Let me tell you, being a stay-at-home mom to an energetic little one means I’m basically on duty around the clock. I’ve found that the secret sauce to managing this whirlwind is planning my entire month in advance. It sounds a bit over-the-top, but it seriously keeps the chaos at bay and helps me enjoy more precious moments with my kiddo.
So here’s the deal: I use Google Calendar because, honestly, it’s simple and it syncs seamlessly with my Apple devices—my phone and my watch. This setup means I’m always just a glance away from knowing what’s up next. I don’t mess with those fancy paid apps because why fix what isn’t broken, right?
Every month, I sit down and plot out everything—playdates, pediatrician appointments, when to pay the utility bills, you name it. This isn’t about micromanaging every minute but about creating a broad outline of the upcoming weeks. It’s like making a promise to myself that I’ll have everything under control, which, let me tell you, is a huge stress reliever.
Now, does this make my life totally predictable? Not at all! It actually does the opposite. By knowing what’s coming, I can easily spot free times when my child and I can do something spontaneous—like a surprise trip to the zoo or an impromptu picnic in the park.
And here’s something else: keeping this calendar helps me carve out little oases of time for myself too. Whether it’s a quiet hour with a book after bedtime or a quick morning jog, seeing these personal breaks scheduled in black and white makes them hard to skip.
In conclusion, if you’re a stay-at-home parent feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up, maybe give monthly planning a try. It’s been a game changer for me, helping to reduce stress and letting me focus more on the joys of motherhood—and honestly, seeing my schedule laid out before the month starts gives me a deep breath before diving into the beautiful chaos of raising a child.