Spring sports are in full swing in our house! We may have slightly “over-scheduled” ourselves, but we are still figuring out what our family can handle as far as extra-curriculars!
I am embracing it… and truthfully, somewhat enjoying it! I love watching my kiddos play sports, dance, tumble… whatever the heck it is they enjoy!
So, here’s my advice (some of which was given to me) for surviving a crazy schedule!
BREATHE and take it a day at a time!
I am bad about looking at the upcoming week and starting to feel overwhelmed before the week has even started! I think taking it a day at a time is super helpful! All of our activities are completely manageable, but sometimes seeing them all together… looks like a BIG mess! I also remind myself that there are a billion other moms surviving the same chaos! I don’t know why, but it always brings me comfort to know I’m not the “only one”!
PLAN AHEAD.
I am perhaps one of the worst planners. I love spontanaiety, so planning actually can stress me out! That said, if we are going to have dinner and get everyone where they need to be, we have to plan ahead. Planning simple dinners on nights we are busier is helpful; spaghetti, tacos, grilled sandwiches, and breakfast for dinner are a few of our faves! Also, I try to touch base with Jon at the beginning of the week and review our week! We are still working to get better at this! 🙂
COLOR CODED CALENDARS
After talking with a friend recently, I was convinced to start a color coded calendar. It is a life saver! I use Google calendar. It’s super user friendly and even kind of fun to set up! I also set reminders to go off an hour before everything — that way I don’t forget or miss things! Or at least I hope I don’t forget or miss anything! 😉
GET YOUR KIDS ON THE SAME TEAM!
We had Harper play up in softball this year so she and Hallie could be on the same team! This eliminates other practice because they both go to the same one! It is also fun to see them playing together!
STOCK UP ON SNACKS!
My kids are STARVING after they spend an hour at soccer, softball, or dance! So, snacks are a must in our house! I think we have a good balance of healthy and unhealthy-ish snacks! I think I could improve in the area of stashing them in my purse! Moms who are always prepared with enough snacks for a whole army wow me! Literally, they have saved me from a meltdown a time or two!
EAT OUT WHEN YOUR LOSING YOUR SANITY (or just PMSing)
I can always count on a few days out of the month when life is just overwhelming no matter how well prepared I am. This is when I call my husband in a frenzy and tell him we have to eat out! Some of our favorites to eat with our kiddos that are easy on the budget, too: Mexican food, pizza, and wing night at Jethros! 🙂
