The Juggle

Kelly - posted on 06/14/2012

The first step is to admit that you cannot juggle it all alone--we all need a little help.
The next step is to figure out what areas you need help with the most, then look at the options you have for help.

Delegate easy tasks to those a little lower on the totem pole at work, or hire an assistant if that is a possibility. Delegate chores to your children and partner. Make a list so everyone knows what they are responsible for (and when if you need to) so that you are not wasting time telling everyone what they need to do. Cut volunteer commitments down to only the ones that are meaningful to you & your family--your kid is not going to care if you organize the school carnival, but it would probably mean a lot to her if you come on her fieldtrip or attend her class party. So if you only have time for one, pick the one that gives you the most time with her, and leave the carnival to the bored mom's without so much on their plates.


One last little thing I do for myself that really helps me (because try as I might, I can NOT keep to friggin schedule).
I take 15 minutes each morning for myself. I grab a can soda (my indulgence, you might like coffee), a pencil and a notepad. First I look at our appointments for the day and write those (along with the times) on my list. Then I look around my house and note the rooms that need a little work (my house is little, if you have a big one, you might take a little stroll at this point). Once that is done, I look at my weekly list of things to do which I keep noted on the fridge (like grocery shopping and other special little tasks, like picking up a gift for someone, home maintenance issues that pop up, oil changes, etc) and see if I can work any of those into the day at hand or if they need to wait until tomorrow. If I can, I jot those down too, then I tear off the note and put it in my pocket. Once a task is complete, I mark it off (which gives me a little endorphin boost). This allows me to spread out my tasks over the week so I don't feel like everything needs to be done at once and I don't end up waiting to the very last minute to try to do it all at once.

Oh, cleaning those rooms that need work--I set a timer for 10-15 minutes (depending on how much time I have that day) and speed clean the whole time, non-stop. You'd be amazed what you can do in 15 minutes! After that, I don't worry about that room again all day, and sometimes they will stay clean for a few days in a row.....most times not, but it's nice when it happens.

Jayce - posted on 06/13/2012

Schedule. Don't try to do everything in one day. Make sure to grab a few minutes for yourself. This may sound odd but plan meals ahead of time. I was surprised by how much time I saved knowing what I was going to prepare ahead of time. Don't be afraid to say no. If you're already feeling stressed and overwhelmed, don't add more to it.

Katherine - posted on 06/11/2012

Absolutely!

Amy - posted on 06/11/2012

I know, and their personalities sound like they would mesh really well! I

Katherine - posted on 06/11/2012

Too bad we don't live closer :( Our kids are so close in age.

Katherine - posted on 06/11/2012

September.

Amy - posted on 06/11/2012

He'll be 7 in February, when does your daughter turn 7?

Katherine - posted on 06/11/2012

lol, my 6 year old likes to garden too! When does he turn 7?

Amy - posted on 06/11/2012

I've been feeling the same way lately. I've actually have started pushing a lot of stuff down to my 6 year old. I figure if he is ever going to make a good husband some day he needs to learn to pick up after himself. So I give him jobs to do with his two year old sister, like picking up the toys, or the dirty laundry that the leave all over the place. It's not a lot but it makes my life a little easier.

I try to put laundry in before I leave for the day and switch it the the dryer when I get home and start another load if I need to. Very rarely does it get folded and put away it usually ends up in a pile on one of the couches and people take what they need. I'm also thinking about setting up a chore chart to try and get my husband to do more in the house, he's been spending a lot of time gardening which is nice but he needs to step up and take more responsibility inside the house.

Katherine - posted on 06/11/2012

It's HARD. Especially when you're single. Even when I was married I felt single. Can't your husband help out or give you a night to yourself?
I just take it one second at a time if I have to. Make a schedule, a to do list for each day. Don't try to do everything all in one day.
Maybe dust on Monday, vacuum on Tuesday, do laundry on Wednesday, etc......
That's what try to do. Sounds like you have a LOT on your plate!