“Domestic engineer” is what is written on resumes. Call it what you like, but a homemaker is one of the most important jobs in the world. You do it all - nurse, event planner, chauffeur, maid, educator and just about everything else under the sun. It can be overwhelming, if not downright crazy. You can’t forget all the pressure you feel. Smile and take a deep breath. You are doing something many would never be able to do.
Instructions
1. Put family first. Home is the first part of homemaker, so it should take precedence over everything else. Without your family, you would a “house-maker.” Husband and children always comes before the dishes, the soccer games and even that bubble bath you desperately need. Without them, you would be without this wonderful, wacky job. They are, after all, why you do all that you do.
2. Get organized. It may take a little time, but get on a schedule and make lists. Make lots of lists. Develop plans for cleaning, childcare, events outside the home, and yourself, everything that is going on in your life. Create a housekeeping checklist. Set aside certain days and specific times to clean. Spread out the work so you aren't doing everything in one day. Make sure everyone is pitching in and helping. You don't have to do everything all by yourself. Also, create a family checklist. Make time for fun, games and just talking and listening.
3. Stay organized. No matter what life throws at you, stick with those schedules and list, but be flexible at the same time. Little Tommy will break his arm, or Tom will bring half the office for dinner without letting you know. Learn to roll with it; shift those schedules and re-work your lists to accommodate the latest glitch. As soon as the hiccup passes, you are back on track without getting too far off course. Find faster and more efficient ways to use your time. This will take some experimentation. Each family is different, so find what works for yours and stick with it.
4. Have fun. Enjoy yourself and your family. Don’t forget that is OK to take the afternoon off to get your nails done. Manicures, or whatever it is that you like to do just for yourself, definitely should be on one of your many lists. There will be times when you have to let everything else go and take care of yourself. You can’t take care of your family and home if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
Tags: everything else, your family, care yourself, have everything, stick with, take care, those schedules