Simplify Your Day
By Jodi Granok
Our lives today are fast-paced and hectic. Many families are lucky to sit down together for a meal once a week, and even then it may involve a take-out menu or a drive-thru lane. Our homes are full of paper, toys, clothes, and to-do lists. Life gets overwhelming at times, and many people search for a "magical" solution to simplify their lives. Here are three steps to learn how to make positive changes in your family's schedule to help reduce stress, find what you need when you need it, and spend more quality time together.
Step #1: Prepare for the next day the night before.
Children thrive on routines and rituals; it helps them (and you!) remain calm. Try some of these ideas:
- Choose a "clean up" time for the entire family - put on some peppy music and have everyone straighten up for 10-15 minutes.
- While cleaning up the kitchen from supper, set up the kitchen for breakfast (set the coffee maker, put out breakfast dishes).
- Prep the food for tomorrow's meals (chop veggies, wash the lettuce, marinate meat).
- Review the calendar for the next day, sign permission slips, and set out any special equipment for school (musical instruments, sports gear, gym clothes).
- Children line up their backpacks by the door and set out their clothes for the next day (Parents, set your clothes out too!).
- Only allow quiet activities in the house after dinner, such as completing homework, watching television, or reading.
- Help younger children wind down by reading them a bedtime story, having snuggle time, saying prayers, etc. Create a regular routine and stick to a specific "lights-out" time.
Step #2: Simplify your morning routine.
Create an easy morning routine so that everyone in your family has a great start to their day! Here are some ideas:
- Wake up earlier than your children to give yourself time to shower and get dressed before they get up.
- Keep a second set of toothbrushes in the downstairs bathroom so children don't have to go back upstairs to brush their teeth after breakfast.
- Prohibit electronic devices in the morning (television, video games, smart phones) to prevent distractions and keep everyone on track and on time.
- Have "grab and go" healthy breakfasts on hand for mornings when everyone is running late.
- Pre-pack lunches for the week on Sundays. Fill 5 bags with lunch staples like cheesesticks, fruit, yogurt, raisins, trail mix, and a drink. During the week, all you have to do each morning is make a sandwich and toss it in.
- Create a "launching pad" next to the door and hang jackets, backpacks, sports equipment,and anything else that needs to be taken to school (or work).
Step #3: Plan ahead for the upcoming week.
Pick one day each week to have a family meeting and get synchronized.
- Everyone brings their calendars, to-do lists, and schedules to the table.
- Spend 30 minutes reviewing upcoming events for the week, assigning chores, making dinner meal plans, etc.
- Distribute allowance money, if applicable.
- After the entire family meets for thirty minutes, parents meet for an additional thirty minutes to review their plans for the week.
Try this meeting once and see if you don't experience incredible results from this one hour investment!
© Organizing Magic, LLC - 2011. All Rights Reserved. (return to the article archive)
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