Bright Idea for Balancing it All


I am a mom, wife, teacher and blogger as many of you who read this blog are as well.  I am also finishing up my graduate degree.  A friend of mine recently asked me how I balance it all.  I thought I would share my thoughts on this with and show you how to create something that might help you out with this!


Here are my tips to help keep balance in my life:


Sit down with your husband/wife/significant other and decide on a daily stopping time meaning what time you will be home each night.




If I do have to do something at home, I try my hardest to wait until my kiddos go to bed.  That is usually when I blog and create for TpT because I want to have my time with my family.


At work, during my planning time as well as before and after school, I try to be as productive as I can be so I can spend the time with my family in the evenings.

Speaking of being productive....I want to show you how to create something to keep yourself on task at work (especially after school).  I create a wipe off check list of things I have to do each night before I leave.



I just create an image in PowerPoint, print it, and put it in a frame.  I got my frame from IKEA.  As I finish one of the things on my list, I use a dry erase marker to check it off.

My frame is a 5x7, but you could also use a 4x6 or 8x10 too.  Open PowerPoint and select Themes then Slide Size.  Choose the size of the frame you have.


Next format your background to something that you like then add a frame to make your writing really pop.  ***Remember that you will probably have a little of your sides covered by the picture frame so don't make the frame and writing go all the way to the edges.


Then choose one of your favorite fonts to make a title.  Add your "must do" items that need to be completed before you leave so that you are ready 100% in the morning.



Then add a small box next to each item so you can check them off as you complete.


Now all you need to do is print and stick it in your frame.  I love having this little checklist and it definitely helps me feel like I am being productive with my time and I am ready for the next day of school.



I hope you liked this bright idea!  If you did, you find other great ideas on my Instagram, Facebook, and TpT Store.



Don't forget to check out all the other amazing ideas by clicking on the link-up below.  :)




15 comments

  1. This is such a great post! Finding balance can be so tricky but with clear objectives, it can be done! Thank you for sharing these great ideas!

    Curls and a Smile

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just pinned this! I need these visual reminders at the end of each day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the only way I can keep myself focused and on track!

      Delete
  3. So important to keep balance in our lives. I am a work-a-holic, so I have to make myself take time for everything else! Thanks for the reminder!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great tips and I love the end-of-the-day checklist!

    Upper Grades Are Awesome

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love that end-of-the-day checklist! I am an early morning person, so I do a lot of my planning and organizing before school. I am not an afternoon person which means that the very tasks you listed sometimes get overlooked. This strategy would be really helpful to me! I am adding it to my Back-to-School To Do list. Thanks for the help and the hopefulness (That's probably not a word, but I like it so I'm using it anyway! :)

    Kim
    Finding JOY in 6th Grade

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you found this helpful! Hope you were able to create your checklist!

      Delete
  6. Thanks for sharing your super organisational tips. We certainly need to keep each other accountable to the boundaries we set. As passionate teachers we really could spend hours on end happily finding ways to enhance what we do.
    With thanks
    Julie :)
    Mrs Stowe’s Kinder Cottage

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love your ideas and the checklist is just what I need. Any chance you would share an editable version of yours? I tried to do my own following your directions, but I am obviously not tech savvy! Ugh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Christine, can you email me mrspauleyskindergarten@gmail.com and I will try to help you out!

      Delete
  8. I love your end of the day list-- so cute!

    My Bright Blue House

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you! I couldn't live without it.

    ReplyDelete