As much as I love the summer sometimes I feel like it’s one of the busiest times of the year. In recent weeks I have found myself caught between 900 pool parties, baptisms and other commitments in the midst of managing the blog and working from home. {And let’s not forget that my son is not in pre-school during the summer months and I need to entertainment him 99% of the day and my 22 month-old daughter is at just, well, at a really F-U-N age.}
So as super busy moms, here are my top three tips for staying sane and striking some sort of balance among the chaos called summertime:
1. Make Daily To-Do Lists: Time management is the secret to maintaining some sanity and I am such a list girl. I swear by them. I actually handwrite and prioritize what I need to do on each given day. The key to implementing the list effectively is whatever does not get done by the end of the day is the FIRST thing to be placed on the new list for the next day. I prioritize tasks from everything related to work, home, the blog as well as personal commitments. It takes me roughly ten minutes to create the list each day (which I recommend drafting the night before so you anticipate the next day’s activities and schedule) and it’s the most organized, productive and well spent ten minutes I make each day. It keeps me organized, on target and sane.
2. Learn to Say No: I have such a Type-A personality so I have struggled with this but ever since the birth of my second child I truly have learned the power of “no.” There just isn’t enough time to commit to everything without feeling stressed out so it IS totally ok not to attend that invitation to a pool party or summer BBQ. It’s ok to delegate some tasks out to others and not take on so much yourself. It’s ok not to cook one evening if you are tired – I can’t tell you how much easier my evening is with the kids when I don’t have to cook. Order out or eat out with the family and give yourself a break.
3. Take a Time Out: Every mom needs some time alone without having to worry about a sippy cup falling out of the purse {unless it looks like this} or a diaper needing to be changed. I have said from day one on this blog that I’m a better mother when I have time to regroup and re-energize. So be sure to grab some “me” time and put yourself back on the list because you certainly deserve it.
And if all else fails? Drink some red wine – it’s guaranteed to keep you sane, one beautiful glass at a time.
I completely agree with the red wine. Except I prefer white. I think focusing on keeping our sanity actually helps keep us sane in and of itself.
Great pointers! I try to do all 3 things but I often find myself overextended, frustrated, and tired. Summer is a very busy time for us due to the weather mostly so all the activities get crammed into 3 months. I am always nervous to say no but I need to get better at it.
I think tonight I may just have to drink a glass of wine – sounds like a grea idea to me
Good sound advice! But the NO part is so hard for me. I am trying to get out of an obligation right now and I swear they are making it soooo darn hard for me! I am frequently overwhelmed by it all and then I realize that I don’t HAVE TO DO IT. But, sigh, being a “good girl” always make me give in it seems…
My life is perpetually on overdrive. For me the key is sticking to routine. I’m worse than my kids really. If our evenings are overfull and I can’t go through all my normal motions, than I find myself without what I need to recharge for the next day. That means quiet time, a lovely glass of wine or a coffee, and an opportunity to put my feet up and read. I need it every night before bed. Otherwise I’m just off.
Red wine is also good for your heart & a recent study showed a glass a day could help with weight loss. I’m just sayin’ 😉
And I agree with your list 115%, learning it’s OK to step back at times is one of things women have been shown to have the hardest time with. Saying No won’t cause the world to end, but saying Yes to everything that comes your way could in that too much on your plate can lead to breakdown.
Great advice. Writing my to do list the night before is definitely something I should adopt. As a mom to just one (busy) 9-month old, I have some serious respect for Moms with 2+ kids! (And the amazing balancing act you maintain.) What’s your favorite way to take a Mommy Time Out?
Great advice. I have been finding lately that I feel like I am drowning with everything. Btw keeping the kids busy, getting things done around our house {we just moved a few months ago}, attending play dates/bbqs and blogging, I can’t keep up. I have been giving myself a time out at times and it does help to relax – that and a glass of wine every night
I am ready for fall!
