Comments on: One Day At A Time http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/ Parenting, Homeschooling and Technology Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:01:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Audrey - Pinks & Blues http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70443 Audrey - Pinks & Blues Mon, 14 Apr 2008 21:35:54 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70443 Oh... you said it perfectly. That is exactly how my days go. I am always trying to keep it all together with the schedules, but each day somehow changes. I have started to use MomAgenda calendars ALL over the house. One hanging on the fridge... one on our basement door and 1 in my purse. It's the ONLY way to keep us sane and ready. My husband works out of our house as well... as do I half the week... so it's always a different routine each day. Love your blog! Best, Audrey Oh… you said it perfectly. That is exactly how my days go. I am always trying to keep it all together with the schedules, but each day somehow changes. I have started to use MomAgenda calendars ALL over the house. One hanging on the fridge… one on our basement door and 1 in my purse. It’s the ONLY way to keep us sane and ready. My husband works out of our house as well… as do I half the week… so it’s always a different routine each day. Love your blog!
Best,
Audrey

]]> By: MommyWithAttitude http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70389 MommyWithAttitude Mon, 14 Apr 2008 04:35:18 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70389 When I had my first baby, I was ready to go with the flow, blah blah blah, but I discovered that I was a lot happier when I tried to implement a loose routine of sorts. I was pretty fanatical with meal times and sleep times when my kids were little and it was a tremendous help to my mental health. I'm still kind of that way, but I work and my kids go to school and my husband is also self-employed (and as luck would have it is more flexible than I am!) and so probably if I homeschooled I'd either drive everyone crazy with my over-the-top organization or I'd crawl under the covers and never come out for fear of the chaos! ;-) <em>MommyWithAttitude's last blog post..<a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MommyWithanAttitude/~3/268122643/so-thats-where-all-good-men-go.html' rel="nofollow">So That's Where All the Good Men Go</a></em> When I had my first baby, I was ready to go with the flow, blah blah blah, but I discovered that I was a lot happier when I tried to implement a loose routine of sorts. I was pretty fanatical with meal times and sleep times when my kids were little and it was a tremendous help to my mental health.

I’m still kind of that way, but I work and my kids go to school and my husband is also self-employed (and as luck would have it is more flexible than I am!) and so probably if I homeschooled I’d either drive everyone crazy with my over-the-top organization or I’d crawl under the covers and never come out for fear of the chaos! ;-)
MommyWithAttitude’s last blog post..So That’s Where All the Good Men Go

]]> By: SabrinaT http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70199 SabrinaT Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:24:42 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-70199 Why, yes we have a routine. Somewhere, now where did I put that routine? I keep a agenda book on hand, just so we don't overlap a birthday party (I have been know to). We do have a set bedtime for the boys. I limit the boys to 2 activities a week. Right now we are doing Baseball and Kumon. I want the boys to understand a routine can be a great thing, they were just given a mother that can't seem to adhere to one. <em>SabrinaT's last blog post..<a href='http://thirdculturekidsrmine.blogspot.com/2008/04/pink.html' rel="nofollow">Pink!</a></em> Why, yes we have a routine. Somewhere, now where did I put that routine? I keep a agenda book on hand, just so we don’t overlap a birthday party (I have been know to). We do have a set bedtime for the boys. I limit the boys to 2 activities a week. Right now we are doing Baseball and Kumon. I want the boys to understand a routine can be a great thing, they were just given a mother that can’t seem to adhere to one.

SabrinaT’s last blog post..Pink!

]]> By: Margaret http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69998 Margaret Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:45:58 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69998 A basic routine with no times attached to it works here: breakfast; cleanup (that's kitchen and teeth); run the dog; do tablework - that's math, grammar, phonics, etc.; run the dog; read aloud if there's time before lunch; eat lunch; work on any projects or do more reading; chores; free time; dinner prep time; dinner; free time or family time; bed. Adjust when there are activities outside the home. I try to keep outside obligations during the day to twice per week. <em>Margaret's last blog post..<a href='http://2kidschoolhouse.blogspot.com/2008/04/signs-of-good-weather.html' rel="nofollow">Signs of good weather</a></em> A basic routine with no times attached to it works here: breakfast; cleanup (that’s kitchen and teeth); run the dog; do tablework - that’s math, grammar, phonics, etc.; run the dog; read aloud if there’s time before lunch; eat lunch; work on any projects or do more reading; chores; free time; dinner prep time; dinner; free time or family time; bed. Adjust when there are activities outside the home. I try to keep outside obligations during the day to twice per week.

