Member Lifesavers

We keep tabs on activities, games, project due dates, etc., with a wall-size monthly calendar in the kitchen/dining room area of our small apartment. I got the idea from an article in Cottage Living magazine and then tweaked it a bit for my needs. The calendar has 35 8"x8" squares (1 for each day in a month, plus 4 blank squares for inspirational quotes.). I use thumb tacks to hang permission slips, meeting agendas and party invitations, etc. right on the calendar. I use 4'x6' Post-it notes or index cards to post notes such as "Parent conference - 3pm", "Game - 8am, field 2". Since it's large and in a central area, it's easy for us to see/update. Having the permission slip, etc right on the calendar means we don't lose paperwork or miss important deadlines. And since the calendar is covered with a pretty neutral-colored linen fabric, it's attractive as well as functional (I didn't want a giant eyesore in my kitchen.).

When at the park or at the mall where my kids could possible get seperated from me... I used to safety pin my business card to the back of their shirts. Just in case we were seperated, I could be contacted instantly. Also, my kids were taught to always ask a lady that looks like a "Mommy" for help... I thought it would increase the odds that my kids would be returned safely. Thank goodness we never had to test my theory.

When I am completely overwhelmed I close my computer, make some tea and re-write my to-do list on a blank piece of paper.

When my husband makes a smoothie in the morning, I have him double up and then pour the extra into popsicle makers. Later, when the kids want a snack, they think they're getting a popsicle treat, whereas I know it's actually healthy!

With a one-year-old, it is hard for me to carve out any significant lumps of time in the day to work, and my work requires some concentration. I had a hard time at first trying to balance getting my work done and not feeling like I was neglecting my daughter. My solution? I have started getting up one hour before my daughter in the morning. I feel much less stressed. In that one hour I get more done than I would in 3 or 4 distracted hours during the day. And now my day is free to take care of my home and daughter. Some mornings it is hard to wake up early, but I just need to be disciplined and go to bed on time. It is worth it because I am much less stressed.