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The joys of trying to keep balance in your life. Ahhh yes, now there’s a topic we can all relate to. I knew when I signed up for three classes this semester AND started a new job teaching at a preschool that I was biting off a whole lot. Of course, I proved myself right.

Luckily, I was self aware enough to know that I was definitely going to have to drop some things not only by the wayside, but also kick some to the curb. Church? I sadly have zero time till after the holidays, jewelry making and selling? Had to go as well. School? VERY important. House? Not so much, the boys either step up to the plate and help me more, or things just don’t get done and we live in a hovel (it varies from week to week.) Work? I had to cut down my initial four days a week to two (and felt my stress meter instantly go down.)

Its been a tough Fall and although I am FAR from perfect when it comes to balance and juggling it all, here’s some things that helped me keep my sanity and family together.

-Plan it out! Keep a weekly family calendar large and where everyone can see it. I like a big dry-erase board in the kitchen that also serves as a shopping list and menu for the week. This way, we all know what’s going on. Write EVERYTHING down.

-Find what works and stick with it. Nothing wrong with a regular time for doing things! If taking the whole family grocery shopping with you on Saturday morning works, then make that a regular weekly deal.

-Don’t sweat the small stuff. Will the world end if you don’t vacuum for a whole week (or two?) No, but it will if your kids don’t get fed. Prioritize and learn to let things go.

-Don’t forget about you! Watch that junky TV show, or get your nails done, or go for that long, alone walk. Do what you need to do to recharge your own batteries (and quit feeling guilty about it!)

-The family that works together… stays together! Have dad pick a night to cook (if you’re the one who usually does it). Split the house up into duties for everyone to pitch in. They’re never too young to learn a little about helping out. Have a teenager? You’re in luck! They can be taught how to do just about anything.

-Say NO! Don’t over commit. This is the easiest way to get in over your head. If you belong to too many groups, ask yourself what you get out of them? If you can answer positively, then great! If your answer is more of “nothing but needy hands grabbing at me!” Then maybe it’s time to re-evaluate that one. Saying “no” is much worse in your head than doing it. I promise, no one will think less of you in the end!

-Keep stress at bay. Breathe, walk, stretch, eat good. Be a good example to your family on how to take care of yourself. Don’t put yourself last or let that stress get out of control.