Can we have it all?

Calling on all mums and dad's!

Having a full-time job, children, a home and even some sort of social life. All the same time feels impossible, and to be honest exhausting! 

It can be overwhelming most of the time but I would like to think in my juggling act I have managed to make it work for us! (It doesn't always go to plan of course but that's life) 

Some of my tips are- 

A calendar! I put everything on this! School dates, birthdays, work events, even down to the remembering to take the meat out of the freezer to defrost for dinner! 

The tip for me is doing it as soon as I have notice of it, if I open a school newsletter and not do it then the chances are ill forget! 

A list! Anyone who knows me, knows i LOVE a list! 

Everyday I make myself a list of things I want to achieve this is for both work and home life. 

Don't make it long and unachievable. I aim for 3 things of each and even sometimes If I do something that's not on the list I'll add it just to highlight it off! 

Work

Time blocking, I understand not all companies allow this but I think it's so important to allow time to actually focus on a set task, work can be full of calls with no action or outcome. I like to give myself time to get the tasks done, review and ensure I am comfortable and confident in what I do. 

Every Friday afternoon I do my weekly admin, this means ensuring I've replied to any emails even if it's to update them that I am still currently working on something. File away actioned emails. Review for the next, book in meetings required. And make a list for next week priorities this makes me feel prepared and ready when j come into work on the Monday.

Kids-

Maybe controversial but I teacher our children that this is all of our home, not mine and no dad's. We all live in it and we all make the mess, they make their beds, open curtains and keep their rooms tidy (of course they are at an age this is doable) but I always encouraged them from a young age. 

Dinner time is important to me, we sit at the table as a family, this gives us family time and we talk about our days or what plans are coming up. And I like a bed routine, i know if I'm tired and have a late night it makes me moody the next day and unmotivated so I like the kids to always get a good night's sleep. 

Weekends don't need to be full of activities and things to do, kids want time. Sunday afternoon is always a time we spend at home as a family. They play with toys, they get involved I'm meal prepping with me for the week, movies and board games. 

And lastly have you see the 30 minutes speed clean videos? I love it! It's surprising how much you can get done in a short time when your against the clock and you power through! 

Nicola & Laura x