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A command centre can help organise any busy family.

You’re running late for work. You thought you were organised then you hear.

‘Mum, where’s my permission form?’

‘Did you get me a new drink bottle?’

‘Isn’t there any milk?’

Does this sound familiar? You’re trying to remember and coordinate everything but it’s a full-time job that you don’t have time to do on your own.

My secret to being able to juggle a family, work and run a house has been organisation. One of the main strategies I’ve been using to feel more organised and share some of the load is a family command centre. It’s one spot in your house to organise everything. It’s also helped solve scheduling conflicts, save time and money. Sound like something you could use?

Here are tips to help you create your own command centre. I also recommend Pinterest for ideas and inspiration before you start.

Select the perfect location

I chose a wall in the doorway into our kitchen for our command centre. I’ve used clipboards and folders to store paper. You may have a small bench area, cabinet in the kitchen or even a desk in the entry hallway that you could use. Make sure it’s in a central point that everyone passes through.

What do I include?

Make a list of all the things you need from a command centre. Some of the things to consider are:

What type of calendar do you need?

I wanted one that was big enough to hold everyone’s activities. It was really easy to make using a large whiteboard and coloured tape for the lines.

I also wanted to use a visual schedule for my son who struggles with unstructured activities. He is becoming more independent and developed greater self-esteem since using his visual schedule. I purchased pictures of daily home routines from Teachers Pay Teachers. Then I laminated them and used self -adhesive magnet tape from Officeworks on the back.

Are you going to store bills and mail in a file box or tray on a bench or the wall?

I’ve added a pocket on the wall for all the kid’s letters from school and other activities. We have a box on the desk for our other mail and bills.

Are you going to include a place for a meal plan and shopping list?

We plan our meals for a month to save money, feel more organised and to stop hearing the dreaded ‘What’s for dinner, Mum?’ Next, to it, I’ve also put a small whiteboard to write grocery items.

What type of board (cork, magnetics, white or chalk) will you use for leaving notes, holding invitations, photos or any other paperwork that you need to see?

I’ve got a clipboard for our families expectations and a small whiteboard for notes with amazingly strong magnets called mighties. They can hold up to 10 sheets of paper, a small pair of scissors or a set of keys. We also started to add a daily affirmation card from either Musings from the Moon or Affirmation Farm on our whiteboard. Affirmations encourage positive thoughts, resilience, confidence and mindfulness.

Do you need reward charts, visual to-do lists, chores or cleaning schedules?

I’ve used a magnet board for a rewards chart and visual to-do list for my son. He especially loves to move his to-do magnets across to the done column throughout the day. There is also no more nagging from me ‘Have you brushed your teeth yet?’. At a quick glance, I can now see what he still needs to do.

I hope this list of what to consider will help you to create your own command centre that works for your family. It takes a bit of time to set up but it’s worth it to take some of the stress of your shoulders and calm the morning chaos.

If you want to plan your entire week in just a few minutes each Sunday so that you can actually stay on top of things and not feel like you’re always frantically trying to keep up then grab the simple one-page planner that I use. You will be able to get rid of clutter and feel more organised so that you can start your week off on the right foot.

What do you think you would need in your command centre? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below.

It’s a common misconception that you can be lax with your family’s morning routine just because the kids are out of school. While you may be tempted to let them sleep in, disrupting their sleep habits will make it difficult for them to fall back in line when school is back in session. Plus, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s important to have structured mornings. Routines and healthy habits help reduce stress and anxiety for the whole family — especially the kids.

Keep Things Clean

All the routines in the world won’t help you if your home is a mess. A clutter-free home runs smoothly because every member knows where to find the things they need to get going. If you’re overwhelmed by holiday responsibilities this year, consider hiring a cleaning service to make sure your place is nice and organized throughout the season. A lot of people don’t realize how affordable a housekeeping service can be — the national average cost ranges from $116 to $235, depending on the size of the property.

You could also consider a Get Me Organised session with Narelle from Simply Happy. She will help you pinpoint the number 1 drain in your day so that you no longer feel in that overwhelmed, exhausted state. You’ll discover the routine switch that will calm the chaos in your family so that feel organised and more in control of your to-do list.

Photo credit Pexels

A Good Night’s Sleep

A good morning starts the evening before, so stick to your normal bedtime routine as well. Of course, it’s not uncommon kids to go to bed later during the holidays. They may be excited about all the fun events happening or simply not so tired without school. To help encourage sleep, turn off the electronics about two hours before bedtime. Electronics such as computers and televisions emit a blue light that tricks the body into thinking it’s still daytime, inhibiting the release of melatonin and making it harder to sleep.

If your kids are particularly hyper, try giving them a warm bath. According to a 1997 study conducted by New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, when a person soaks in a hot tub and their body temperature rises, the rapid cool-down period afterwards relaxes and helps them fall asleep. For an even more relaxing atmosphere, tap into aromatherapy and use lavender and chamomile products in the bath. This recipe for Midnight Lavender Rose Chamomile Bath Salts by Martha Stewart smells great and soothes tired muscles at the end of a long day.

Take 15 Minutes for Yourself

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t help your family get through a hectic morning if you’re out of balance yourself. Before you wake up the children, take a few minutes to centre and care for your inner well-being. This 15-minute morning routine will help you stay sane and ready to tackle the day head-on.

• Before you pour a cup of coffee, hydrate yourself with filtered water. After eight hours asleep, your body needs fresh water to get its functions going.

• Spend five minutes meditating. If you have a hard time focusing, try a meditation app for your phone or check out five minute meditation videos on YouTube.
  

• Limber up with a 10-minute low-impact workout that gets your blood flowing. Even a gentle workout can help release feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin so you start the day on a positive note.  

Just because school is out doesn’t mean your family’s morning routine should go off the rails. Keeping things the same makes it easier for everybody to transition back to normal hours when the end of January rolls around. To keep your morning routine flowing smoothly, you need a clean and decluttered home. If the holiday hustle leaves you too busy to clean, consider hiring a cleaning service for the season or a Get Me Organised Session. A good morning begins with a good night’s sleep. Help hyper children drift off to dreamland by creating an environment conducive to sleep. And don’t forget yourself — if you’re stressed out, your family will pick up on that energy. Give yourself 15-minutes to rehydrate, meditate, and mood so you start your day in a great mood.

Thanks to Daniel for his guest blog and sharing tips to stay sane these holidays with a morning routine. Daniel is a single parent who shares resources that have worked for him as a single parent on his website Dadsolo. Missed Daniel’s last guest post? You can check out HERE.

What is your morning routine like in the holidays? Let me know in the comments below.

Do you want to keep the kids entertained with engaging activities where they actually LEARN without leaving the house in the school holidays? The Bath Bliss Bite-Size is a great free resource that you can download for your kids HERE.

Next year’s diaries are already on display in the stores. Being a super-efficient, organised person means I’m so excited to celebrate, finish 2018 and bring on the new year. I personally can’t wait to start using my brand new 2019 Pop Planner – there’s something really nice about starting a new year with a clean slate and, of course, a brand new diary. Can you relate?

My secret to making the next year just as successful as this one is to celebrate and review 2018. I make sure I celebrate the highs but also review the challenges I’ve had in order to decide what important lessons can be learned.

Photo credit Pixabay mohamed_hassan

Celebrate Mums Revive Retreat

I’ve enjoyed many highs in my business and home life this year. Business-wise, a definite highlight was having the opportunity to spend two August nights in Hepburn Springs with nine beautiful women who all said yes to taking some time out to reconnect with themselves. It was a time to relax, laugh and enjoy the company of like-minded mums and I really enjoyed collaborating with local businesses to make it a weekend to remember for all participants. If you have FOMO from this year’s Mums’ Revive Retreat, jump on the waitlist and be one of the first to find out the dates and location in 2019.

Photo credit Ange Rae Photography

Celebrate Kid’s Workshops

I’ve also loved educating kids at my Bath Bliss Workshops about the importance of using natural ingredients and how to live a natural life free from toxins. The kids have loved getting their hands dirty. They’ve also enjoyed experiencing science in a fun and interactive way. They’ve learned all about how essential oils can help them concentrate and relax. I’m looking forward to teaching kids in Ballarat, Geelong and Melbourne over the summer holidays. If you’re looking for the ultimate school holiday fun to entertain your kids this January (and enjoy two whole blissful hours to yourself) then check out the details HERE.I’m also open to doing Kid’s Workshop for a birthday party, holiday program activity or an after-school care activity just contact me for details.

Celebrate Chaos to Calm

Stepping back from a regular teaching job and doing some casual relief teaching this year has also been a huge win. The result? A calming of chaos, especially in the mornings, with more time for kids activities and things I want to do. A happier family.

