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Getting Organized for the New Year
By Polly | January 13, 2008
Question: My family life is so hectic. It seems like we are always running and never have time to just relax. We really want to get better control of our lives, but don’t know where to start.
I hear you….with 4 kids and a job I can definitely relate. Try these small but important steps to ease the chaos in the coming year.
Clean your Schedule – Start by making a master list of every family member’s obligations including school, work (both inside and outside commitments), extra-curricular activities, church, family (i.e. aging parents), and charity work. Then go through the list and dump the ones not mandatory and which don’t bring you or family members happiness. Note: This may require you to have some uncomfortable conversations, make hard decisions, or tell some people no. But trust me when I say you will feel better after your schedule is cleared.
Schedule Do Nothing Days - A Do Nothing Day is where the family literally goes no where and has no guests. They simply hang out at home either getting things done around the house or just simply laying on the couch all day in their pajamas. Begin by scheduling yours at least monthly on your family calendar. If possible schedule it weekly or bi-weekly, but make sure it is at least monthly. These days are really important for re-fueling, so be sure to get them scheduled. Be strong and protect these days like they were gold!
Get Honest About Your Family Finances – Nothing is more draining or stressful than worrying about money. Start the new year fresh by taking the time to get honest about where your family is financially. Not sure where to start or how to get control? Think about using a journal to record your family budget and track expenses or reading Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover to get you started.
Establish a Routine – Discuss as a family what worked and didn’t work about your family’s schedule last year. When did it seem most stressed? Were there things you could have done differently? Work out a new routine to try and relieve some of the problems from last year and WRITE IT DOWN.
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How to Organize Your Family Games
Tips to Keep the Family on Track
Help for the Holidays - Starting Early
Topics: Family Life Tips, Family Organized, Home Organizing Tips |