SCHOOL IS BACK — FINALLY (YAY!)

Term 1 has kicked off and the return to routine could not be more welcomed.

Don’t get me wrong, I love the school holidays, but the last few weeks seemed to go on forever.

Now it’s time to stick to a routine, stay organised and make time for your personal goals (remember those things you said you wanted to do in January).

To make that time and set a routine, our home loves having a shared calendar that everyone can read.

It allows each family member to see what is planned for the week and month ahead.

Giving the kids responsibility for their school and after–school activities is also a great way to teach them accountability and independence.

Our chores’ board helps do the same thing, plus it saves me screaming 100 times at them to do their teeth or make their beds.

It also helps both parents stay on the same page. Meal planning and organised grocery shopping is just one of the ways we stay organised for the week.

I cannot harp on any more about meal planning, 10 minutes on a Sunday night saves so much time, anxiety and money down the track.

With my meal plan sorted and grocery list in hand, I jump online and arrange an online order for parcel pick up.

You can even get it delivered, which for me is the greatest gift since sliced bread.

Fill in the gaps at one our amazing farmers markets and we are ready to roll.

Now, hopefully the week has gone as planned, but with kids, life and work, things can get turned upside down — and that’s okay — you just have to try to bring life back to the routine and plan.

With any luck, you can find yourself with some time to work towards your goals, your friendships or just be you.

Simple forward planning takes the stress out of life’s daily chores, adding a whole lot more time for fun and enjoyment with the people you love and doing things that bring you happiness.