By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
"Mom, what's for dinner?" "Mom, where's my wrestling stuff?" "Momma, where's my field trip shirt?" "Momma, I don't have time to feed the dogs. Can you?" "Mom, can you wash my favorite jeans and favorite shirt for school tomorrow?" "Shell, don't forget to call about getting all the medical stuff for taxes. Oh by the way, you need to get the oil changed in the van, too." "Momma, can we have homemade chocolate chip cookies for snack?" "Mom, did you see the backpack anywhere?" "Shell, I ripped the back of a work shirt. Can you get it stitched up?" "Oh Mom, while you’re stitching Dad's shirt can you stitch my pants? I ripped the side." "Momma, can you come have lunch with me at school today?" "Mom when are you going to start my prom dress?"
Let's add dishes, laundry, vacuuming, dusting, errands, sweeping, mopping, cooking, showers, make-up and, hopefully, sleep.
At least I'm never bored! No, I'm not looking for the "Mother of the Year" award. (Single parents out do me any day!) My point is I have to use my time wisely or I'd never have time to sleep. I've also learned to prioritize. So my question to myself becomes, "What's more important--today?"
I don't think I've ever gotten everything done in one day that I wanted. I've found if I list what I want to be done, it helps me pick the most important things. Today it may be more important I find the missing shirt. Tomorrow, that doctor appointment is first on the list. I've discovered some of the everyday stuff, like meals, school lunches and snacks, can be planned ahead of time and organization can help prevent things like searching for missing items. I love to be able to say, "Your shirt is in your closet on the left."
Other things I try to plan are errands. I hate interrupting my day every day. If possible, I attempt to schedule more than one doctor appointment on the same day. Usually, I can't combine doctor appointments with other errands because I need to get the kids back to school as soon as possible. However, on "errand days" I plan as many as errands as possible so, hopefully, I don't have to again for several days or a week.
I also try to plan at least one "stay at home" day during the week. On this day I take the kids to school, come home and don't leave again until it's time to go pick them up. Those days I use to do heavy housecleaning or extended projects, like painting.
As for the organization, the kids are getting better about putting things away, but they don't always succeed. (Imagine that.) What I tell them is that it takes me about 30 minutes to make a batch of cookies. When I have to spend time looking for something or doing a chore they forgot, that's less time I have to do things like bake cookies, eat lunch with them or whatever.
Have you ever timed yourself when doing a chore? I find when I time myself I rush more and don't get as distracted. Secondly, since I began to time myself I have a better idea how long a chore will take me. This allows me to use the few minutes before leaving for an appointment more effectively. Some people just have this ability naturally, and know when they can squeeze in a chore. I unfortunately don't, so I use the timer.
OK, so I've planned, prepared, scheduled and organized. Does it work? Usually. However, children sometimes just don't follow the plan. My wonderful plans can be blown apart with the five simple words, "Mommy, I don't feel good."
So what do I do? I change my plans. I have found those days can be very special. It's one-on-one time with my child. Everything else can wait.
My final piece of advice is when all else fails just laugh about it! Picture this--everyone getting ready for school. We're dressed. We're grabbing the snacks, feeding the dogs, all is well. We're even running a little early. I look at my 15-year-old son and say, "Can you run out and start the van for me?"
"Sure," he replies. Life is still good. He grabs the keys and out the door he goes. I've got the girls’ hair brushed, the four-year-old is dressed, and my 17-year-old is even going to leave on time for her college classes today.
Next I hear the dreaded words, "Mom, we have a problem."
"What?" I reply hoping it's something that can be fixed in five minutes or less.
"The van won't start," my son replies, as if this is just a minor inconvenience.
"Why not?" I cry.
"I don't know. Do I look like a mechanic to you?" he retorts.
Good point. I grab the keys and run to the van. It looks like someone left the lights on in the van. Just wonderful. I grab the charger and hook it up and wait.
I storm in the door. "OK, who was out in the van last night?"
In response I get, "I wasn't the last one out."
"But you turned on the lights."
"But you were still in the van when I got out."
"It was your book we were looking for in the first place."
"Mommy, my tummy hurts."
"Mom, have you seen my psychology text? I was reading it last night and left it on the desk. I think."
"Mom, I have wrestling practice today. Can you find my shoes? I think my little brother had them last night."
Now it's my turn. "Have you gone to the bathroom? Yes, your text is on the shelf in the sunroom. I found it next to the chair on the floor. That's a great way to have it eaten by one of the dogs. Why on earth did you let your four-year-old brother play with your wrestling shoes? Are you nuts? Ask him where he put them, maybe he'll remember." Then I think, "Good grief, is this pick on Michelle day or what?" What happened to my wonderful morning?
"I found my shoes!"
"My tummy feels better”
"I've got my book!"
Yea, now if the van will just start. I run out to check. Yep, it starts.
"Everybody in the van," I yell. So much for the plan, it's time to laugh.
If you have a question or tip to share, please e-mail it to: moms-corner@juno.com.