How to stay organised with kids? A Caffeinated Guide to Staying Organised with Kids
Parenting is such a beautiful and enjoyable experience, but one thing that most parents don’t expect is the chaos that comes with it, especially when it comes to staying organised. From daycare to school schedules, extracurricular activities, meal planning, and maintaining a tidy home, keeping everything in order can feel like a constant uphill battle. But fear not, in this blog we will provide you with practical tips on how to stay organised with kids, making your family life more manageable and enjoyable.
How to Stay Organised:
Establish a Family Calendar
One of the first steps in staying organised with kids is to create a family calendar. This calendar should include all important dates, appointments, and activities for each family member. You can use a physical calendar hung in a central location or opt for a digital solution like Google Calendar, which allows you to set reminders and share schedules with family members. We personally use a digital calendar because we need the reminder notifications to help stay on top of all everything. Regularly updating and checking the calendar will help you stay on top of your busy schedule.
Structure
Some kids thrive on having structure when they get home from school or activies, while other children don’t. Deoending on your childs age, you can set rough guides on how the afternoon goes. Some people like to have this printed out and placed somewhere where the kids can see it and/or check off the daily activities when they’re done. It is essential that you adapt your day to suit your child’s specific needs.
Declutter Regularly
A cluttered home can contribute to feelings of chaos and disorganisation. Make decluttering a regular family activity. Set aside time each month to go through toys, clothes, and other belongings. Encourage your children to choose items they no longer need and donate them to those in need. Teaching kids about the importance of simplifying their surroundings can help maintain a tidy home and help them to learn the importance of giving to others.
Use Storage Solutions
Invest in storage solutions that make it easy to keep things organised. Bins, shelves, and drawers can help you neatly store toys, books, and other items. Label containers and designate specific areas for different types of items. Teach your children the importance of returning items to their designated places after use.
Meal Planning and Prep
Mealtime can be a source of stress for many parents. Simplify meal planning by creating a weekly menu and shopping list. Involve your children in meal preparation and encourage them to choose healthy options. Consider batch cooking and freezing meals for busy days. This not only saves time but also ensures your family eats nutritious meals regularly.
Involve your kids
As your children grow, involve them in household chores and responsibilities. Assign age-appropriate tasks, such as setting the table, doing laundry, or cleaning their rooms. Teaching your kids to contribute to the household not only lightens your load but also instils valuable life skills in them. My older two know that they have to help with washing and putting away their clothes, while my 4 year old knows that his job is setting the table and helping with dinner. Making helping fun and educational can really ease stress in the evenings.
Communicate Openly
Effective communication is key to staying organised with kids. Talk to your kids about their schedules and expectations. Encourage them to express their needs and concerns. This open dialogue can prevent misunderstandings and help you make adjustments as needed. Know that sometimes kids have bad days too and being adaptable can help you to both enjoy your time together.
Be Flexible
Some days things just don’t go to plan, sometimes we just need to throw away our plans for the day and try again tomorrow. Being flexible and adaptable can help you make light of the harder days and enjoy your time together.
Take Care of Yourself
Remember, staying organised with kids is a marathon, not a sprint. It's essential to prioritize self-care and avoid burnout. Make time for yourself, engage in activities you enjoy, and ask for help when needed. One important aspect of my selfcare is having my morning coffee from República Organic and a decaf coffee after the kids have gone to bed. This helps me to feel like my cup is full so that I can continue giving my all to my family. A well-rested and emotionally balanced parent is better equipped to handle the challenges of family life. Remember, don’t ever feel guilty for prioritising things that you love!
Staying organised with kids may require effort and planning, but the benefits are well worth it. By creating a family calendar, decluttering regularly, having structure and involving your children in the process, you can make your family life more organised and enjoyable. Remember that no one is perfect, and it's okay to seek help and take breaks when needed. With patience and persistence, you can create spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time creating memories together as a family.
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Written by Lauren Brenton
Endorsed Midwife and Mum of 4
Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd