I went away with my sister last weekend, and the list I left behind of who had to be where and when was lengthy.
I have a Google calendar where I attempt to keep track of everyone’s schedule, but it’s gotten more difficult this summer. The kids work schedules change every week and that messes up their swim schedule. I’ve had to totally quell my need for control and order.
For the most part, no one besides me looks at the Google calendar, so I am generally the sole keeper of the knowledge of where everyone has to be. It’s a big job and there’s lots of room for error because, frankly, my brain isn’t as reliable as it used to be.
So before I left, I typed up the schedule and hung it on the fridge. It had four kids’ swim schedules, three kids’ work schedules and various other activities over the four day period I was gone. I had attempted to arrange who would drive who where but there were a few conflicts and a few unknowns. Luckily, a sister-in-law was visiting from out of town and could fill in some of the holes.
My sister and I had a lovely time away. Our mission was to get our parents’ house at the beach ready for renters. There was a lot of work to be done, but it was satisfying work. Unlike at home, it was chaos I could control. We could see the results. And best of all, we treated ourselves to a few hours each day relaxing at the beach.
When I got home, my sister-in-law told me how much everyone loved the schedule I left behind. She said they consulted it often to find out who was where.
So now I’m thinking I should start posting a schedule on the fridge every week. Maybe then my home life might feel a little more controlled and a little less chaotic. It’s doubtful, but maybe.
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FranklyStein is a blog by Chesapeake Family Magazine editor Betsy Stein, who lives in Catonsville with her husband, Chris, and four children, Maggie, 17, Lilly, 15, Adam, 15, and Jonah, 11.
