It’s never too early to assume responsibility!
It is such a work in progress for our family. I have three young boys I am trying to raise so they are eventually independent and (hopefully) organized.
I have ALWAYS been a list maker. Maybe it’s a Gen X thing 🤔? Either way, this prehistoric tool has helped me tremendously throughout the years. In college, as a young professional, as a young mom, seasoned mom, and now in trying to pass along my FAVORITE tool to help my boys.
I started my process by counting out how many days we would be gone which would equal how many outfits they will need, daily self care items they would each need and the daily basics: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and hair gel (already)!! I decided I needed a system set in place this past year.
We moved to Colorado just before ski season not knowing exactly how daunting the process is of packing up all the gear, equipment and clothes every weekend. Having the kids take responsibly has lessened our load as parents, while lifting the feelings of achievement for them! It also helps decrease the complaining, “I don’t like those socks, this shirt is too hot when I ski, I don’t want to wear those pajamas”. If they pick it, they typically don’t complain. It’s not always a perfect system and sometimes it takes longer to pull it all together but I’m hopeful it’s teaching them. I hear a lot of my friends talk about how they have to pack for their kids and husbands, and to be honest I get overwhelmed just listening to the stories.
While my husband is the master at packing, I’m the pro at unpacking, and putting things away. I can seem to rest when things are left undone. So any strategy to help with the getting ready part, keeps me calm and focused.
I don’t use a fancy app or type anything out, I simply take a piece of paper, put check mark boxes next to each lined item and ask them to place their belongings in a certain spot when they’re done. Often times I have to have them double check their “work” and take some things out (stuffed animals, king size blankets, snacks, video games).
Life and organization is hard enough. Getting back to basics with a to do/check off list will provides several benefits. It helps stay more organized, and motivates us to take action and complete tasks.
However for those who prefer app, I do have one for this too..
Check out: Todoist and remember the milk
Good Luck!! Nicole
