RESETTING

As a high schooler when school would resume, it often came with a few new school supplies, a new uniform shirt, and a quick longing for the summer days with friends and adventures. Now, as a mother, when school resumes for my children it means I’ve been working towards this day since approximately the 4th of July just to prepare my whole family for the big day. Each year, moments after I drop Brig off at school (and now Cal!) I take a deep breath, appreciate the amazingness my son is, high-five myself then immediately get back to tackling my list. It means a new season for our family which feels like a natural time to reset. Resetting is a big word that brings a lot of pressure. I think it and feel within a few hours, days at the very most weeks, everything should be perfectly on track. This is how it all works in my mind, this is not how it all works in reality. My growth in this area has come in the recognition that resetting probably is better thought of as two steps forward and one step back. The new school year is in full swing, as is resetting month. Here’s a few things our family is doing to (mostly) get reset.

Needle Lists for Adults

Have you heard of a Needle List? I had not heard of it until I read this article. Overall the concept of a needle list is creating a list for yourself of a daily small to-do that weighs on your mental load. Start by thinking of approximately seven tasks you need to do weekly (or ideally would be doing weekly) that take 20 minutes or less. I put mine on my notes tab on my phone, and review it each day quickly. I’ve been doing this for three weeks now, and the results have been impressive. My mental load reduction in having these key things done each week has been huge. I was surprised however with how difficult it is some days to just fit this one small task into the day’s schedule. A good reminder if you’re not spreading these necessary weekly tasks out over your week they pile up and we end up with a large to-do list and a very heavy mental load.

Chore Charts for kids

Ahh the chore chart, formally disliked by elementary school Katie, now loved by mother of two young boys and running a house Katie. If you’re going to be bold and introduce a chore chart to your kids, I personally recommend doing it when there’s already a natural change of season or moment with your family. I chose to introduce these chore charts alongside the beginning of school. Part of our family reset means finding ways everyone can help around the house. Help can look like actual tasks around the house, or it can also look like support in guiding what needs to be done so you’re not the broken record of a mother you always dreamed of being.

move your body

There’s nearly zero times in life when a walk hasn’t solved a lot of my immediate frustrations and helped me think clearer. Sometimes in life when I feel behind and stuck, adding in more walks helps immensely. My family and I started a tradition each morning and evening. We walk to the nearby bridge. It takes us approximately 16 minutes round trip. In the mornings I carry my coffee and in the evenings Brig and I have bedtime tea. Being outside to start your day can’t be beat. (yes, even compared to laying in your bed) Start a family tradition, a short daily walk will bring a resetting feeling and solid family chatting time.

shared calendars

My family shares households, so a shared calendar is a must. However, even in one household, I can’t imagine not having a shared Google calendar. Each of the boys has their own respective calendars (and colors!) The moment we get any games, events, school, or transitions - it goes in the calendar. Then, I share the calendars with the humans in their lives, including my parents, and our nanny! This helps all of us to be understanding what’s happening and when without me needing to bare the constant mental load of the daily communication to everyone on schedules. I’ll even include notes in the calendar about prep needed for doctors appointments, or items we’re responsible for bringing to a volunteer event making it quick access for all!