Dear Kathi,

I have been a stay at home mom for the past four years. My youngest child is entering pre-school and his brother is in Kindergarten.

I have just accepted a full-time position and will re-enter the workforce at the end of this month. I’m wondering if you have any tips for organizing my home and schedule.

Candice, San Diego

Candice,

Realize right away that it will take 4-6 weeks before you feel any sense of normalcy with your new routine. Your kids and partner will need time to get used to the fact that mommy is no longer available 24/7. Once they get a new sense of the routine, they will adjust and forget that you were available every moment they wanted a snack or a play partner.

Regarding your new schedule, it is critical to plan in advance and prioritize your tasks. Sit down and compile a list of “must do” household tasks that occur every week. Sub-divide this list into categories like housekeeping, children, shopping/errands.

Once your list is compiled, sit down with your spouse if possible and go through this list. See what, if any tasks can be delegated to him or an outside helper. Reduce your list in as many areas as possible.

Once tasks are agreed upon and assigned, it is time to create a weekly schedule. Draw up a timeline that graphically shows which hours you have available to complete family tasks and provide childcare.

Sitting in carpool lane - telephone

During extracurricular activities - make lists and check twice

Teach children to prepare for school as much as they can on their own. A canvas 5 tiered shelf that hangs from their closet bar is a prefect place for your kids to stow 5 school outfits in advance every Sunday.
Make a lunches and snakc bags

Thanks for writing and don’t hesitate to write with any other specific questions.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
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San Diego Professional Organizer

Dear Kathi,

I get overwhelmed every year around this time and always feel caught between work, family and social obligations. What is the best way to manage my crazy schedule and still maintain my sanity? I would love to be able to enjoy the holidays this year and still handle ALL of my commitments.

Lucille, Del Mar

Lucille,

An overloaded social schedule combined with the demands of entertaining, gift shopping, decorating, and other holiday traditions can evoke panic in even the most organized among us.
Banish preconceived ideas of what the holiday season should be like. Admittedly, this can be a difficult task, but it can also be very liberating. Think about your holiday traditions and try to separate those you truly enjoy from those you feel you “have” to do because you’ve always done so or you are expected by others to do so.
Always think before committing to any responsibility or social event. Ideally, make no snap decisions and give yourself time to reflect on any proposed commitment or responsibility (say you have to check your calendar first).

Decide what is the right level of social activity for you - from a party every day to none at all - and plan accordingly. If you are not a party person, don’t feel that you must attend every party that you are invited to. If you love hosting parties during the holidays, but feel overwhelmed, consider hosting potluck events where your friends and family help contribute with the preparations.

Be very clear about what your priorities are in advance of the holidays. Schedule time to combine obligatory activities with activities that make you happy. December is a time to truly celebrate, not stress. Take small moments every day to relax and nourish your soul.

Dear Kathi,

I have several events directly after work that I need to dress up for. My work dress code is very conservative. What can I do to look festive without bringing an entire second outfit to work for these events?

Marcie, San Marcos

Marcie,

Going directly from the office to an evening function is a breeze with the proper accessories. Apply more blush and a deeper lip color to transition into evening activities.
Revamp your business pantsuit by taking off your blouse & buttoning your jacket all the way up or switching into a little glittery top. Accent this with a stylish necklace or a long string of pearls, patent leather evening bag & high-heeled shoes.
Another option is to swap your slacks with a skirt, hose, high-heeled party shoes and sparkly, festive earrings.
Have a fabulous festive holiday season!

Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.

Please submit your questions to: advice@addspacetoyourlife.com