J.F.
Hi N.,
I can certainly appreciate your dilemma. As a mom of 6, I asked myself & many others the same question. I discovered two main things that helped. Initially it took about 2 weeks to get things set up, but the time saved by doing so has been awesome!
(1) Get organized! ~ While this step took some time, ultimately it has been a HUGE time saver.
~ I started in the kids rooms and tried to find a way to make everything simple yet effective. I took everything out of the bedroom and started from scratch. (You don't have to go to such an extreme, but my kids rooms just needed an overhaul.) I enlisted the kids help as well. It's their room and I wanted them to appreciate and respect that. I had them sort through the abundance of toys and select their favorites. I chose one toy bucket and told them whatever doesn't fit gets donated. Of course, they went with me to the battered women's center to donate the toys, so they could see where the toys were going. I also explained how they were benefitting other children who didn't have the same blessings they do. In their closet, I set up a system. I hung up ALL their clothes, removed the dressers to avoid clothes overload, and taught them how to put away their clothes. I wanted them to follow the system to make their lives and mine easier. So all shorts , shirts(short sleeve & long sleeve), and pants are color coded. So when it's time to get dressed, I can say grab (or find) your black Nike shirt. This removes the eternal question, "Mom, where's my black Nike shirt?" LOL! There are cubbies in their closet for shoes & they must be returned to the same spot when they take them off. I hung up wall mounted garment hooks, with 6 pegs, for a designated spot for backpacks, ballcaps, winter coats, etc. I put all their socks & pj's in the extra bathroom drawers, so when they get out of the shower everything they need is right there. Easy for them makes it easier for us!
(2) The second thing I found was the key to doing it all was to STOP doing it all. I had to learn that others in my home were just as capable of helping out and helping to accomplish tasks, including my husband. (I've learned he's a mighty good cook and can correct math homework with ease ;)
How old your three kiddos? Ours range from 15 to 6. I made a daily chores list and posted it on the fridge. Everyday I check off if (1) they did their chore & (2) if done properly. (Like not shoving dirty laundry under the bed :) & with that came the rewards system. If they completed their daily chores during the week they could make plans for the weekend. If not, they aren't able to make any plans. We discussed this in depth when the chores list was created, so there wouldn't be any questions about it. Now, when they ask I refer them to the chart and they immediately know the answer!
If your kids are still little, they can help with simple things like wiping off the dinner table, the countertops, sorting laundry, making their beds, putting toys away, etc. You can make it a game for them and set a timer to see who can get it done before the timer goes off or play a cd to see who finishes before the music ends. While these are little things, it does help free up your time to accomplish the goals you have set for yourself.
I had four children (ages 6 months - 7 yrs.), when I decided to go back to school. I found obtaining my paralegal degree online was ideal. I could do my schoolwork when the kiddos were in school, napping, or after they went to bed. I was only committed to one hour per week, per class at a scheduled time to participate in online class discussions with the instructor & fellow students. This allowed me to have the freedom to be mom, attend their school functions, and get my degree. I'll admit that I did sacrifice some sleep preparing papers and reading a lot, but it was well worth it for the convienence.
What are you looking to do/major in? I know of a few great online colleges that are recognized and have transferrable credits should you ever decide to attend a traditional college.
As for working from home, I do that myself. It has been absolutely wonderful! I make my own hours, never miss my kids activities, and have a steady reliable income. I can honestly say that one of the reasons I am successfully working from home started with the organization. Without that, I would be pulling my hair out and forever seeking the sock stealing monster :)
I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you need some other ideas. I have plenty more that have developed over time. I will keep you in my prayers and do hope your health improves and you start to feel better. Make it a great day!
J. F.
Helping Moms Work From Home
http://www.4MeAndMom.com
