Snow Days, Fun Time with the kids and Organizing Your Home
When you read the title, it doesn't sound as though these things should or even, could, go together, does it?
I can just picture a snowy day, one of those where it is impossible to send the kids out, a house full of bored kids and me in the middle of it all, with a chore of trying to organize and clean my house staring me in the face and no hope of getting it done!
That was the 'me' that used to be. The me; that was disorganized, trying to do everything at once and be a 'mom' too! To be real honest, it used to drive myself nuts, and everyone else in the house too! Want to know how I got over this total disorganization and stress that was taking over my life and my families too?
I stopped trying to do everything and 'be' everything and learned how to take life with a grain of salt. Once I figured out that no one else really cared if the dresser drawers were organized by five o'clock and that it was more fun to interact with my kids and actually get some work done at the same time, my life became manageable.
This is how you can start on your new stress-free, organized life in a home that has kids in it.
- Re-do your mind; The world isn't going to fall apart if everything on your to-do list isn't accomplished in one day.
- Kids are kids for a short time, you have the right to be able to enjoy every minute of it.
- Make a list of games that you can play, with the kids, while you are getting the housework done.
- Have the kids help you by throwing things in the garbage, running the dirty clothes to the washing machine and putting dirty dishes in the sink.
- Take 'milk' breaks with the kids when they have been playing in another room. They can tell you what they have been doing and you can tell them. Then set a time (show them on the clock or set a kitchen timer) and meet back in the kitchen for another break.
- Kids can learn to vacuum and sweep the floors, so give them a room that they can do to help you, but don't expect a miracle!
- Make a list of things that you want to get organized and then make a plan, in order to have the kids help or give them something they can do while you are working.
By not putting pressure on yourself and setting a time limit, you will find that you are less tense and things seem to flow freely. Thus, you will accomplish more in a short period of time.
Get more tips and hints on home organizing and tips for parents at Easy Organizing. Also get your free pamphlets 50 Cleaning Shortcuts, 50 Organizing Tips and Guiltbusters for Moms.