Lessons learned

I’ve faced many challenges as a mum this year. Having my son finally diagnosed as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has actually been a relief. We’re now able to better understand his problems with social situations and social behaviours. We’re also able to provide him with so much more understanding and support, especially around his sensory needs. I’m so grateful for the help and knowledge I’ve gained from his Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Psychologist and Allison Davies’ Brains=Behaviour course. Even though having a child diagnosed with a developmental delay is challenging, it’s also brought some positive changes. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and tune into what my family and I really need.

In 2019 I want to…

I want to feel ease in both my home life and work.

I’ll continue progressing my business in the ways I have been this past year.

I’m going to devote more time to doing yoga and spend more one-on-one time with my husband.

Does any of this resonate with you? What are you celebrating from 2018? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Missed a post? You can check out my other Simply Happy blog posts like my ‘Organisation secrets to help mums create space in their calendar’ HERE.

Looking for support, connection and conversation? Join my Simply Happy Mums Facebook group.

It’s two weeks out from Christmas Day. The kids still need presents for their teachers and Kris Kringle gifts for classmates. There’s break up parties, end of year school concerts and of course, letters to Santa.

This is all before your work Christmas party, your partners and trying to squeeze in festive feasts with friends.

Did I mention the Christmas Day preparations, decorations and presents?

No wonder we mums feel frazzled and un-festive at Christmas time.

You know what though, busy mum? There’s no need to hit the panic button. It doesn’t have to be like that this year. I promise.

The key to enjoying the silly season is to start early. Here are six tips to help you feel more festive and enjoy an organised Christmas.

1. Start Stocking Up

Throughout October and November I start buying goodies I need for Christmas each week in my shopping. Things like meat, bottles of drink and sauces (I can’t go near chocolate as I’d eat it all before Christmas). This helps me feel more organised at Christmas and spreads the cost over two months.

Photo credit Pexel Bay

2. De-clutter + Make Money

I recently did a stock take at home because the kids wanted a trampoline. To make room, the cubby house (and furniture inside) had to go. The festive season is the perfect time to sell, as other parents are looking for big-ticket items at a bargain price. Are there any pre-loved items you could buy or sell this Christmas?

3. Embrace Socks + Jocks

My Little People are getting older and have been given one big item the past couple of years. I also add everyday essentials like socks, underwear, pyjamas, bathers and books. When I’m out late night shopping at Kmart (aka the perfect excuse to get out of putting the kids to bed) I’ll also grab these goodies to put away for presents.

4. Gift An Experience

My kids have received Adventure Park Passes for the past three years from both sets of grandparents. They love the experience and that it lasts for months. Other ideas: zoo passes, museum and movie tickets, craft sessions or dance lessons.

5. Reward Your Loyalty

Last year I used my Flybuys points to buy a glass teapot. I used my points and paid the difference. Online shopping saved me time and money. Accruing loyalty points? Reward yourself!

6. Fill that freezer

I’ve started preparing meals and restocking our freezer in advance ready for those chaotic December nights (you know the ones – arriving home from breakups, parties and concerts).

What helps you feel less frazzled in the lead up to Christmas? Let me know in the comments below.

Good luck out there, busy mum. If you need a hand to have an organised Christmas, I’m here for you.

Thank you for reading,

Narelle 😊

If you haven’t joined my free Simply Happy Mums Facebook Group yet, please DO, because it’s a beautiful space to find support, connection and conversation.

P.S. As a thank you for reading, I’d love to give you 24 kindness ideas to use in your advent calendar to teach your kids about giving as well as receiving this Christmas. Download Christmas Kindness Ideas HERE

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Are you an overwhelmed mum?

It’s 5pm, the dinner is starting to boil over on the stove, the kids are bickering about who touched who and the dog is whining to be fed. Before you know it, you’re yelling at the top of your voice for some peace and quiet. Then you shut down, retreat to your digital device for some mindless scrolling, or reach into the cupboard for a sweet treat to tide you over.

Don’t feel bad. Every parent gets overwhelmed sometimes. Like you, I’m a busy mum trying to juggle work, home and kids. I’ve often felt stressed out, snowed under and like I was doing so much but achieving so little. I hated it.

Three pivotal points in my life helped me realise I needed to calm the chaos. Making small and simple changes have helped me to feel calmer than ever and more present with my kids.

How many hours are there in a day?

Rewind to four years ago: My daughter was at kinder, my son was a toddler and I was teaching part-time. I was also (somehow) on the kinder fundraising committee, secretary of the local toy library and wedding planning. At the time I had zero boundaries and said ‘yes’ to everything. Guess what? I took on too much. I was doing the do but actually felt like I was dropping the ball all the time. The change came when, after our wedding, our son was diagnosed with Perthes Disease. I sifted through The To Do List and how it all made me feel. The result? No more extra commitments + simple meal preparation tweaks = more time, feelings of calm and actual productiveness.

