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As a working parent, you probably always think that other parents are more organized than you are.
This is likely because of how put together they appear when they volunteer at school. It’s because they seem to reach into their man bags or purses and retrieve what’s needed right away.
But fear not! We have the tricks here to help you be the most organized parent on the block! Put one or more of these five organizing tips for working parents into practice this week at your home.
5 Organizing Tips for Working Parents
1. Calendars are vital, so use them!
You need to enter all important events immediately — include events that are important to both you and your partner.
You calenar should have all early release dates, dentist appointments, out of town travel times, and birthdays. An online planner would is probably best because it can be updated easily, and wold have real time data for your partner.
You can also post a paper copy of your month at a glance where your family can see it. Compulsive scheduling makes for happy, organized families.
2. Be an early riser.
Getting up earlier than your family can make your mornings flow better. There are many benefits to getting up early, including having time to think and prepare for your day.
Getting an early start can help you start off on the right foot and get your ready for all the morning craziness and last minute reminders that are needed. You can get out of the house feeling and looking put together and ready to face the work world. Be sure to get to bed early to get the biggest benefits.
RELATED: 4 Work-Life Balance Tips for Parents
3. Prep the night before.
Start thinking about things you can prepare and gather the evening before. You can start by packing everyone’s bags, getting them to the exit location, getting lunches ready, and getting clothes out. Doing this ahead of time will make the next day more organized, especially if something unexpected comes up.
And, by being ready the night before, you will likely avoid some (not all) of the morning craziness. This is where family coordination comes into play. Using a checklist can help everyone be a part of the nightly preparation routine. Help your family help themselves with a list of what things that need to be done and in what order before you head off to bed.
“As working parent, you need to be very particular about your calendar.” ~@TexasOrganizer
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4. Create a meal plan.
You just made dinner yesterday … this family is really demanding! Consider creating a plan for dinner for each day of the week. There are lots of options, including:
- Making batches of dinners on Sunday
- Following a dinner plan like the Six O’Clock Scramble
- Using a crock pot to make dinner
Whatever works for you, be sure to be organized about it. Write your dinner options or dinner plan for the week and post it where everyone can see it. At the same time, write up a grocery list or add items you need to a grocery app. Be sure to think about when it’s best to head to the grocery on a consistent basis. Remember to ask for help to prepare dinner and clean up afterwards. It’s an important part of family life together.
5. Know your strengths and priorities
Over and over again, I hear the guilt-laden refrains from working parents. It’s that age old question: “Did I do enough with and for my kids?”
Release the guilt by following Marcus Buckingham’s principle of parenting. Accept your strengths and who you are, and know what works best for you. Acknowledge your kids’ strengths and focus on these, too.
It’s hard to know what your strengths are at times, but give it some thought. Here are some ideas:
- One working mom shared that she always works at the school spring carnival because it’s on a weekend and it’s fun.
- Another working dad always arranges a time with his children’s teachers to speak at school about science topics like energy and space exploration.
- A professional mom and her son share a store bought cupcake and watch a science fiction show weekly together.
- Friday night at one family’s home is always pizza and movie night.
I know you can find your strengths and I’d love for you to share them below!
Have an organizing tip that works for your family? How do you stay organized as a working parent?
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