Tips and Tricks
The school year is in full swing and fall is settling in ( I am loving the changing leaves in my neighborhood). This year, I am determined to stay on top of things and organized. Which can be tough with a husband in college, a son in elementary school, a daughter in homeschool preschool, and a mama who is working as much as she can (minimum 6 days a pay period outside the home) while maintaining home life for everyone involved. I'm not super mama, I don't claim to be. I'm sure there are others who do a thousand times what I do. That said, along the way, I have done what I can to simplify things around here.
*After School Schedule
I started the after school schedule this year. So far, it seems to be working out well. It is easy for the kids to read, understand, and follow. It is posted on our refrigerator and looks somewhat like this...
4pm-5pm...Homework. Free time if homework is done. (Jonathan does most of his homework on the bus and I look it over when he gets home. He's responsible like that.)
5pm-5:30pm...Dinner time. (We are all home for dinner quite often, so we eat together at a dining room table. gasp.)
5:30pm-7:30pm...Finish homework (includes reading 20 min/day). Free time if homework is done.
7:30pm...Jammies and bedtime.
*Monday and Wednesdays the kids have soccer, so equipment is put on before anything else is done! This keeps us all on schedule to make it to the game on time.
I am pleased with our after school schedule. It seems to work very well. Allie gets in on homework as well. There is no arguing, because we all (including daddy) abide by the homework rules. I should add, I'm realistic and I'm sure they aren't as strict when mama is off at work (you know, when the cats away, the mice will play).
*Desk Calendar
Our desk calendar is our lifeline. If you have somewhere you need to be, and live in the household, it best be on the calendar! My brain cannot keep up with my own work schedule, school schedules, soccer practices and games, church obligations, school volunteering, birthday parties, play practices, Dr. appointments, or anything else you may need to attend. So chances are if it's not on the desk calendar, we will not be in attendance. Sorry, that is how we roll. I also keep the school activities calendar, field trip forms (The date of said field trip is marked on the desk calendar and it's marked on the lunch menu/calendar as well. That way, I know if a cold lunch is needed.) soccer schedules, the recycling schedule, and any other schedule we have tucked away underneath the desk calendar and use them to mark the happenings for the months to come.
*School Lunch Menu/Calendar
We keep this posted on the refrigerator as well. The days are marked yes, for hot lunch and no, for cold. I should add, I have no problem with my child eating school meals as ours are catered in and tend to be lean and healthy with some organic mixed in.
*Lunches and Snacks
I buy bulk. I then take time each week to prepare a bowl of individually wrapped options to grab for lunch or snack. This keeps the morning quick and easy for my guys (I sleep in with Allie as I do not get home from work till midnight most evenings). I have always disliked cluttered counters, but I'm letting go and allowing these to sit out ready to grab.
*School Bags
I place their school bags on the cedar chest near the front door with all signed paperwork ready for the new day.
*Soccer Equipment
The equipment (cleats, guards, shorts/pants, shirts) is set out on the cedar chest by 4pm on game days. This keeps everyone from running around searching for their equipment.
*Meals
I cook all the meat ahead of time. I dice chicken, brown meat and then freeze in one pound servings ready to thaw and use when needed. I haven't done this in a long time, but it saves time when I do.
Do you have any tips and tricks for simplifying things at home? I'd love to here 'em!
*After School Schedule
I started the after school schedule this year. So far, it seems to be working out well. It is easy for the kids to read, understand, and follow. It is posted on our refrigerator and looks somewhat like this...
4pm-5pm...Homework. Free time if homework is done. (Jonathan does most of his homework on the bus and I look it over when he gets home. He's responsible like that.)
5pm-5:30pm...Dinner time. (We are all home for dinner quite often, so we eat together at a dining room table. gasp.)
5:30pm-7:30pm...Finish homework (includes reading 20 min/day). Free time if homework is done.
7:30pm...Jammies and bedtime.
*Monday and Wednesdays the kids have soccer, so equipment is put on before anything else is done! This keeps us all on schedule to make it to the game on time.
I am pleased with our after school schedule. It seems to work very well. Allie gets in on homework as well. There is no arguing, because we all (including daddy) abide by the homework rules. I should add, I'm realistic and I'm sure they aren't as strict when mama is off at work (you know, when the cats away, the mice will play).
*Desk Calendar
Our desk calendar is our lifeline. If you have somewhere you need to be, and live in the household, it best be on the calendar! My brain cannot keep up with my own work schedule, school schedules, soccer practices and games, church obligations, school volunteering, birthday parties, play practices, Dr. appointments, or anything else you may need to attend. So chances are if it's not on the desk calendar, we will not be in attendance. Sorry, that is how we roll. I also keep the school activities calendar, field trip forms (The date of said field trip is marked on the desk calendar and it's marked on the lunch menu/calendar as well. That way, I know if a cold lunch is needed.) soccer schedules, the recycling schedule, and any other schedule we have tucked away underneath the desk calendar and use them to mark the happenings for the months to come.
*School Lunch Menu/Calendar
We keep this posted on the refrigerator as well. The days are marked yes, for hot lunch and no, for cold. I should add, I have no problem with my child eating school meals as ours are catered in and tend to be lean and healthy with some organic mixed in.
*Lunches and Snacks
I buy bulk. I then take time each week to prepare a bowl of individually wrapped options to grab for lunch or snack. This keeps the morning quick and easy for my guys (I sleep in with Allie as I do not get home from work till midnight most evenings). I have always disliked cluttered counters, but I'm letting go and allowing these to sit out ready to grab.
*School Bags
I place their school bags on the cedar chest near the front door with all signed paperwork ready for the new day.
*Soccer Equipment
The equipment (cleats, guards, shorts/pants, shirts) is set out on the cedar chest by 4pm on game days. This keeps everyone from running around searching for their equipment.
*Meals
I cook all the meat ahead of time. I dice chicken, brown meat and then freeze in one pound servings ready to thaw and use when needed. I haven't done this in a long time, but it saves time when I do.
Do you have any tips and tricks for simplifying things at home? I'd love to here 'em!
Comments
Good luck with your busy schedule and many blessings to you!