Fuel Up

When my son started kinder I decided to study Wellness Coaching (as well as teaching part-time). The strenuous workload resulted in skipping lunch. But, guess who turned up at 3 pm? Those sugar cravings. Internally, my immune system shut down and I was getting sick often. So, I switched my exercise from night to morning, ate a more fulfilling breakfast and nibbled on high-energy nutritious snacks during the day so I wasn’t running on empty.

Attention Mum!

With both kids at school last year, their extra-curricular activities ramped up. My business was in its infancy and I was teaching three days a week. When we’d get home at night, I would turn into a snappy, crazy, screaming mum. I’d also forget simple stuff like assembly and to message people back (even though I had a diary and a reminder on my phone). I had to find time to switch off, give my brain a break (from thinking about The To-Do List), and focus on being more mindful.

Does any of this resonate with you? How do you deal with being an overwhelmed mum? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Few things can bring a family together than an enjoyable holiday, and a road trip is a classic way to enjoy some time off and see the sites all over the country. Depending on the distance of your planned trip, though, family travel can become frustrating. To ensure that your family enjoys as much of the road trip as possible, a little pre-planning is in order. Here are some travel tips on how to have a fun family road trip for your next holiday.

Photo credit Pixabay

Travel tips on the open road to save and build experiences

Airfare is expensive, especially if you have a large family. Instead of forking over the bulk of your holiday budget on plane tickets, plan a holiday that is reachable via car. With a road trip-based holiday, you can add some unique sites along the way and help your family experience more of the country while also experience the fun of the open road.

Most people live within a day’s drive to major cities or recreational sites, such as lakes or coastal regions. Do some research on the places that are between 500 and 700km away from your home. Look for exciting and unique destinations that lie between your home and a significant tourist destination and plan a stop or two.

Children often enjoy camping trips, but only in small doses as roughing-it can become boring to young minds that are accustomed to frequent stimulation. Try adding a night or two of camping to give your kids a taste of the wild, while adding some creature comforts to those who prefer a hotel bed to a sleeping bag.

If your kids want to spend some time at the ocean shore, you may even be able to enjoy beach camping, where you pitch your tent on the soft sand rather than the hard forest floor. Camping can help lower costs considerably, as camping fees per night are typically minimal. With your savings, you can upgrade your hotel room for part two of your vacation, or add some fun activities along the way, such as hitting a regional amusement park.

Tips for successful family travel

When you are planning your road trip, think about how your family normally reacts to long car rides, considering their ages and the proposed distance for your trip. If your kids are young, it may be better to try to travel while they are asleep. Some families find that the roads are quieter and traffic can be avoided during off-travel times as well. Be sure to plot out your trip, noting where you would likely be during typical rush hour times. Leaving in the middle of the night might save you time at one leg of your trip, but if you end up driving into a major metropolitan area, you may have just made your trip worse.

No matter when you embark on your trip, plan to keep your kids engaged when they are awake. Kids can get bored quickly, and no parent wants to listen to a chorus of “are we there yet” for hundreds of miles. Recruit the family in finding ways to keep everyone alert and excited for the trip. Have your kids choose the road trip playlist, or download a podcast or audiobook on some topic that you can all enjoy. You can also bring some small toys along. Just make sure you keep these toys clean to avoid any unfamiliar germs.

Keep your family fueled for the trip

Healthy snacks can help make the ride pleasant as well. Highway rest stops are filled with unhealthy choices that will make your family restless and miserable. Instead, pack simple, healthy snacks, such as classic peanut butter sandwiches, hummus with crackers and veggies, or wraps. For a fun twist, have your kids help you make protein boxes with cubes of cheese, deli meat, nuts and sliced fruit.

With planning and consideration of the whole trip, your family will have a road trip to remember, rather than just a blurry memory of an expensive flight.

Thanks to Jenny for her guest blog and sharing tips on how to have a fun family road trip for your next holiday. She is a homeschooling mum to her 4 children. She has a blog with lots of useful educational ideas that you can check out on her website Special Home Educator. Missed Jenny’s last guest post? You can check out here.

Do any of these tips appeal to? Let me know which ones you will be trying on your next holiday.

Do you want to keep the kids entertained with engaging activities where they actually LEARN without leaving the house in the school holidays? The Bath Bliss Bite-Size is a great free resource that you can download for your kids HERE.