Even now as I look at the clock, I’m overwhelmed by pressure
and worry. I have too much to do and no time to do it! My
husband and I work full time. Our family is a priority so
we work to find time for our three year old son. We have a
home that we love and want to keep clean and well-maintained.
We have extended family and friends we want to spend time
with, pets to care for, cars that require maintenance, shopping to do, bills to pay, vacations to research,
school functions to attend, appointments to keep….it
doesn’t end! I know we’re not the only family faced
with too much to do and not enough time to do it. So how do
we all get it done without going crazy?
The answer is that we can’t but, with some simple rules,
we can do enough. My husband and I developed this short list
of rules to keep a handle on our time and on our sanity. It
doesn’t solve all our problems, but it does help to keep
us focused on our priorities.
Teamwork: My husband, Sam, and I are a great team.
Although he had minimal experience with household chores
before we married, he quickly learned that he needed to
participate if he wanted a clean home, because it was obvious
that I couldn’t do it on my own. He is has become especially
adept at doing the laundry and cleaning the cat boxes. In
turn, I take care of the chores I do the best, like the
cooking and the dishes. When we are both home, we will double-team
a job, and it’s done quickly. Togethe we set goals
for the time we have to get things done, and we stick to
our objectives so we can get as much done as possible.
Schedules: We set our schedules over two weeks.
For each day, we have a few chores penciled in so that all
the basic yet necessary chores get done. It also insures
that we won’t get over run by a filthy house. Two important
scheduling tips are to never over-schedule and be sure to
allow plenty of time to get everything done from housework
to running errands.
Getting the Munchkin to Help: My son is only three,
but Little Sammy is much more cooperative when he is permitted
to help. We find ways for him to contribute because it makes
him part of “the team”, and will instill the concept
that chores are a part of normal life. He loves to help
with yard work, like raking leaves, and picking up sticks.
Inside, he helps sort the laundry and helps dust, and moves
toys for us while we run the vacuum.
Prioritize: When time is a premium, and everything
cannot be done, it’s crucial to do what is most important.
What is considered “important” is up to you. To
me, a clean kitchen and bathroom takes precedent over a
messy playroom.
Be Flexible: If it rains on the day we planned
to do yard work, we always have an alternate plan in mind
such as cleaning the basement instead. We can’t let
a little rain ruin our plans because the reality is that
there is always something that can be done instead. So be ready to switch
gears and not let something like rain or a change in your
plans prevent you from getting things done. It is frustrating
when you feel you have wasted time.
Keep Time and Chores in the Proper Perspective:
Although order and tidiness makes us feel good, we shouldn’t
become obsessed by housework and allow it to rule above
all else. Sometimes, it is more important to go to the park,
talk on the phone, or relax in the bath than to dust the
living room. The people who you love are what’s most important
in life, and it would be a travesty to let them think feel
neglected, or to neglect yourself simply because you have
a few dust bunnies under the couch. To coin a cliché,
don’t sweat the small stuff.
There is only so much a person can do in a twenty-four hour
day, and putting pressure on oneself to exceed that can only
create undue mental and physical stress. While keeping order
does instill harmony, going overboard generates turmoil. Finding the right balance is an invaluable way to
organize your life, get enough done to keep yourself satisfied,
and leave time to have fun with the ones you love.
Linda Calvelli currently juggles a husband, child, and
home all while building a home-based business. She believes
balance in all areas including a healthy life and healthy
planet. You can learn more at [email protected],
or visit her website at www.successworkingfromhome.com.
