Balanced Living Concept for Parents raising children - Organization is KEY!

     As we all are experiencing the digital age and instant gratification demands placed on us by society. It is important to set healthy boundaries and plans to avoid burn out.  A great rule is to plan and organize your life, and teach your kids to do the same.

SELF-CARE-  It is important to avoid neglecting your self-care.  You must make it a priority to refill your cup daily because running on fumes creates a challenging environment.  

• Consider starting your day by practicing gratitude and meditation
• Participate in something you enjoy daily.  (Reading, Gardening, Writing, Cooking, etc.)
  
• Take some down time daily, start with 15 minutes daily.  You may want to practice focused breathing, take a bath; sit quietly and practice mindfulness for starters.

Books and Self Care Products

TIME MANAGEMENT-  Penciling in your daily routine on a digital or physical calendar helps to keep the family organized, and allows you to see where there is room for flexibility.

• Put all appointments in a shared family digital calendar.  This helps everyone see what is already scheduled for the family and avoids double booking.
• Most importantly, place your daily routine on the calendars. ( Bed,  Bathing &  Meal times)
• Set reminders!
• Add age appropriate children to digital calendars,  and post a printed copy of calendar on the refrigerator 
• Age appropriate children- teach them to be self sufficient.  Begin with teaching them how to complete chores.  For example, make beds upon rising;  put their clothes out for the next day; assign daily household chores, etc.  

FREE family organizing app that I use and love

BUDGET-  Avoid relying on digital accounting in your bank records

• Log ALL transactions (Cash, Donations, Allowances, etc. manually in a checkbook register or notebook. 
• Start TODAY- You will identify where you can trim your budget; eradicate duplicate/overcharges; subscriptions you forgot to cancel, avoid overdrafts and more.

LISTS-  Maintaining lists helps to keep you organized and save money by not double buying.

• Grocery lists are the most common lists used.
• (PHYSICAL LIST-post on fridge or central nook of your home)
• Separate the list in two columns, FOOD  & NON-FOOD items and possibly BY STORE.
• Digital lists are great because the entire family can add to and shop from it.

YOU CAN HELP SAVE THE PLANET & MONEY 2

• COMPOSTING  is a great way to reuse your household/kitchen scraps for growing healthy plants.  Simply begin with a compost bin (various available for purchase or start your own simply in a 5 gallon grow bag or one you construct.)  Layer the bin with brown/carbon items:  brown shipping paper  non shiny newspaper, cardboard boxes; then add kitchen veggie/fruit scraps, coffee grinds, hair, non grease used paper towels, dryer lint, leaves, tree branches, tea bags, coffee filters,  egg shells, and toilet paper rolls.  AVOID ADDING MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS.
• I think you can see how this will help the planet, and after it breaks down you have FREE fertilizer for your plants! (The smaller the pieces, the faster the break down.)  Keep the pile moist, similar to a rung out sponge.  Avoid odor by wrapping kitchen scraps in newspaper.  Turn it every 3 days.
• REGROW-  fruits and vegetables and fruit scraps.  For example, place green onion, cilantro, avocado, and stems of greens in water.  The plants will continue to regrow.  Transplant into broken down compost or organic potting soil within 2 weeks.

If you would like help planning your balanced living program for your family, please SCHEDULE YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CHAT