It’s the end of January and you’re already feeling out of control? Quick! Here are some practical tips to help you restore order in your daily life en famille.
Plan the Year’s Breaks, now!
Sure, you were a major last-minuter before bébé. You thrived on booking your ticket, packing and leaving – all within 48 hours. But things are a little more complicated now. Now’s a good time to look at your 2008 diary and take note of the bank holidays. Finding family-friendly accommodation and flights cuts down on last-minute stress and means you won’t have to settle for second best when everything is booked out. Plus, it will give you something to look forward to.
Donate to Charity
As the year begins, clear out all the toys your tot no longer goes ga-ga for, and the clothes she has outgrown (we know you want to make the most of that Bonpoint dress, but its becoming hazardous to the darling’s circulation). Donate them to a charity shop on the high street. You’ll be creating space you need in your cupboard for this season’s must-have’s, while simultaneously doing a good deed.
Create an Eye-Catching Birthday Calendar
It was hard enough remembering your girlfriends’ birthdays, but now you need to remember dates for the sprog’s friends too. Rather than scribble names on a tiny calendar, use photos of the sprog’s favourite people and write the relevant birthdays on each snapshot. Pin them up on a notice board for a visual reminder of their birthdays. This creates an interesting talking piece for the little one’s room.
Don’t add, replace
This rule will keep book shelves, wardrobes, bathroom cupboards and the dreaded toy box clear of clutter for the year ahead: before committing to anything new, think of at least one thing you can throw out to make space for it. You’ll find it easier to clean out once you’ve adopted a mindset of constantly letting go. (Now you need to master the art of spiriting it away without Junior noticing.)
Download your Photos
Remember those first few weeks after the birth when you and yours sent out regular photos to everyone in your inbox? A distant memory now …. If you don’t send photos regularly, at least make sure you clear your digital camera’s memory card after every holiday or family outing so you’re ready to aim and shoot when the next photo op comes along.
What Mini says:
Organisation is over-rated. Chaos rules.