Margaret’s last blog post..Signs of good weather

]]> By: Carie http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69844 Carie Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:39:27 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69844 I am neurotic so I need routine. My kids are still little and need it too. With my oldest I was a fanatice about it but loosened up with the second one. Sleeping is really the only thing that I am "strict" about. Naps are crucial and ig they get to bed on time I get to blog more! <em>Carie's last blog post..<a href='http://ourcrookedtree.blogspot.com/2008/04/ramblings-from-road.html' rel="nofollow">Ramblings from the Road</a></em> I am neurotic so I need routine. My kids are still little and need it too. With my oldest I was a fanatice about it but loosened up with the second one. Sleeping is really the only thing that I am “strict” about. Naps are crucial and ig they get to bed on time I get to blog more!

Carie’s last blog post..Ramblings from the Road

]]> By: MGM http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69805 MGM Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:21:22 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69805 We do the routine thing. At least as a basic rule. It helps me keep my sanity, but only if I can also stray from it as needed. I basically need a plan in mind in order to be accountable to getting things done, but also need to be able to stray from the plan as necessary in order to get things done. Yes, I meant to say it that way. By the way, I also homeschool my two children and maintain a very part time career...some of it includes working from home office and some of it includes appointments away from home (I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with a small private practice). <em>MGM's last blog post..<a href='http://mommasgonemad.blogspot.com/2008/04/worm-mystery.html' rel="nofollow">The Worm Mystery</a></em> We do the routine thing. At least as a basic rule. It helps me keep my sanity, but only if I can also stray from it as needed. I basically need a plan in mind in order to be accountable to getting things done, but also need to be able to stray from the plan as necessary in order to get things done. Yes, I meant to say it that way.

By the way, I also homeschool my two children and maintain a very part time career…some of it includes working from home office and some of it includes appointments away from home (I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with a small private practice).

MGM’s last blog post..The Worm Mystery

]]> By: Believer in Balance http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69783 Believer in Balance Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:26:21 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69783 I desperately need routines to keep my sanity, but the routines keep changing with all my kids activities! I keep our calendar updated with different colored sharpies so I can keep track of everything. As far as work stuff, I've tried different to do lists and online calendars. I need a new system though. I sit down at the computer some days and I don't know where to start or I do what I want to do instead of what I should be doing. Ugh! <em>Believer in Balance's last blog post..<a href='http://believerinbalance.blogspot.com/2008/03/im-still-in-pupa-stage.html' rel="nofollow">I'm Still in the Pupa Stage</a></em> I desperately need routines to keep my sanity, but the routines keep changing with all my kids activities! I keep our calendar updated with different colored sharpies so I can keep track of everything. As far as work stuff, I’ve tried different to do lists and online calendars. I need a new system though. I sit down at the computer some days and I don’t know where to start or I do what I want to do instead of what I should be doing. Ugh!

Believer in Balance’s last blog post..I’m Still in the Pupa Stage

]]> By: Mrs. Flinger http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69782 Mrs. Flinger Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:22:22 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69782 I love schedules, too, but I agree with you, you have to step out and try new things as well. It's that same balancing act thing that I suck at. :-) <em>Mrs. Flinger's last blog post..<a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MrsFlinger/~3/262250591/' rel="nofollow">Friendships</a></em> I love schedules, too, but I agree with you, you have to step out and try new things as well. It’s that same balancing act thing that I suck at. :-)
Mrs. Flinger’s last blog post..Friendships

