by JP Shaw

Created on: January 09, 2008

Organized? Mothers? Okay there is a joke in there somewhere, right? Wrong, it can be done and with a few tips and some much needed confidence in yourself to be an organized mother for your family. You will be well on your way to coping with the frustrations and stress that can overload even the stay home mom.

I have a child with Cerebral Palsy, so doctor visits are regular for us. I have a husband with a brain injury which makes remember nearly impossible for him, and another son age eight physically active and involved in outside activities. Staying organized is a MUST for our family and it helps create a more stress free environment for everyone.

Idea 1.) Family Wall - Pick a blank wall in your house easily accessible to the rest of the families eyes and use it as a glorified cork-board. In our house it's the first wall at the main entrance. On the wall is our family calendar of events. Two folders made out of normal folders folded over and stapled together tacked to the wall decorated with each child's name on it used for school notices. A dry erase board with a pen and eraser. A grocery tablet to write down what is needed for the house. Last but not least a list of family chores and rules. Putting this all in one place helps to keep everyone organized and it becomes a routine.

Idea 2.) Coat rack - As a mother I got tired of jackets and knapsacks piling up on the floor, and of course getting the kids (husband included) to put their things in our main closet was well-asking too much. That's when I went out and purchased for less than $20 a solid wood coat rack and installed it directly on the wall at the front door. Now the kids come inside from school, coats get hung up, notices go inside the folder on the opposite wall, agenda's go into baskets labeled with their names on them, and knapsacks get hung as well.

Idea 3.) Receipts and coupons - Okay if you are tight with money as most of us are then you know that there are two things we as mothers need regularly. One are receipts for tax purposes. The other are coupons for shopping. Mine were scattered in drawers and on the counter, inside my purse, on the dining table. I found the easiest way to organize was to get two organizers for monthly receipts. Two long silver prongs where you punch the coupon/receipt through as they pile up for the month. Now I know where they are at all times for easy rendering.

Idea 4.) Family Meetings - One important way to discuss and find what works for you and your family is to have a family meeting. We have a family meeting once a week where we air our grievances as each of us has different personalities. We also discuss the family wall, and any other organizational tactics. Brainstorming is a great way to get ideas and learn what will work for your family.

No matter what organization techniques you decide to use. Remember that nobody is perfect, and organizing your house will take time. Finding what works for you and your family is important in order to help you and them function to the best of your ability.

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