Life

Being organized and having a routine has always been essential for me. I find that I can get more accomplished and less likely to fall behind in those many to-do tasks that we all face daily. After becoming a mom, it was apparent to me that the same rules apply. It is an absolute necessity for parents to declutter, get organized and establish a routine.

Recently, I was chatting with another mom and I was talking about getting home to get a few things done and then begin our nightly routine. She complained about behavioral problems in her own children and then quickly dismissed my mention of routine by saying oh just give him a bath in the morning. I then went on to explain that we love our routine and how children need a routine. This Mom again dismiss my routine ideas and once again complained about her children’s behavior and how they go to bed at 10 or 11pm some nights.

First, I believe that a clutter and disorganized home leads to a disorganized mind and bad decision making. Second, routine is key to a well-run home. Children not only love routine, they need it. They need to know what’s next. Ever wonder why your toddler loves to read the same books over and over again? One reason is that they love that they can predict what comes next. It builds confidence, security and comforts them.

Here are my 3 steps to getting started:

1. You don’t need to rush and stress about getting organized overnight. Break it down into projects. Spend 10 to 15 minutes on a certain project every day or every other day. Whatever you do, please be sure to actually tackle the projects. Do not leave them on the back burner.

2. Establish a routine for meals and sleeping times. Figure out what time your child needs to eat and sleep. Then decide what prep needs to get done prior to eating and sleeping. Being hungry or overtired is a sure fire way to have a cranky little one.

3. Fill in the blanks. Determine other key tasks that are must-dos, how long it takes to get them done, and how you can best get them done efficiently.

Routine Myth

“Your child will not be flexible if he or she is used to a routine.” This couldn’t be further from the truth! By establishing routines, you are setting an example for your child. A routine will enable your child to be able to plan and make better decisions in life later on. Sure there will be occasions when a routine gets disrupted like holidays and vacations. However, explain that to your child and try to get back to your routine as soon as possible. You’ll be surprised at how easily your child will slot back into routine.

Getting into your routine will take time. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments as necessary. To start, establish a morning routine and evening routine. Test your new routines out for a week and make adjustments as necessary. You and your family will feel less stressed and overwhelmed with a workable routine.

You’ve been on maternity leave and now it’s time to gear up and return to work. The thought may be terrifying, especially if this is your first child. However, with proper planning, going back to work can be a smooth transition. You are probably wondering how to juggle it all and stay connected to your child.

Here are 7 ways to get back into the swing of things.

#1 Childcare
Spend 2 weeks getting comfortable with your childcare arrangements. Whether you choose a nanny, family member, dad is staying home or a childcare center, you want to make sure your plan is working before your first day back.

#2 Back-Up Child Care
Become knowledgeable of your back-up care options. Tour and register with a drop-in childcare center and temporary nanny/sitter service in your area. The last thing you want to worry about is finding temporary care at the last minute. Whether your caregiver is ill or the childcare center is closed, you will be covered.

#3 Wednesday Return Date
If possible, return to work on a Wednesday instead of Monday. If you have been off of work for an extended period of time, starting on a Monday will make for a very long week. Starting on Wednesday will feel less stressful, yet it is long enough to work out the kinks in your routine.

#4 Get Organized
If you are disorganized, being a working parent will feel more stressful. Take time to plan meals for a full-week. This way your grocery list and meals can be made in advanced. If you don’t have to shop and cook a full meal everyday, planning your meals will lead to more quality time in the evening.

#5 Nightly Routine
Develop a nightly routine with baby. This will ensure that you get to spend quality time with your little one, but also helps with sleeping. Children love a routine. If you work during the evening, create a morning routine.

#6 Connect
Find a moms group for support. You will feel better knowing that you have a network of support from others in a similar situation.

#7 You
Make time for yourself. Just exercising or taking a warm bath for 20 minutes can revitalize your mind and body; making you feel refreshed and ready to deal with life.

Whether your maternity leave is 6 weeks or 6 years, planning is key and will help you to achieve a smooth transition.

By: Sheneq Aranda

If you are planning to return to work after having a baby, you know you have to arrange for child care. Often times, new parents make arrangements for regular child care, but what about the back-up plan? Whether you choose to hire a nanny, send your child to a center, or baby stays with grandma, you need a back-up plan and a back-up for your back-up.

Life as a parent is demanding and stressful from day to day. Even if one parent plans to stay home, stuff happens. Make it easier on yourself by constructing a contingency plan for the “just in case” situations. Consider these options:

A Center

Drop-in Center - Hourly drop-in child care centers are popping up all over. Make a list of centers in your home and work areas. Check out the facilities and get pricing information for the ones that you want to consider. Some facilities even have a membership policy so you will need to sign-up in advanced. Obtain all forms needed for your child to attend. You may have to provide health and vaccination information. If you need to use the service, you want this information on readily available or on file.

In-Home Care

Agency - There are many local and online services that can help you find someone to look after your child in your home. Do some research and a service that fits your needs best. Online services like care.com and sittercity.com are relatively inexpensive and often will have a number of sitters available. However, you are on your own when interviewing and matching your non-quantifiable needs such as personality with that person. A local nanny service provider might be more expensive, but they will do more of the research and legwork for you such as background checks and connecting your personality with the right person.

Family or Friend - A family or friend can be a good option. In order for this to work, you should discuss this well before the need occurs. Find out about schedules, logistics and regular commitments and discuss how to work together.

Always have a back-up for your back-up! Become knowledgeable of more than one back-up child care center and make sure you have a few options for in-home care. In any case, prepare a cheat sheet to help your back-up caregiver and ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Click here to download a template.