I’ve never seen myself as an organized mom. “We’re just barely keeping it together,” I often say, especially when I find myself rushing my daughter to a birthday party, only to discover I’ve miscalculated the time in my calendar. So when I come across articles titled “12 Things Organized Moms Do,” I can’t help but read them with a sense of dread, almost as if they are a reminder of my shortcomings as a parent and a member of the school community.
Imagine my surprise when I realized I actually do a lot of the things on those lists. Could it be that I’m more organized than I thought? If that’s the case, why am I still struggling to keep everything in line? Here’s a breakdown of my attempts:
- Utilize Technology for Organization
I do use my smartphone! I keep track of my kids’ schedules and mine through a Google calendar synced with my iPhone. Reminders? I’ve got those too. Unfortunately, I sometimes misenter the times, hence my daughter’s tardiness to her party. A friend of mine takes this to the next level, even scheduling reminders for the Tooth Fairy. Meanwhile, our Tooth Fairy is often too occupied with snacks to make deliveries on time. - Avoid Phone Distractions
I don’t have games on my phone, but does that truly make me more organized? I think not. - Handle Mail Promptly
I’m pretty efficient with junk mail—it goes straight into the trash. Online bills? Paid immediately while I’m at my computer. My emails, though? I tend to send them off too hastily, leading to a flurry of follow-up messages. - Meal Planning
While I don’t cook, my husband appreciates having a rough plan for meals each week. He often approaches me at 6:45 PM, asking for dinner ideas. I can only suggest takeout while I work on my cooking skills. - Laundry Management
I manage my adult laundry well, but the kids seem to drastically outnumber my clothing needs. My son frequently runs out of appropriate PE attire, and my daughter rarely has clean pajamas. Here’s where I drop the ball. - Schedule Early Appointments
I’ve been making morning doctor’s appointments for years without realizing it was a strategy. Score one for me! - Rise Early
I wake up 20 minutes before the rest of my family. It might seem like a sacrifice, but this time allows me to shower, dress, and prepare breakfast in peace. - Prepare the Night Before
I encourage my kids to get their school items ready in advance. It’s convenient for me—though I like to think I’m teaching them responsibility. - Plan My Own Stuff
Admittedly, this one isn’t as appealing. - Book Sitters in Advance
I keep a detailed list of sitters, ensuring I have backup options when needed. - Charge Devices Regularly
I’m meticulous about keeping chargers handy and teaching my son the importance of a full battery. He often thinks 13% is sufficient, only to find himself out of juice mid-day. - Set Up Autopay
I have autopay for our mortgage and car payments, which stresses me out a little. I prefer to approve each transaction manually, fearing the unexpected. Still, I feel justified since I have the essentials covered.
So, despite following all these organizational strategies, I still forgot to send my daughter’s Brownie vest to her meeting. What gives? Why aren’t these techniques yielding better results? Bueller?
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In summary, while I may incorporate several strategies for better organization, there’s still a gap in execution that leaves me feeling overwhelmed. It’s a reminder that even the most organized plans can sometimes fall short.