, no, you shouldn’t strangle them.
Why? Because we’re going to let you in on their secrets! Check out these peppy-parent tips from on-the-go parents like you.

1. Swap kids

“For about three years, my friend and I have ‘swapped’ kids once a week to allow time for ourselves—to run errands or relax. Once every couple of months we also take turns having each other’s children over for a sleepover,” says Linda Cudmore, mum to Dylan, two, Leah, five, and Colin, seven. (She and hubby Craig are involved in lots of church activities, and piano, swimming, skating and Ukrainian dance lessons with the kids.) Start by choosing another parent with whom you have a good relationship and whom your kids know, says Cudmore.
Then try one- to two-hour sessions and ramp up from there. Try not to fret about what will happen on your watch.
It will be frenetic at first, but you’ll soon relish your turn to drop your kids off.

2. Unwind with friends over a night out

Mother of two, Tamara Wouters, recharges by entertaining friends, minus fancy table settings and the hassle of finding a babysitter.
“We make sure that when we entertain, it’s with other couples and their kids,” says Tamara, a hard-working d