So you managed to buy the school supplies, keep those new shoes (somewhat clean) until the first day, and actually get them through the packed parking lot before the bell rang. (yay!) So now you have a day or two to catch your breath before the real work starts: managing homework and endless extracurricular activities.
Sometimes the structured routine of Fall feels good…but it can also bring a whole new set of stressors for parents who are juggling complicated schedules. Here are some tips for managing your household as Fall returns.
Establish a homework area. Create a comfortable, kid-friendly space with all the supplies needed to accomplish homework in a timely manner.
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Prepare the night before. Take 15 minutes each evening to go through backpacks, check for school notes, and empty out lunch bags so there aren’t any surprises in the morning.
Get up earlier than the kids. Wake up, have your coffee and enjoy a few moments of peace before the noise starts. Your reward: a smooth morning routine and a positive state of mind.
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Plan ahead for meals. While you may not feel like it on the weekend, a quick list of lunches and meals for the week will reduce your stress and prevent the dreaded “we’re out of bread…” on Thursday morning.
Create morning checklists for kids. Get them involved in writing out their own to-do list; hang it by their bedroom doors and adapt it into your family’s chore routine.
Make time for you. Re-evaluate your own routine. Pinpoint those areas that cause you the most stress on a daily basis. Are your closets full and overflowing? Do you have a hard time finding necessary items when in a hurry? Maybe your desk is a mess and leaves you feeling inefficient and overloaded. Hiring a Home Manager to assist you with home organization and work flow can gain you hours of time better spent at the office, volunteering at the school, or hanging out with the kids.
So as you pull the family together this coming weekend and prepare for the full week ahead, take a look at your workload, and if a little help sounds like a great relief, call today for a free in-home consultation on how our Home Organization & Management services can help your home run smoothly!
Sarah Friesen is an experienced & trusted Home Manager. Since 2011, her company has been offering an array of Home Watch, Organizational and Cleaning Services that bring Peace of Mind to local homeowners. You can reach her at sarah@gigharborhomemanagement.com or visit her website at www.GigHarborHomeManagement.com. 253.225.4864