I totally agree with these tips! All these items are SO important for all moms to keep in mind, especially in the summer. I don’t know about you but I think the last 2 weeks of summer–when there is no camp or sports or anything else going on–are 2 of the hardest weeks of the year. Will definitely need to keep plenty of red wine handy!
Yes, I agree. I would add if you find yourself obligated to the summer picnic or pool party, which usually requires that you bring a dish cut yourself some slack. Do not prepare dish your self, bring a watermelon, or store bought cookies. Your not invited for your Betty Croker skills so hang it up and take it easy on yourself.
Also I have found that during the summer months I have a laundry basket with all the essential at the ready . . . sun lotion, a few towels, change of clothes, a few cars & trucks, a zip lock of gold fish and drink boxes . . . then I toss in additional items as needed when we are running around the house to go. Scoop it up toss it in the truck and peel out.
Enjoy your summer. Soon the kids will be back to school and then the sports, book reports, and school events begin again.
oooh finaly someone encouraging me to drink! er i mean prioritize.
Oh the list is such a good idea! I like to do mine on a series of post it notes so that I can re-organize them as need and discard them as I get them done. Plus, I just really like post-it notes.
i think the wine should be the #1 tip, not the last resort!
just kidding. Although I do have a glass quite frequently. When your kids are actually at the age where they can beat each other up, and you have no budget to put your kids in camp, wine moves up much higher on the priority list.
Great tips!
These past 2 weeks have been extra busy with swim lessons, library activities, and the day-to-day trying to occupy the kids. Trying to find time for myself has been extra hard, but you’re right. It’s something I HAVE to do in order to keep my sanity!
Great tips! Especially the wine!
and my husband doesn’t understand why i drink so much red wine
Dina – you are NOT kidding!! I’m on your team!
Great tips – I live by all of them too!
Red wine, my favorite. Heart healthy too. Dark chocolate works wonders too. Sadly, I feel I’ve lost most of my sanity. Somehow all worth it bc of the kids.
I am such a list girl. I even make lists about lists I need to make. LOL
Great post with awesome tips.
To-do lists save my life!
Great list – I am also a major to-do lister – I even make little square boxes to check off. LOL.
I totally agree with the “me” time. Us mommies tend to worry so much about others and everything else, that they forget about themselves. WE need our time too. Whether it’s just 10 minutes or an hour a day, we need a little time to focus on ourselves. You’d think that would be easy to do, but it isn’t always that way. GREAT POST!!
when I was a kid I never understood why by August my mom was muttering under her breath, “I can’t wait until school starts.” There is just too much to cram in 3 beautiful months.
wine is a good way to help us make it to September.
Red wine is fab
is it wrong to START my day with the red wine and work backwards?
Being 9 months pregnant, I have NO problem turning down the invites! Granted, next summer with two little ones it may be a bith harder…
So true! I’m a list maker too. And my kids are the same age as your two so I feel your pain, lol.
An apple a day may keep the dr away but s glass of wine a day keeps the therapist away 😉
Great suggestions! I live by a list, and it really helps me. At least I have a feeling of accomplishment when I cross something off.
A lot of moms neglect that last one — it’s so important. Great post!
Great list and the wine is absolutely essential. ;o)
I’ve chosen to let my house go to hell this summer. I keep it just straight enough for company and for the maids to clean. I’ll get back on track when the kids are back in school. For now, when I have a few moments, I’d rather run or blog than file. ;o)
Making the lists is something I live by. Not only am I off work all summer, but my three kids are home with me all day every day as well.
We make lists together. They get to be involved in what happens every day and they know that rule #1 is: we don’t have fun until the chores are done! That way they understand that summer is just about sleeping in and being lazy.
Thanks for these awesome tips! Sometimes we all need reminders. I am the queen of to-do lists. I live by them!!
I’m pretty sure if I was home 24/7 with my kids I’d be inthe looney bin by now
My poor husband…while he is enjoying the time he gets to spend with them while he looks for a new job I know they are stressing him out.
