Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Plan, Then Follow Through

Many of us have taken advantage of the stay at home order. Yes, we are working, but with extra time during the day and no going out on weekends, many of us have finally tackled many of the jobs we have ignored around the house. I’ve heard stories of spotless houses, de-cluttered home offices, and many books read. But then others feel a bit overwhelmed with everything connected to this voluntary quarantine. Between working at home, supervising at home kids’ learning, and just dealing with the pandemic has left many of us a bit lost and frazzled. So let’s focus on getting a plan together and following through to completion.

First, decide what, if anything, you wish to accomplish in addition to your must get done list. If getting through the workday and keeping kids learning and occupied is enough, that’s fine. Don’t ever feel bad or try to compare yourself to others. These hints can help with that too. 

Make a list of what needs to be done daily. It’s best to keep kids on a schedule so they know what to expect. Most kids above 2nd grade can do fairly well working on their own. Plan snack time and mealtimes, playtime too. Make sure you and your kids get outside daily to get that much-needed exercise. Doing so really helps that cooped-up feeling begin to decrease. 

If you do want to tackle other jobs, do prioritize. Yes, it would be nice to paint the first floor, but maybe de-cluttering the kids’ rooms would be an easier task to start. Don’t feel you have to finish in one day. Break the task into manageable chunks, no more than an hour. If you wish to work past that hour, that’s fine. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with how large the job is, so we tend to not even start. I go into a task saying to myself I’m going to work for an hour, then I’m done. Many times, I’m working for two hours and don’t even notice. Feel a sense of accomplishment for any progress you make. That progress is measured in movement towards your final goal. De-cluttering the kids’ room? One dresser drawer cleaned is progress. 

So, make a plan, break the task into small chunks, and add to your daily schedule. Rejoice over the progress that you make. Before you know it, you will be done with one job, and you will be ready to take on another. Stay healthy and safe, that’s the most important task.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO