Dear Joyce, Kids are back in school, but I’m running in circles . . .

Joyce

Back To SchoolDear Joyce,

My kids are back in school (grade 4, grade 2 and preschool), but I feel like I am always running – I never get caught up!   I am a stay-at-home mom and not the most organized person.  Dinner time is the worst since I am trying to help with homework at the same time.

Please help me,

Going Crazy

Dear Going Crazy,

I do have good news for you.  You do not have to be an organized person to get organized.  Every mom is strong and weak in different areas, and one of the important skills to develop is administrating the family.  You mentioned your children are in school.  This is a great time to get the process started.  Tonight before your go to bed, get out a new pad of paper and make a list of all of the jobs that need doing – daily, weekly, monthly.  To start, plan your meals for this week and make a grocery list.  Tomorrow morning, drop your children off at school and head for the market to buy all that you need for the week.  Get going on the laundry (one load at a time) and do everything that you can do while your children are in school.  When I had the meal planned and clean clothes ready for the next day, I was a more patient mom able to better handle the homework, music practicing, mealtime, etc. 

I also suggest you de-clutter your house . . . one room at a time.  This could be a weekly or monthly job right now until you get more caught up.  Start with one room at a time:

  • Take everything that is not furniture or attached to the wall out of the room
  • Have three bags ready – throw away, give away, and keepers
  • Go to a supply store to buy containers that help with organization and find a “home” for everything that you choose to bring back in the room
  • Be patient to do one room a month, if necessary, but at least you will feel progress
  • Ask your husband for help, especially if he is organized!
  • Get the family involved in helping on Saturdays

When our grandchildren come over, I expect them to clean up one set of toys or games before getting out more.  When I ask them to wash their hands after dinner so their sticky fingers do not go with them throughout the house.  I say, “Would you rather have Nana spend her time cleaning, or playing with you?”   “Playing with us!” is their response as they get busy helping.    

I hope this helps you get started.   

Joyce

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