Summer is the worst time of year to be a working mom. I actually have a hard time getting myself up everyday, just knowing that I am leaving my kids on their own until I can get home to them. Most mornings they are all still in bed when I leave, which makes it even harder. And my youngest (he’s 8) tells me every night that he hates getting up in the morning because I’m not there. Tug on a mom’s heartstrings, why don’t ya? It stinks. But, it is our reality. And even though I’m not here to monitor them, I’ve got pretty good kids. I’m blessed, I would say. So, at the beginning of the summer, I decided I would leave a list of things they had to accomplish each day before I got home. No sitting around on electronics or Netflix binging all summer. Because they totally would.
The first morning I grabbed the first piece of paper I could find and scribbled a few things for them to get done. They did it, of course, and crossed everything off as they went. They even seemed to help each other and work together. Crazy! The list always has chores. I always put reading for 30 minutes and outside play on the list. Some days I have personalized items for each of them: my 14 year old does her own laundry (but sometimes needs a push to get it done), my 12 year old needs to practice doing her own hair, etc. The small pieces of paper worked the first week, but I wanted something better. Now, I’m not cutesy or creative. Not my thing. I only ask for functional and not too ugly.
Enter BIG post-it notes. I ran to our local office supply store and spent $34 on a pad of big post-its. Like 25 in. by 30 in. big! I spent another $5.49 on a Command Strip hook big enough to hold the pad that, conveniently, has a handle at the top. Empty wall next to my pantry in the kitchen? Done! One sheet is big enough to last a whole week. 30 sheets gets me through over half the year, so the cost actually seems minimal to me. I’ve added a grocery list to the side so they can let me know when we are out of things. And when the week is over- it’s a post-it! It comes off without any trouble and heads to the trash. It’s perfect for me. Completely simple and functional. I’m in love with these big post-it notes! 🙂
