Using A Planner As A Stay At Home Mom
Oftentimes people ask why a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) would need a planner. The assumption is that we “aren’t doing anything anyway.” I don’t know about you, but SAHM’s are some of the busiest people out there. I understand writing down chores seems tedious and even redundant, but there are so many other things to keep track of. A SAHM’s work is just never done. Children (and pets) need to be taken care of. Aside from making sure their basic needs are met, we have to keep them safe and healthy. Most SAHM’s are running their entire households. That means things like cleaning, cooking, paying bills, or dealing with home maintenance (who else is going to call the plumber if your spouse is working outside of the home?). A lot of us also work from home or run our own businesses.
My current planners are Medium Sized Passion Planners. They’re both weekly Monday start. The Pacific Blue planner is used for mostly everything. The Forest Green is being used for meal prepping and fitness.
Personally, my planner is my lifeline. It’s not just about jotting down tasks but about creating a structured approach to my day. Every morning, I take a few minutes to map out my day. Here are some ways you can use a planner to stay on top of everything:
Daily Schedule: This is where I start. I break down my day into manageable chunks, noting the time for breakfast, playtime, naps, and any activities we have planned. It helps me ensure I’m giving my son the attention he needs while also carving out moments for myself.
Meal Planning: Meal times can be a whirlwind, especially with picky eaters. I use my planner to plan out meals for the week, list groceries, and even jot down new recipes I want to try. This way, I’m never scrambling at the last minute.
Chores and Housework: Keeping the house in order is a full-time job in itself. I use my planner to assign specific chores to each day. Breaking it down this way makes it less overwhelming and ensures that everything gets done without burning myself out.
Work and Business: For those of us running a business from home or working remotely, a planner is indispensable. Block out time for work tasks, meetings, and deadlines. Having a clear outline of work responsibilities helps balance both your professional and personal life more effectively.
Health and Wellness: It’s easy to neglect our own well-being amidst the chaos. I make it a point to schedule in time for exercise, self-care routines, and even simple things like drinking enough water. These small reminders can make a big difference in how I feel.
Family Time and Activities: Whether it’s a trip to the park, a playdate, or family movie night, I like to plan these activities in advance. It ensures we’re making the most of our time together and creating cherished memories.
Personal Growth: My planner also includes sections for personal growth. This could be books I want to read, skills I want to learn, or goals I’m working towards. It’s a reminder to keep investing in myself.
Gratitude and Reflection: At the end of the day, I spend a few moments reflecting on what went well and what I’m grateful for. It’s a great way to end the day on a positive note and keep things in perspective.
In essence, a planner is more than just a tool for organization. It’s a way to create order out of chaos, to ensure that you’re living intentionally, and to keep track of all the beautiful, messy, wonderful aspects of motherhood, SAHM or not. So, the next time someone asks why a SAHM needs a planner tell them: because we are doing everything, and a little organization goes a long way in making it all possible.