How To Keep Up With A Busy Family

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I always knew being a mom would be busy work; however, I don’t think I quite realize just how busy and chaotic it could become.I currently have three kids under the age of nine, now pregnant with baby number four, two dogs, have to juggle kids sports schedules, all while working at home. Let’s just say there are quite a few things crammed into my daily to do.Let’s be honest. This could make a mom go crazy. However, I have somehow found a way to juggle it all while staying sane.Do you wanna know my tips and tricks? Do you want to know the magic sauce behind how I can actually make all of these things feasible in one day?Well, let me take you through a few of the things that I’ve learned from moms and families around me.

Find people in your life that you can trust and get good advice from.

I don’t care what they told you, but being a mom does not mean you know everything right away. Take me, for example, I’m still googling things after my fourth pregnancy. This is exactly why it’s very important to me to fine moms another family that I can trust and look up to you. I have learned so much about being a good mom from watching moms around me.

Don’t over commit.

This is probably the hardest thing that I have battled throughout the years. I absolutely hate telling people now. My husband will tell you the same thing he’s always on my case to tell people now and stop feeling like I have to do everything in the world. Take a look at your schedule and your daily list of to do’s. Then go through that list and figure out what things you can take off. It might be letting your kids take the bus to school, so you get a little extra work done in the mornings. Or maybe it’s letting the kids by lunch from school, so you don’t have to make it each week. Maybe it’s Tuesday night book club for your kid. Honestly take a look and think through what is necessary for your family‘s life for the season.

Make a schedule.

Before you start stressing out take a deep breath I promise you can do this. You don’t have to be type A to create a schedule for your family. I love creating a family schedule on my phone to share with my husband. We add everything on there that applies to our whole family. This includes sports, family dinner, school events, doctors appointments, and date nights. It’s crucial for our big family to write everything down in one spot; otherwise we forget. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to football practice and realize I was snack mom for the week. Oops.Take time for yourself. As a work at home mom, I spent most of my days at the house. That can get pretty lonely and exactly why moms need to have a circle of friends that they can go and spend time with each week. Maybe it’s a Bible study with your neighbors, or a weekly friend date night, or a manicure once a week… Find something to do for yourself. Put it in your budget, so you’re not stressed about the finances and make it happen. You are worth it. Make time for yourself each week.

Make things simple.

Admit it you’re just like me and you have scrolled through Pinterest trying to find the most creative snacks, most elaborate dinners, and fancy homemade desserts. Then what happened next? Did you get overwhelmed with all of the steps it would require to make that elaborate dish and ended up ordering pizza? It’s OK, I’m here with you. I do the same thing and have many many times. Stop the cycle and make things simple! You need to find quick and easy snacks and dinners.I have done my best at making freezer meals lately. These are a lifesaver because all you have to do is prep your meals on the weekends and on a busy night, pull a meal out. Super easy and I promise you’ll thank me.Another thing is the snacks. I hate having to stop at a grocery store while out and about to buy snacks to make heads or go to take out just because they’re hungry. Nope, instead, I always have a little cooler in my car with snacks and drinks. One of my kid's favorites is Hershey's® chocolate milk! It comes in a 12 pack case which is perfect for our family! I don't have to worry about putting them in a kid's cup because they come in individual 8 ounce containers! Score!If you are a meal planner like me, you will love to know these have a killer shelf life and can stay in your pantry up to 13 months! All you have to do is pop it in the fridge to get it cold to drink when you're ready. We love them for quick snacks at football practice, in the kid's school lunches, or even a wild Sunday morning breakfast. Another perk is no straw! I don't know about you, but I hate when these little drinks come with a straw because we somehow lose them every time! Instead of a straw they have a screw cap! Let me tell you, the caps actually screw on tight after each drink! Ready to try them out? We get ours from Publix. All you need to do is check out your local Publix and pick up a few boxes of Hershey's® 2% Chocolate Shelf Stable Milk! Don't forget to take advantage of Publix's load to card offers! You must be logged in with your Publix ID to view thisHershey's® load to card special offer. They take out the hard work of coupons and let you add them to your phone using their app! Head over to the Publix site now to check out what deals they have!