Re-evaluate after lunch

I am forever making "To Do" Lists.  I typically start each day with one.

I'm also guilty of doing the things I find easiest first.  That's not necessarily bad, I can get several of those checked off my list fairly quickly.  However, if a task is something I'm dreading I may put it off.

Lunch gives me a natural break in my day (though not always a long one!).  It's then that I re-evaluate my list.  Have I done the things that must get done today?  If not, I need to use the afternoon to focus on those tasks in order to have them completed by deadline.

More Timer Tips...

I am not advocating buying all new stuff.  However, if you do find yourself in a position where you need to replace something - look for features that make life easier.

I was reluctant to buy a washing machine with a timer feature on it ("Why do I need that?  I've never had it before and I've survived just fine...")

We got the washing machine with the timer feature that allows me to put the clothes and detergent in the machine and set the timer to start up to 7 hours later.  As it turns out, I LOVE IT!

I can put the wash in the machine in the morning and set the timer to wash the clothes later in the day.  When I get home, they're ready to throw in the dryer.  Or, during the summer we can reduce usage during peak hours by setting the washer to run overnight and the clothes are ready to move when I wake up.

The dishwasher features a similar feature.  As other appliances die around the house, this will be a feature I will look for.  I've learned it saves me time and money... and to think I thought it was a waste!

Timers aren't just for kids and kitchens

You may set the timer when cooking.  You may set the timer to let the misbehaving child know when the timeout is over.  But have you ever set the timer for yourself?

Sometimes cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task.  Try setting an inexpensive kitchen timer for 5-10 minutes.  Stay focused and do as much as you can before the timer rings.  The "beat the clock" mentality forces me to move quickly without feeling overwhelmed.  What I don't get to before the buzzer will be there later when round 2 starts!

Color Code Everything

If you come over, you'll find most of my daughter's stuff is green.  Most of my son's stuff is black, mine is red, and my husband's is blue.

In the morning when we're heading out the door, it's easy for my son to grab his backpack, black water bottle, black lunch box and be out the door.  Same thing for my daughter.  It has significantly minimized the number of "I grabbed the wrong thing" episodes and makes for less stressful mornings for all of us.

I'm not saying buy all new stuff.  Just as you replace, keep it in mind.

Run your family like a business

In my family I am the CSO (Chief Scheduling Officer).  My job is to keep track of everyone's schedules, coordinate getting people to the right place at the right time, etc.

Run your family like a business. While it may sound crazy, the only way I can get this done and not lose my mind is through my computer.  My husband, the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) set up email accounts for our kids and computer log-ins on the family computer.  If something gets scheduled, say soccer practice, a calendar notice is sent to all family members that shows up on their individual computer calendars.  It has saved the "you didn't tell me that" arguement as everyone has the same information.

And to keep my master calendar from being totally out of control, each family member's schedule shows up in a different color.  (More on color coding later...)

I currently use iCal but have used a variety of other similar calendar programs in years past.  The point is get the same information to everyone who needs it as efficiently as possible.

I need help....

I'm always amazed when I talk with women who seem to be doing it all - all the laundry, all the cleaning, all the cooking...

My typical question is "why?"  "My husband doesn't do it right."  OK, I'm a control freak but really?  Take the help!

Kids?  "They're too busy."      "...and you're not?"

Washing machines run themselves.  Kids are capable of doing many things.  Yes, it takes a bit more work up front.  The trade-off is that (1) it saves you work in the long run and more importantly (2) it teaches kids the skills they need as adults.

You're not being (a bad parent, lazy, demanding too much) of your kids by asking them to help.  You're teaching them life lessons about taking care of themselves and time management.  It builds self-esteem and teaches kids about organization.

Some ideas for things kids can help with and the ages we implemented in our family: sort the laundry (2 years), empty dishwasher (w/o knives 4 yrs; including knives 6 years); feed dog (18 months); cook simple meals (7 years); do own laundry (7 years); clean up toys (1 year).  More ideas and research is provided at the link below.

Kids, especially young kids, typically want to help.  Older kids crave being treated like an adult.  Give them the chance.  It's good for them and good for you.

http://childparenting.about.com/od/familyhome/a/chores.htm

One day makes a difference...

I understand that finding extra time is a challenge in today's busy world.  I also have learned that carving out a little time on one day saves me time, energy and frustration the rest of the week.

For me that day is Sunday.

Check in with each person who lives in your house, even if it's by text message!  Figure out what everyone's schedules are for the week and who will be home on what nights for dinner.

Decide what you're having for dinner each night.  Don't worry about the "I don't know what I'll be in the mood for..." that mindset creates uncertainty and therefore stress.  Make things you like and your family likes - you can always flip nights if the mood strikes midweek!

On nights when we're home at a reasonable time and all here, I might actually make something that requires day-of preparation, but Tuesday nights are soccer nights for my daughter.  We typically eat in shifts so I like to have something in the fridge that can be easily heated in the microwave as each person is ready to eat.  It saves me time and money Tuesday night not having to go out and reduces the "what am I going to make?" stress.

Create the menu, then the grocery list.  Go to the store.  I am in and out of the grocery store in about an hour including drive time there and back.  I know what I want.  At this point I can typically go to the store every other week for larger trips.  The off week just requires a trip for bread, milk and produce - 15 minutes tops!

Once home today, I will be turning on the NCAA basketball games to watch my Jayhawks play while I'm working in the kitchen.  Do I want to spend the time in the kitchen?  Not really, I'm not a great cook and I don't particularly enjoy it... but I do enjoy that it reduces my stress later in the week and reduces the food portion of my budget.  I also like knowing that we're eating healthier...

Giving up part of the day once a week makes a difference.