Getting Off Track - Help For A Reader

by Kelly
(California)

Kelly has trouble staying on track with her household management. That is neither an uncommon problem, nor one she or anyone else should be ashamed of.

It happens to everyone from time to time.

In fact, for me, the times I get off track are much more frequent than I would like -- basically everyday.

While I advocate routines and schedules, and I really do think they help, Kelly brings up a very good point.

Life throws us curve balls, and can change up the most well intentioned routine or schedule.

What should we do when this happens to keep everything from getting completely out of control?

Below is Kelly's message and question in full, and I would love for other readers to comment to this post and tell what works best for you, or if nothing else, give Kelly words of encouragement and support because I know I have been there myself -- trying to come back from the chaos.

I look forward to hearing some of our readers' collective wisdom!

Kelly says:

I don't really have a solution for this but it is my main problem. I can plan and organize everything into manageable tasks throughout the days and weeks but following through with everything is my biggest hang-up.

Some days are better than others, but for me there are days when I resist completing any chores and everyday is different.

I have gone as far as making a velcro chart with a daily schedule for my children on an hourly basis and it is not strict at all by any means.

On the right side I have little picture reminders for me- for laundry, bath, one major cleaning task, putting clothes away, emptying and loading dishwasher (have to do this when youngest is asleep or it's near impossible), cooking, and trash.

These also have velcro so that I can move them around as I see fit.

In my mind I feel as if everything would be "easier" if I had a set schedule and everyday was the same... but I just don't seem to be that type of person.

This could also be due to the fact that we are a military family and my husband's schedule changes very frequently. For this current 3 year span he will be home 7 days out of 30.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,
Military Spouse and Mother of Two.

Taylor again:

Kelly, my heart goes out to you, because I think we have all gone through times in our lives where things just don't seem to be going right.

Let your negative feelings go, though, if you can and try not to beat yourself up.

Try your best, but be realistic. With little ones you get a lot less accomplished than you would if you just could do it without interruption.

This is a season in life, and you shouldn't be hard on yourself for not being a Super Woman.

Chin up! Things will get better!

Photo by box of lettuce

Related Links At Household Management 101

Schedules, Routines And Habits For Your Home

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