What’s the scene like at your house when you announce it’s time to leave?
Are the kids frantically scurrying around, picking up toys, grabbing socks and shoes, and checking that all snacks are back in the fridge?
Oh, you’re the one doing all that?
(Plus trying to get everyone to stop what they’re doing, put on the appropriate jacket/hat/sunscreen, and get in the van?)
No wonder it’s chaos.
You can’t do everything alone. It’s high time the kids started helping you get the house (and themselves!) ready to go, not just make more work for you.
Because the end result of that is always the same: a house that looks like a tornado blew through it.
You run out of time, leave it for later, and run out the door. Only to be greeted by that disaster zone when you make it back to the house, arms laden with more things to put away.
No wonder we don’t want to cart the whole crew around! Not when this is the result.
Let’s change your reality and make it work for you, not against you.
It’s time to revamp your “Let’s go!” routine.
First, start with the prep.
How much time do you realistically need to get the house looking decent, food put away, laundry switched to the dryer, socks on the kids, check the baby’s diaper, and throw on lipstick?
(Add in a little extra time – something always comes up!)
Second, what needs to happen?
List out the tasks you’re trying to complete before leaving.
Then, make a star next to the ones your kids could do.
Third, have a family meeting.
(Or just talk to the kids one on one. You do you.)
Let them know that no one likes a rushing, irritated, scramble out the door, and that you’re going to change that.
The way they can help is by (insert whatever chores you deem age appropriate – changing the baby’s diaper won’t be, but taking snacks to the fridge, cleaning up toys, and getting their own shoes on are all good ones).
Let’s change your reality. Make it work for you, not against you.
Fourth, retrain your expectations.
Mentally reframe how it’s going to look next time you leave for soccer practice, church, or school.
You’re going to: (insert the tasks that only you can do).
While they do: (insert the kid set).
How: By beginning 20 minutes before we need to be out the door. (Or longer – find the sweet spot for your crew.)
Fifth, adjust to your new normal.
You won’t get everything on done at first, but with a little repetition you’ll all get used to the new normal.
(Mom says we’re leaving in 15 minutes. That means I need to use the bathroom, put my shoes on, and go out to the living room to look for toys to put away.)
Bonus: you won’t dread coming back to the house anymore! It’ll be just the way you left it – neat and clean.
Now that you’ve revamped your “Let’s Go!” routine, getting out of the house will be much easier. (Which is a good thing with all those kids!)
