Quote From: cenobiaHi
Grats on the new baby. I miss having a baby around. Mine are getting older, seems to go by so fast. I too am trying to get back to work. I worked a part time job last year, which worked out well because I didn't need a babysitter. I just hate trusting anyone with my kids. Anyway, a few suggestions that I found helpful are to make sure everything you can do ahead of time is done the day before. For example, lay out all the days clothing, make sure backpacks are put together for school and all paperwork signed etc. If you make lunches for them, have those done as well. Also if you get your clothing ready and everything you need too, briefcase or whatnot. It may be annoying to do sometimes, but it does save sooo much time and it makes the mornings run smoother. Also if your child's school serves breakfast, by all means take advantage of that. It will save time too. My kids eat breakfast at their schools, and when I come home at the end of it all there won't be any dirty dishes from the morning.
Also planning for meal times is a good time saver. I usually write out what we are going to have for an entire week and then when I shop it's all written down. Then when I go to make it I have everything I need. This also helps me to cut down on junk food spending.
This also may be borring, but it is good to have a schedule for homelife. Dinner at the same time, do dishes right after, homework same time every night. Kids do like the sence of security it brings, and if it's all planned out there is less time wasted and more quiet time at night, which translates into time for yourself, which all mothers need desperately.
If I think of anything else I'll write again. Good luck.
Cenobia
Hi there, friend.
Many, many thanks for the message you left me on the board. I think your advice sounds just right and you sound like you know what you are talking about. I do some of these things but just hearing it from someone else makes me want to try a bit harder to get it all down to a fine art! Your idea of planning out meals etc and then only buying what you need - and then having it when you need it is not something I do already, but next shopping day, I`m going to give it a go. I will let you know how it goes.... Maybe some of my problem is that when I get everything for myself and my three kids ready the night before (which takes preparation and time), I suppose I get a bit annoyed that I am doing it to help myself in the morning get them ready and me ready for work... but WHY am I doing it all when I have a husband who has a pair of hands also. He leaves earlier in the morning than us... so I suppose he thinks he doesn`t have to think about all that needs done for everyone else. Well, I think that might be another problem, eh! However, I sure do appreciate your help and advice and please, if you think of any other wee ideas... don`t hesitate to write them here. All ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks again...
* Judy