In today’s world, parents are juggling a myriad of activities, responsibilities, work commitments, and family affairs more than ever before.
Life is continually becoming busier, and one thing that will make all the difference between having a relaxed and peaceful household rather than a chaotic and overwhelming one is, our favorite iStratus feature: Organization.
If you’d like to incorporate a bit more order into your family environment, iStratus has ways in which you can become an organized parent whilst simultaneously increasing harmony at home.
Everyday Life
Let’s face it; most of us spend large chunks of our days in the car—driving back and forth to work and shuttling kids to their activities.
Often it’s difficult to keep track.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your “To-Do List” accessible and ‘on the go whenever you leave the house. Given its portability on your device, iStratus is simply perfect for that.
You’re unlikely to forget a task or project to tackle while on the move, or waiting in line, which saves you time in the long run – and when home there’s more time for family.
The Weekly Menu
How often do you shop for your groceries?
Are you constantly roving in the supermarket pretty much daily simply because you’ve overlooked some ingredients in that recipe or have no clue what you’re serving for dinner?
The biggest sanity saver for any family is meal planning. It does not have to be complicated or fanciful. It can still be convenient and healthy.
Most families enjoy staple meals upon the table such as spaghetti meatballs (which you can incorporate veggies, like grated zucchinis and carrots into) roasted chicken and rice, or more relaxed foods like Tacos Tuesdays.
iStratus recommends:
- Creating a list of about 10 or 12 meals that your family enjoys regularly and incorporate those into your weekly menu.
- Shop with your dinnertime plan handy so that you don’t overlook any key ingredients on the list.
- Leave nights open for leftovers, breakfast, lunch, dinner, or take out.
- Try not to stress over “What’s for dinner?” every night
This way, there’s less stress and you will have some extra energy to spend focused on your projects, which will be of additional benefit to your family.
Resourcefully Organize a “Cheat Sheet”
As you probably well know by now, we at iStratus believe that having a calendar system is a must to keep your family organized, it’s not new news.
However, in addition to that idea, you can create some “cheat sheets” which can be shared electronically. Information is right there in a few taps.
By all means, transition these into concrete form to be laminated and kept on the fridge or inside the kitchen cabinets, for quick access.
Include emergency numbers for police/fire and any of the following essential info:
- Work numbers for Mom and Dad,
- The pediatricians, neighbors, extended family, and friends nearby
- Contact details for anyone who is back up in an emergency.
- Notes regarding over-the-counter medication dosages that are required for family members, particularly the younger ones, who have any allergies.
- Record and safely store social security numbers on the cheat sheet, which is always required for one form or another.
Create a separate memo in iStratus, which can be shared with sitters, grandparents, older children, and so forth,
- Record full names
- Age, weights, and dates of birth of your kids’.
- Details which doctors and emergency personnel frequently request, on a need-to-know basis).
- Document important relevant notes following each consultation/check-up – and update them regularly.
That Morning Rush
Besides meal planning, the second-best organizational habit is to checklist what helps you and your kids prepare for school the night before, like:
- School lunches
- Reminders of the outfits, and extra things needed, such as gym clothes or after-school practice equipment.
- Library bags, reading folders, anything else needed to head out the door without feeling like headless chooks aka chickens.
Learning to Say “No”
This idea is something we’re mentioned in our previous article: “When Working and Caregiving Are Pulling You Apart” [hyperlink].
One of the main reasons people become disorganized and stressed out more than necessary is because of the difficulty in saying one word: NO.
You name it, from over-volunteering time to a myriad of duties, too many people over-commit.
Use iStratus to prioritize your social obligations and civic duties clearly towards multiple play-dates and birthday parties for the kids.
“This is as true in everyday life as it is in battle: we are given one life… the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act and in acting, to live.”
~ General Omar Bradley
Be honest with yourself in what value these things truly hold you and your family. Eliminate the tasks you can and you’ll free up time, be less overwhelmed, and feel more organized.