One of my challenges of the 2009-2010 school year has been balancing the home part of home education. I just cannot seem to do any homekeeping past the daily has to be done list, like laundry and meals just for starters.
Last week I finally sat down and revisited my homemaking journal and typed out daily homekeeping chores on a monthly calendar to give myself a visual reminder of what I need to do each day. I used the monthly calendar pages from my Old Schoolhouse planner and I only listed about 2-3 chores per day. But whowzers that has really helped me the past two weeks. I haven't been able to mark off every single chore listed but I have gotten to most. Example, Tuesday we ended up going to help a friend with her business with the kids getting the bonus of play time with friends. Then after lunch with friends we were off to piano lessons (where I was able to sit in the sun for 1 1/2 hours!!!!). Then, after piano, we stopped at the store and then we went to the greenhouse to pick up plants for the garden. So, needless to say, Tuesday wasn't a big chore day. I think I did one job from the list and did another on Wednesday. Anyway, it doesn't matter that all chores aren't finished, what matters are the chores that I did finish. More than I would have accomplished otherwise. And I still had time to work and play outside.
One step at a time....
Alaska living, home education, gardening, hunting, fishing, trapping and preserving the harvest
It sure is hard to find the right balance, isn't it? Before I married I used to make daily lists of what I needed to do, and I was great about keeping up with things. A while back I decided to do that again, but it didn't work out so well. I think my goals were too lofty. I told my husband yesterday that I'm going to give the list another try, only this time I'm going to take into consideration all the little unexpected events that happen throughout the day with my boys. Unrealistic goals destroy plans.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Jenny
Yes, one step at a time. I am hoping to play catch-up over the summer. Your idea of a calendar is a great idea. I think I will add one thing to my Google calendar each day. It pops up on my gmail, so I will see it every time I check for email! (Which is too often!) Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trying out a new plan! It sounds like a great idea. I'm always needing to rethink housework and chores. Maybe this summer we'll figure something better out.
ReplyDeleteLove your new header! Looks great!
Blessings
Leslie