I’ve recently started a new job. A full time job. Not to mention, my first job since becoming a Stay At Home Mom eleven years ago. It’s been an astronomical adjusment, no matter how much I say we’re doing fine. We’re still trying to find our way, but I’m working full time and it’s taking a toll. My husband is now a Stay At Home Dad and while he’s enjoying being with our kids a lot more, he’s trying to find that balance between spending time with them and keeping the house clean.
All of that said, we’re pretty industrious, us Huberts. We’re moving along quite well!
So far, here is what I’ve learned as a working Mom, and what I’ve taught my husband as a stay at home Dad.
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- Lists. Lists. Lists. Meal lists, grocery lists, “to-do” lists for my husband. Stick to the lists.
- Keep the kids paperwork organized on the fridge (where else!?) by giving them their own magnet clip with their picture attached to it. Everyone knows who’s clip is who and it’s easy to find.
- Make lunches and organize clothes for the next day the night before. Nothing makes the morning go smoother than not having to worry about that stuff!
- Use that crockpot! I am in love with mine now. I rub it regularly!
As organized as I’d like to think we are, I know we have a lot to learn and I know that our community here has some industrious and amazing working parents. I’d love to hear some of the things you do to make your life run a bit smoother!
[tags]kids, children, parents, parenting, husband, wife, work, organization, home, lunches, meals, dinners, clothes[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by ebby, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
4 responses so far ↓
IntheFastLane // Oct 18, 2007 at 11:01 am
I do as much the night before as possible (lunches, make sure book bags are packed and by the door, putting clothes out…). One of the big things that has helped us stay organized is using a shared calendar (we use Google Calendar) so that everyone has access to it and can add or comment on it (well at least the older member of my family can).
Tere // Oct 18, 2007 at 8:12 pm
I agree, that crock pot is a lifesaver!
We both work outside the home, but what works for us (besides the lists) is constantly discussing what has to be done. Once a day, we will check in with each other and go through a series of “remember to…” - it really helps keep us organized and communicating. Not everything gets on a list, and sometimes, we just need to FYI each other on things so that we both feel involved and informed.
nan // Oct 20, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Oh yes, the crockopt! Also, learn speedy recipes like omelettes and pasta.
Don’t over-schedule the kids, someone will have to pick up and drop.
Teach the kids to do chores. Vacuuming, washing dishes and so on.
As a working mom, make sure to make time for exercise. I walk briskly around the field at son’s soccer, and keep a skipping rope hanging by the kitchen door. If something will take 10 minutes or more to cook, that’s 10 minutes of skipping!
Try to have lunch with a friend from time to time. Really!
Congratulations on your job! Hope everything goes well!
Charissa // Oct 22, 2007 at 7:28 pm
A bulletin board near the refrigerator helps , and a calander placed at your work area at home or office helps to keep orgainized on the kids activities.
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