aTake the time to write out a weekly family menu - this is where a half hour spent on the weekend can save you countless minutes and frustration throughout the week. No more standing in front of the fridge at 5 o'clock thinking "now, what have we got for supper tonight?" At our house the weekly list is made up from a master list of meals that satisfy our family's likes and health needs. It's made easier by scheduling in a couple of every-week repeats - Tuesday before Guides, Cubs & meetings we always have soup, cheese and crackers; Friday is traditionally pizza night. That leaves only three more weeknights to fill in, and lots of flexibility around weekends to accommodate family visits, sleepovers, occasional nights out.
 aUse your weekly menu to grocery shop - you'll always have what you need on hand, saving money and time, and eliminating waste.
aChore Time - always a challenge! This is one area that must be tailored to your particular home and family. Some families do well with a list of repeating chores each week. The chores are checked off the list as they are completed. Other families find that a revolving list works best - each family member gets a different set of chores each week. We keep a list of chores posted on the fridge, and each child checks the list every morning as a reminder. We also keep chore lists in each room - just a friendly reminder to the person responsible for the room that week just what exactly is expected! Over the years, Mom and Dad have sort of divvied things up - but we're pretty flexible about picking up the slack if one partner is extra busy with work. If dividing up chores with your partner is a bone of contention, sit down and write out everything that must be done on a weekly basis, then take turns picking. You may find that one of you doesn't mind vacuuming, and the other will gladly cook dinner every night.
aRemember that most household chores can be hired out - sometimes the best solution if your time is at a premium or you just can't come to an agreement about "job-sharing".
aSet some house rules to help the morning rush go more smoothly. No TV or computer use before breakfast, lunches must be made the night before, pack backpacks for school the night before are a few to try. Some families set the table for breakfast, lay out clothing and put bags in the car before bed so that there will be time for a quiet breakfast together. If you have older children you may have to actually schedule bathroom time. (I grew up with 3 sisters and 1 bathroom - there was trouble if someone spent too long in the shower in the morning!)
aRemember that you may have to try several arrangements before you customize the system to your family - but it's worth the trouble - after all, being organized as a family allows you to spend more time together - happily!
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This month's recommended web-site is www.familytime.net - lots of lists, ideas, recipes to help your family.
Happy Organizing,
Laurene Livesey Park
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