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Organize, plan and have a system

From one parent to another

Boys thrive on a schedule. Especially over the summer, I had chunks of time set aside for our activities. On really hard days, I kept the chunks smaller to flow from one thing to the next, but have a PLAN.

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Rachel Balducci, Augusta

Mother of Ethan, 7, Elliott, 6, Charles, 4, and August, 2

The biggest help for our family is organization and pre-planning for school mornings. Both my husband and I work full time, so it is key that our home run smoothly to keep stress at a minimum. Once homework is complete, both backpacks are placed in the kitchen at the back door ready to go for the morning. Lunches are made the night before and in the fridge so they are easy to grab. Breakfast place settings are put out. Clothing is picked the night before as well. This one is especially important for my daughter who is a 7th grader, since she used to change her mind about her outfit 3 or 4 times every morning... which would really slow her down (and leave her room a wreck!). Now she doesn't feel nearly as rushed.

Lisa Daitch, Evans

Mother of Bradley, 10, and Alexandrea, 12

With three kids and both of us working, school weeks are hectic. When I cook, I double recipes. I can freeze one half to have on hand, or (depending on the dish) put into individual containers for lunches or quick dinners on the run. This strategy has often saved my sanity when everyone is running in different directions.

Helen Stephens, Evans

Mother of Hannah, 9, Amanda, 7, and Jack, 4

I will share a "system" that Juli and I use to help keep our sanity. We try to look for ways to give one another a break during the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. We love our family time but we find that we can accomplish a lot (cleaning house, yard work, or even catching a quick nap) if we have just a few minutes to ourselves. If I need to mow the yard on Saturday, Juli will handle lunch duties for our two boys while I race around our property with the mower, blower, edger and trimmer. By the time I'm finished, the family reunites for nap time. If Jules needs time to do stuff, I will take the boys for a VERY LONG walk while she enjoys some solitude. She and I have found that the car wash, the Riverwalk, and especially the playground are all ways to consume time, provide constructive activities for the children, and give your mate a chance to re-fuel. It's a pretty basic system, but my wife and I find it works well!

Brad Means, Columbia County

Father of Sam, 3, and Jack, 17 months

Some friends from work all formed a play group when our children were newborns. We still meet about three times a month. This has been a lifesaver. It's fun to talk about our kids, their development and personalities but also to be a support to each other.

Carrie Schmitt, Stony Point, NY

Mother of two sons, ages 22 months and 5 months

--From the Tuesday, September 28, 2004 printed edition of the Augusta Chronicle