]]> By: Marye~ http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69779 Marye~ Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:04:54 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69779 We are the same way. I hate it when co-op ends or we finish all our math, it totally messes with my schedule. The kids are getting excited about summer, but all I can think of is what are we going to do every week. I need a little structure! Now having said that, we are regimented at all. Sometimes we start doing our school work at 9 or 10 sometimes it's all done by noon. I just need to have a general idea of what we are doing and then keep doing ALL of the time day after day, forever! <em>Marye~'s last blog post..<a href='http://mypreciouspresent.blogspot.com/2008/04/spirited.html' rel="nofollow">Spirited</a></em> We are the same way. I hate it when co-op ends or we finish all our math, it totally messes with my schedule. The kids are getting excited about summer, but all I can think of is what are we going to do every week. I need a little structure! Now having said that, we are regimented at all. Sometimes we start doing our school work at 9 or 10 sometimes it’s all done by noon. I just need to have a general idea of what we are doing and then keep doing ALL of the time day after day, forever!

Marye~’s last blog post..Spirited

]]> By: Jules http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69732 Jules Sun, 06 Apr 2008 18:35:17 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69732 "If it’s not working perfectly, it’s not working at all." That is me in every single way. I grew up that way too and I vow not to bring my kids up that way because it can be crippling. I either have a full blown schedule with everything included or none at all. I cannot find a happy medium and I'm miserable either way. <em>Jules's last blog post..<a href='http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/psychologyofmotherhood/~3/265176629/' rel="nofollow">Time Sucker #647</a></em> “If it’s not working perfectly, it’s not working at all.”

That is me in every single way. I grew up that way too and I vow not to bring my kids up that way because it can be crippling.

I either have a full blown schedule with everything included or none at all. I cannot find a happy medium and I’m miserable either way.

Jules’s last blog post..Time Sucker #647

]]> By: jess http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69725 jess Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:35:28 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69725 Being OCD, I like routine and structure in my life, but when you have kids and own a home and/or a business, there are many unexpected things that come up (someone gets sick, has a tantrum/meltdown, something breaks, leaks or both, or a client needs their hand held) that put you off schedule. (I only have one child, so for you, multiply that by 2 and I'm sure there can be a lot of hiccups in the day.) If you are like me, you can get frazzled by the interruptions and frustrated that you are not as productive as you'd like to be. But, when you have a routine, you just pick up where you left off...you may have to skip over some things until the next day, but you get back on track eventually. It was more difficult when my son was younger, but it's easier now. You can't schedule everything, but you can create a routine of the important things; mealtimes, bedtimes, bathtimes, etc. or whatever is important to you. If you are overwhelmed even with a routine, it may be time to forgo one activity for another. Kids learn from this. They learn about choices and creating a healthy balance in life. It also teaches them coping skills; when things get outta whack, it's not the end of the world. IMO, kids need consistency and so do adults! Being OCD, I like routine and structure in my life, but when you have kids and own a home and/or a business, there are many unexpected things that come up (someone gets sick, has a tantrum/meltdown, something breaks, leaks or both, or a client needs their hand held) that put you off schedule. (I only have one child, so for you, multiply that by 2 and I’m sure there can be a lot of hiccups in the day.) If you are like me, you can get frazzled by the interruptions and frustrated that you are not as productive as you’d like to be. But, when you have a routine, you just pick up where you left off…you may have to skip over some things until the next day, but you get back on track eventually. It was more difficult when my son was younger, but it’s easier now. You can’t schedule everything, but you can create a routine of the important things; mealtimes, bedtimes, bathtimes, etc. or whatever is important to you. If you are overwhelmed even with a routine, it may be time to forgo one activity for another. Kids learn from this. They learn about choices and creating a healthy balance in life. It also teaches them coping skills; when things get outta whack, it’s not the end of the world. IMO, kids need consistency and so do adults!

]]> By: onlinedegreestudy.org http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69724 onlinedegreestudy.org Sun, 06 Apr 2008 14:21:04 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69724 Oh, I am not good in planning because I usually break my own schedule…I tried using Excel too but to no avail. So now, I just plan the day as it comes; I make schedule a night before which I usually do after dinner. I don’t waste any more time to plan earlier (say a month or a week earlier) unless there will be a vacation, holiday or event. <em>onlinedegreestudy.org's last blog post..<a href='http://www.onlinedegreestudy.org/my-take-on-online-degree-studying/' rel="nofollow">My Take On Online Degree Studying</a></em> Oh, I am not good in planning because I usually break my own schedule…I tried using Excel too but to no avail. So now, I just plan the day as it comes; I make schedule a night before which I usually do after dinner. I don’t waste any more time to plan earlier (say a month or a week earlier) unless there will be a vacation, holiday or event.

onlinedegreestudy.org’s last blog post..My Take On Online Degree Studying

]]> By: Karen meg http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69671 Karen meg Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:22:42 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69671 I've been trying to stick to a quasi schedule since I've been at home, but it's been hard because I want to take advantage of the flexibility of not having to work the 9 - 5; trying to have the best of both worlds, but not feeling very organized about it! I'm glad to see that I'm not alone! A very timely post! <em>Karen meg's last blog post..<a href='http://gliks.blogspot.com/2008/04/fashion-friday-marathon-of-dance.html' rel="nofollow">Fashion Friday: Marathon of Dance</a></em> I’ve been trying to stick to a quasi schedule since I’ve been at home, but it’s been hard because I want to take advantage of the flexibility of not having to work the 9 - 5; trying to have the best of both worlds, but not feeling very organized about it!

I’m glad to see that I’m not alone! A very timely post!

Karen meg’s last blog post..Fashion Friday: Marathon of Dance

]]> By: bakinchick http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69641 bakinchick Sat, 05 Apr 2008 13:39:25 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69641 Yeah, I could have written your post too, albeit not as well. I have even made the excel spreadsheet schedule! *laughter* There's two things that help me keep my sanity: 1. We don't do anything away from home in the mornings unless its a trip to the ER. The mornings are our best time to get things done around the house: learning, housework, etc. 2. I keep a running "list of things to do" document open. It has 100+ things on it, but I'm very visual and if it isn't written down, I'll forget. Every morning, I spend ~10 minutes prioritizing -- my goal is to get the top ten things done on the list each day. Everything else is gravy. That way, as things become more urgent, they float to the top of the priority list and get done. It's way too OCD method of coping for my hubby, who thinks I've lost it, but it works very well for me. Yeah, I could have written your post too, albeit not as well. I have even made the excel spreadsheet schedule! *laughter* There’s two things that help me keep my sanity:

1. We don’t do anything away from home in the mornings unless its a trip to the ER. The mornings are our best time to get things done around the house: learning, housework, etc.

2. I keep a running “list of things to do” document open. It has 100+ things on it, but I’m very visual and if it isn’t written down, I’ll forget. Every morning, I spend ~10 minutes prioritizing — my goal is to get the top ten things done on the list each day. Everything else is gravy.

That way, as things become more urgent, they float to the top of the priority list and get done. It’s way too OCD method of coping for my hubby, who thinks I’ve lost it, but it works very well for me.

]]> By: Kelly @ Pass the Torch http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69605 Kelly @ Pass the Torch Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:58:29 +0000 http://phatmommy.com/2008/04/04/one-day-at-a-time/#comment-69605 Good grief, it looks like I'm reading my own writing. I've decided that those tendencies in myself are, in fact, perfectionism. I'm recovering;) It's funny, though, because I always assumed that anyone whose house is as messy as mine couldn't possibly be a perfectionist. (But then there is the all or nothing thing.) I'm working on forgiving myself, mostly, and also brainstorming some structure with my kids. They have great ideas and if they're involved in the planning, they're more likely to own it. Good luck! <em>Kelly @ Pass the Torch's last blog post..<a href='http://2passthetorch.com/2008/04/03/giveaway-parenting-preteens-with-a-purpose/' rel="nofollow">GIVEAWAY - Parenting Preteens with a Purpose</a></em> Good grief, it looks like I’m reading my own writing. I’ve decided that those tendencies in myself are, in fact, perfectionism. I’m recovering;) It’s funny, though, because I always assumed that anyone whose house is as messy as mine couldn’t possibly be a perfectionist. (But then there is the all or nothing thing.) I’m working on forgiving myself, mostly, and also brainstorming some structure with my kids. They have great ideas and if they’re involved in the planning, they’re more likely to own it.

Good luck!

Kelly @ Pass the Torch’s last blog post..GIVEAWAY - Parenting Preteens with a Purpose

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