If I’m Following the Steps of ‘Organized Moms,’ Why Am I Still Overwhelmed?

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Let’s face it, I don’t see myself as an organized mom. I often joke, “We’re just barely managing,” especially after I dropped my son off at a friend’s house an hour late because I miscalculated the time. So, when I come across articles titled “12 Habits of Organized Moms,” I tend to read them with a sense of dread, as if I’m punishing myself for not living up to the seemingly perfect standards of other parents.

To my surprise, I discovered that I actually do quite a few of these things. Could it be that I’m more organized than I thought? Yet, I still find myself juggling endless tasks. Here’s a rundown of what I’ve learned:

1. Utilize Your Smartphone for Organization: I do! My family’s schedules are meticulously organized on a Google Calendar that syncs with my phone. I set reminders and regularly check it. However, I often input the wrong time—hence my late arrival at my son’s playdate. A friend of mine takes organization to the next level; she even schedules tooth fairy reminders. While her child gets magical visits, my kids are left wondering where our tooth fairy has gone—probably lounging on the couch with her phone on mute.
2. Don’t Use Your Phone Just for Entertainment: Is avoiding games on my phone a sign of being organized? I think not.
3. Handle Mail Promptly: I can check this off my list. Junk mail goes straight into the trash, and I pay online bills as soon as they arrive. My rapid-fire email responses often lead to a flurry of follow-up emails, but it’s all part of my effort to stay on top of things.
4. Meal Planning: While I don’t cook, a general meal plan could help my partner, who often approaches me at 6:45 p.m. asking if I have any dinner ideas. Until I conquer cooking, I happily suggest takeout instead.
5. Stay Ahead of Laundry and Dry Cleaning: We manage our own laundry, but my kids seem to wear twice as much. My son is perpetually out of PE-appropriate clothes, and my daughter often runs out of pajamas. Major fail.
6. Schedule Morning Doctor’s Appointments: I’ve been doing this instinctively for years—score one for me!
7. Wake Up Before the Family: I may feel like a martyr, but waking up 20 minutes earlier allows me to shower, get dressed, and tidy up before the kids wake. It’s worth the lost sleep for a smoother start.
8. Prepare the Night Before: I encourage my kids to organize their school items before bed. While I like to think it’s to instill good habits, truthfully, I’m just too lazy to do it myself. But hey, it works!
9. Organize My Own Things: Why should I bother with that?
10. Book Sitters Early: I have a list of go-to sitters, ensuring I’m prepared when the need arises.
11. Keep Devices Charged: I’m diligent about checking the battery levels on our devices, teaching my son that 13% is not a suitable level.
12. Set Up Autopay Where Possible: I confess, autopay makes me uneasy. I only use it for our mortgage and car payments—missing those would lead to bigger headaches. Other than that, I prefer to keep a close eye on my finances.

So, despite ticking off these organizational boxes, how did I forget to send my daughter’s Girl Scout vest to her last meeting? Why aren’t these strategies making life easier? If you’re grappling with similar frustrations, you’re not alone. For more insights, check out this informative post on home insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers excellent syringe kits. For even more resources, visit Resolve, which is a fantastic guide for family planning and insemination.

In summary, even the most organized among us can feel overwhelmed. We may follow all the right steps, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Just remember, you’re not alone in this parenting journey.