Modern FamilyI am not a big reader, believe me I wish I was, but lately I have been reading everything.  Picking up flyers, brochures….magazines at the Dentist office (and reading the articles, not just looking at the pretty pictures.)  I read an article lately that I could totally relate to.

(and BTW…the photo has nothing to do with the [b]log post…I just love Modern Family!)

21 ways families can tame hectic times – morning, noon and night.

Anything that tries to make life simple and still be able to give time to your family and yourself is something worth reading.

If you have a busy family, your home life is probably full and fun – and sometimes frantic.

Millions of families coordinate scheduled that might intimidate air traffic controllers.  But, do you have times of day that leave you especially frazzled?

Maybe it’s getting your crew out the door for school and work.  Or, maybe bedtime is more chaos than calm.

Here are some tips for taming those demanding times of the day.  They may help you find a rhythm that – while not perfect – makes life a bit smoother.

Morning mayhem

Grumpy riser. Lost sneakers or PE bags.  Wrinkled slacks or school uniforms.

Is the start of your day a bit of a mad rush?  Well, a good morning can actually begin the night before. That’s the time to:

1. Get backpacks, briefcases and the next day’s clothes ready.

2. Put out breakfast dishes and non-perishable fixings, such as dry cereal and bananas.

3. Pack – and refrigerate – lunches for the next day.

In the morning:

4. Try and be cheerful and positive during your wake-up routine.  It might help everyone get off to a better start.

5. Keep breakfast simple – but healthful.    Stock your kitchen with nutritious foods, such as whole-grain, unsweetened cereals or waffles, fat-free or low-fat yogurt and a variety of fruits.

6. Make it a family rule: No skipping breakfast.  (This will be tough for my oldest as M-F he acts as if he is not hungry in the morning.)  Prepare to-go options, if necessary.  For example, you might pack a baggie of whole-grain cereal, low-fat string cheese and an apple.

7. Don’t let anyone out the door without a hug, kiss or loving goodbye.  It’s a gesture you’ll never regret!

Midday frenzy

Do you routinely use your lunch break to multitask?  You may feel productive.  But, if you use your brief downtime running errands, you may run short on energy for the rest of your day. Be sure to allow time to nourish your body and mid.  A few ideas:

8. Limit demands – and delegate.  For example, can you get more tasks done over the weekend?  Or, ask your partner to stop by the post office or market?

9. Refuel wisely. Choose light, nutritious foods that will keep you re-energized.

10. For extra-busy work days, stock your work area with healthful, quick lunch foods.  For example, you won’t have to go hungry or run out for something if you have stash of low-fat, low-sodium tuna packets, whole-wheat crackers, peanut butter and dried fruit handy.

11. Step out the door.  The open air can be refreshing and uplifting.  For example, eat your lunch outdoors, if the weather’s nice.  I always take a break and do a 10 minute walk around the block in town…it also gives me the opportunity to say Hello and Good Afternoon to a few clients and friends (Marketing at the same time!!! Nice…)

12. Relax – even if it’s just for 15 minutes.  Take short walk (see item 11), read a chapter in your book, or just close your eyes and breathe. (My wife thinks I am kidding…when I tell her to just close her eyes and breathe…it works, really…)

Dinnertime disorder

What’s for dinner?  It can be such a simple – yet stress-inducing – question.  Here are some hints for handling suppertime with less frenzy and more grace:

13. Give yourself a little transition time at the end of your workday, if possible.  Even 10 minutes – to change your clothes, for example – may help you decompress.  I ALWAYS change into a pair of my favorite shorts, t-shirt..and NO shoes..  Who needs shoes!! Ugh…..

14. Don’t just wing it.  You may be surprised how a few minutes of menu planning can pay off in stress relief. Some tips to try:

  • Plan meals for the week – or at least a few days in advance.  My wife and I are trying our best to do this..when we do, it works…and is completely stress free.  (The best time for us is during breakfast on Saturday mornings.  We chat about what meals we need to plan for the coming week (Mon – Sun).  Our favorite market is not open on Sundays so we try and get the bulk of our shopping done Saturday, so we are set for the remainder of the week.  We place our meals in our calendar and will soon post the calendar on the fridge..so we know what meat, etc…to take out the night before to defrost.)
  • Keep it simple. GO for balanced and healthful – not gourmet. Save more complicated dishes for less busy days.
  • Cook and freeze dishes ahead for future use.  For example, an extra-large batch of chili or spaghetti sauce can be divided for multiple meals.  We love chili, because we ca
  • Use time-savers, such as slow-cookers or quick-to-table receipts.  Also..remember..when you cook in ONE pot, pan…Crockpot..clean up is typically easier.
  • No time to cook?  You can still put good nutrition on the table.  For instance, you might serve turkey sandwiches on whole-wheat bread – with raw veggies, unsweetened applesauce and low-fat milk (or Almond / Soy milk..even though my kids are HUGE water drinkers..)  No apologies necessary.

15. Make dining together a priority.  Turn off the TV and cell phones.  Take the electronics, iPads (Honey!!!) off the table. If schedules don’t permit family dinners every night, aim for at least a couple of evenings a week.  I am completely blessed that we eat dinner together, at the same table…98% of the time!

16. Make it routine for everyone to pitch in with diner prep – and cleanup.

17. Reward your kitchen help with some family time. Perhaps that’s taking a short walk together, playing a board game or reading books.

Bedtime bedlam

Getting enough sleep is important for everyone in the family.  And, children and adults alike can benefit from a soothing nighttime routine.  Make your home more slumber-friendly with these strategies:

18. Establish a relaxing pattern for preparing for bed.  It may take some time and practice to make it a habit.

19. Wind down with quite time.  Turn off computers, TVs and other electronics.  And, minimize active play and roughhousing before bedtime, too.  (Luckily in our household, the kids don’t do electronics during the week…except when all homework is done, non-football practice nights…and we are watching the Amazing Race together!!)

20. Keep TVs and other media devise out of bedrooms.   (Check)

21. End the day with gestures of love and appreciation – whether that’s hugs, kisses, prayers or sweet-dream wishes.  (Check)

Relish even busy days

Of course, life will bring changes and new challenges. So, be flexible and make adjustments, as needed.

And, don’t get too lost in the details.  Try and enjoy your bustling household.  Remember: It’s home to the people you love the most!

(portions of the post have been shared by OptumHealth’s Taking Care)