Organize Yourselves

Many households across America live amid constant turmoil and stress; we all know them, they are members of our own families, they’re our neighbors and our friends.  While others seem to live in peace and harmony, these families, no matter how hard they try, havoc monster lurks around every corner. 

What I have come to realize, it’s not an eternal case of bad luck on their part, it’s a lack of organization.  It’s an indisputable fact that disorganization and harmony cannot coexist.  Here are a few helpful hints:

• Appoint a family “Organizer.” It can be the mom or dad, or a child old enough to be responsible with    the task.  Don’t be afraid to appoint someone with no organizational skills; it will help them to grow.
• Run your household like a business with a president and vice president and other cabinet members depending on the size of your family.
• Every evening, the Organizer will collect and record every calendaring event on a centrally located calendar for all to see.  
• The president will then assign every responsibility necessary to complete the day’s occasions.
• Many household chores can be completed daily instead of weekly making the task short and simple rather than long and arduous; children cleaning their rooms are a good example.  Fifteen minutes before bedtime has worked for us.
• Have one evening a week to hold a family council.  Any grievances can be voiced and remedies discussed.  In this council you can also set family goals and plan family vacations.  Don’t be afraid to enlist input from even the youngest of family members.
• During one of your first family councils, involve all family members in establishing a family mission statement.  Print it out and frame it as a constant reminder.
• Institute a family set of laws for all to follow and have the children establish the consequences for breaking the law.   
• Most importantly, a family is a democracy not a dictatorship.