Maybe he should start drinking wine
Good post….Im finding myself quite overwhelmed this summer…and most of it isnt even fun stuff….appointments, meetings…court dates…would love to just get away!! I do the lists also….especially when Im feeling unorganized and fried in my brain…They also help me visualize what I have accomplished when i check stuff off, instead of feeling like I havent done enough…
I totally cheated and put my son in a summer program in the mornings (he’s 4). My 18 month old at home is enough, and quite frankly, couldn’t imagine. I felt guilty for awhile but he is having so much fun with it. This age difference is for the first time a little rough. Also, I’m so much a list person as well- I would go insane without them. I have to-do lists on my iphone as well as a calendar I regularly update on my computer (and sync them). I wouldn’t survive without the lists (and the tv at times)
Heather I absolutely could not LIVE without my to-do lists. And days that I don’t do them I am wandering cluelessly through my day wasting time away not knowing what to do first.
And I am with you after my second child I have mastered the art of saying no…and I must say I do not feel bad about it AT ALL!
I learned the power of no during my pregnancy. It was so stressful trying to be on bedrest and trying to be everywhere else. I knew that having a baby would only further complicate my being able to be everywhere and do everything.
Oh, yeah, we all need a time out for ourselves. Summer really is a hard time!
My “me time” can occur daily with the 10-20 minutes I spend in spiritual devotion and prayer. Other than that, it’s not planned. But I cherish the idea of getting a pedicure right now!
Can’t wait to drink some of that Red Wine WITH you at BlogHer ’10. I didn’t respond in time to get tix for Sat night’s parties. You?
BTW – loved your submission for Project Mom! You’re awesome!
A glass (or 2) of a good red wine at the end of the week is one of my favorite ways to keep my sanity in check. That and saying no, which is something that I’m constantly reminding myself to do. Usually after I’ve said yes way too many times and feel too much pressure to attend all of the events I’m invited to.
Yes, red wine makes everything better.
So this summer not only do I take a time out, my kids do as well. Mandatory “rest time” is a beautiful thing. No TV allowed. Reading and resting. Oh, how I love it.
Everybody groan, because I’m getting ready to be THAT person…the one who rains on everyone else’s parade. I agree that red wine is a great way to become more sane, until for some of us it makes us insane. Back when I was a drinker, I would have taken these comments to mean “See? Everybody relies on wine!” And give myself permission for a glass at 11am. Statistically speaking, there are alcoholic women who are reading this. If you are one of the women asking yourselves if you drink too much, you probably do. And these other ladies are most likely joking, because they know how to drink moderately. Sorry, hon.
(Stepping off soapbox) I too am crazy when I’m out of my routine. Gave my husband a sippy cup of milk this morning. I need to allow myself to pause every once in a while. Thanks for another great post!
A good list! But I’ll have to stick with sparkling grape juice!
Well said! I was wondering why I felt so much like a chicken with my head cut off this summer, thought I had become super disorganized! But, you’re right…summer is busy and the kids are home 24/7! Thanks for this reminder:) That glass of wine is looking mighty fine right about now
I’ve just discovered my new mommy only drink. Boone’s Sangria, I do not have the time to make my own, with frozen blueberries. It’s just the kind of drink I need after the kids are in bed, although this is likely also the time I should be writing my list. Hmmm… this could be interesting?
Dana
I’m with you on the wine, girlfriend. I’m not so good at lists, but wine? Yeah. Good at it.
Learning to say no is so hard, yet so vital! And the wine, ah yes, the nectar of the gods…
I am all about the wine time out! By the way, I ended up getting a ticket to BlogHer— what are the chances that we will be able to finally meet?
Busy time for sure. We have a weekend coming up where we have TWO weddings! Oh and btw, I will always equally support list making and wine drinking as coping mechanisms. 😉
I can relate…this post is right on time. I have been so busy lately- time for a much need timeout and a glass of red wine.
Why wait till the end of the day? I like my special “creamer” coughBailey’scough in my morning coffee….. (-: