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"Career"
A cracking read...
My little tribe taking time out to think...
One of our fave charts...stuck on the fridge!
- Bag drop stop - create a bag drop spot. Maybe it's near the front door, maybe it's a hat-rack, maybe it's a combo! Whatever you decide, make it the kids job to drop their bag off/pick it up from there. You can even add a lap-top charge station if you need to. Add a spot for hats and shoes and you are ready to roll. Here's some pics for ideas...
- Uniform shop - put all of the school uniforms in one spot. I wash then hang uniforms straight up on a coat hanger and onto a small cloths rack. We have a basket nearby for school socks. We also keep sports/dance/swim bags here too - packed and ready to go.
- Lunchbox production line - get the kids involved! Make it the kids job to place lunch boxes on the bench when they arrive home. In the morning, have snacks in one container, fruit in a bowl, and let the kids assemble their own lunch. This helps each child to take responsibility for what in their lunchbox and you can chat about healthy choices at the same time...winning! Here's some lunch-box inspiration.
- Ban technology/ TV - no tv/iPad/phone/internet/devices until everyone is dressed and ready to go. Stay firm on this one, let the kids know that technology is a no-go until there are dressed and ready. Lead by example - no Facebook/ phones for adults either until you are ready too!
- Breakfast all round. Make breakfast part of the morning routine, smoothies, toast, boiled eggs, cereal...whatever works with your crew! Just make it simple, quick and as healthy as you can. No breakfast equals grumpy kids (and grown-ups!).
taking stock on life
Fab print (available here https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/63242982/feels-good-to-get-some-stuff-done-11-x)
The view from my lovely cousins wedding last weekend!
Been successful lately?
My first week back at work with my eldest kidlet...her expression says it all!
- Remember...nobody is as interested in your kids as you are. You are the Mum (or Dad) so it's your role to believe that your kids are the coolest/funniest/most special people in the world. Put yourself in your co-workers shoes... Replace 'baby' with 'cycling', then imagine if you would regale a non-cycling enthusiast with all the details about your bike, the rides you've done, how the Tour is going. Falling asleep yet? Same applies to kids and babies. I know it's sounds a bit harsh, but it's true.
- Treat each role with respect. When you are at work, work. When you are at home or spending time with your kids, then be present. Simple right? Try and keep a clear line between the two. There will always be times when your worlds collide, however day-to-day show respect for both sides by focussing on where you are.
- Take the time when you are on maternity leave, no matter what the duration, to think about what you want when you return. Do you want to keep your skills current? Progress your career? Interact and socialise with adults? Earn money for your family/lifestyle/future? Whatever it is, own it. Being a little fuzzy about why you are back at work can make the whole situation a lot tougher. Be honest with yourself.
- Don't apologise for returning to work, or staying at home. Be proud of your decision either way. Women, men, society in general can be tough on women and men and the choices they make in having kids and raising them. There will be enough critical analysis of your actions without adding to it yourself.
- Find a way to carve out time to be you. Whether it's exercise, reading, getting creative, meditation, whatever takes your fancy! Find a way to be kind to yourself and do it daily. Don't feel guilty, know that it's critical to take the time to make sure you have the energy to put your heart into all parts of your life.
Moving quickly into the grown up world...
The finished product! All set up yesterday at the Mummy Tree Markets...
- The lovely, clever and very creative soul Pip Lincolne from Meet Me at Mikes. Plus she's funny to boot!
- For the literary buffs and writers out there - have you visited Allison Tait's website? A fab writer, generous giver of advice for writers who are just starting out, plus she'll even give you a friendly nudge to just get on with it...
- Cinta from My Poppet - subscribe, visit regular or buy one of her digital creations. Take your pick! This clever lady provides the perfect inspiration for crafty folk.
