Toddlers can wreak havoc on our to-do lists. They have their own agendas, their own pace, and their own counterproductive actions (e.g., pulling all the books off the shelf after you’ve just replaced them). In order to increase the odds of actually completing my to-do list, I divide it into categories.
- Things I can involve my toddler in, like putting laundry in the dryer, cleaning up his toys (which also teaches him good habits), and watering the garden. Activities may take a little longer this way, but they become part of our playtime, rather than extra tasks for which I need to find time.
- Things I can do while he’s around but occupied, such as folding laundry, prepping dinner, and making phone calls to the cable company.
- Things I absolutely can’t do while he’s awake, but can manage while he’s napping. This includes anything involving hazardous chemicals, such as cleaning the bathrooms, as well as things that require quiet, such as writing this blog. (It’s hard to craft coherent sentences when there’s a small child pestering you to play online Elmo games with him.)
- Things I can’t do at all without someone else to help watch him. The vacuum cleaner noise scares him, and it’s too noisy to run while he’s napping, so this falls into the “when my partner gets home” category. Depending on how our respective days have gone, one of us will play with him outside while the other vacuums.
Once I’ve made this list, I try to adhere to it as much as possible. I don’t do Category 1 or 2 items while he’s napping, even though I could. This give me the most time possible for Category 3 items, which include the “save me from becoming Donna Reed and losing my sanity” activities like this blog. Obviously, items will shift categories over time, as my son’s habits and capabilities change. Soon, I’ll even be able to delegate tasks to him. Hopefully, he’ll see me coping well with housework and not getting stressed about it, and will view his tasks in a similar fashion. Dealing with our to-do lists isn’t just for our own purposes anymore, but sets an example for our children. I hope these hints help you with yours.