A Simple Little To-Do List
In talking with friends earlier this week, I was reminded of this little thing that my daughter and I do each day when we’re laying out what we want to and need to do. She has lots of stickers and while many of them just end up on faces and walls, I do like that I can make some of them a bit more useful.
I always have a list of things that need to be done. I don’t ever fool myself into thinking I can get 20 things crossed off a list on any given day unless it means hiring a babysitter. So, I choose 3 things each day. What NEEDS to get done today and those get highlighted and are my to-dos for the day.
With my daughter, since she’s 4 and likes to be involved in everything, I give her stickers and she flips through and picks out stickers that show what she’d like to do that day. She puts them on the fridge, right next to my to do list so I don’t forget.
I usually tell her she can choose 3 things, but she loves stickers and gets overboard and sometimes more than 3 things end up on her list. On this particular day (this photo is from a few weeks ago), she must’ve been quite hungry seeing the food items she chose. And she wanted to go to the beach. In socks.
And sorry my fridge isn’t clean. It wasn’t on my list that day and I’m not perfect.
Do you have any ideas for making the to-do list more fun? I’d love to hear them!
September 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Hi Emily! This is a great philosophy. After raising three (well, not after, I am still raising), I can tell you from my own perspective that you cannot do it all (as hard as we try sometimes). Unless you have a staff. Even all the tools and electronic organizers and schedules and lists in the world do not give you more hours in the day. You can be more productive, for sure, but when you have children, super productivity isn’t always possible or even realistic. Setting our expectations to reality and to what our true priorities are makes the most sense. Sometimes kids just need us to be available to eat lunch at the beach in our socks. She’s got it right, that is what life should be all about!
Melissa
September 12th, 2008 at 11:06 am
too cute!
I’ve found that temporary tattoos are VERY helpful when trying to get my little man to do things. Also, hugs and kisses work wonders! “Oh you picked up your toys - well that deserves 3 hugs and kisses”. A tickle is always included! Now he gives me hugs and kisses when I announce that I completed something!
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September 12th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I have a slightly different approach, I think. If it is not “fun”, it’s not on the to-do list. Why waste my time?
There are obvious exceptions, of course, but for the most part, if it’s just going to sit there forever because I keep pushing it off, I have to question a) if I even want to do it, and b) what will happen if I don’t.
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September 12th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
That is SUCH a cute idea! My favorite way to tackle my to-do list is to make it really pretty! I used a variety of sharpies, list fun tasks along with boring ones, and add a doodle, maybe an affirmation or two. I’ve started sharing them on Flickr as well. There is just something FUN about reading other people’s lists!
http://flickr.com/photos/28307215@N07/2818866843/
September 12th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
HAHHAAHHAHAH! To the beach in socks, that’s classic.
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September 12th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
What a fantastic idea - I would probably get a lot more done if I actually wrote out a to do list. I’m inspired.
Alana @ Gray Matterss last blog post..Vanity Bench Makeover
September 12th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
I think Deepali hit the nail on the head by asking “what will happen if I don’t”? Since becoming ill and not being able to do as much around the house as I once did, I always ask myself that question. Will we get ill if the floors aren’t washed? How will those cobwebs on the lampshade really affect the quality of our lives? That kind of thing. Life’s too short.
Sharon Js last blog post..F is for Family Meals - Spaghetti Bolognese
September 12th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Love the idea Emily - what a great mom and daughter team you guys are!!
September 13th, 2008 at 12:39 am
You sound like you are already doing a fabulous job. It’s all about the balancing act, isn’t it?
Jen@Balancing Beauty and Bedlams last blog post..It started so beautifully…but wait…
September 13th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
I remember when my 3 kids were ages 1, 3, and 5. I was happy if I could accomplish one thing in a day. Seriously, it was impossible to do more. Just never forget that kids are young for such a short time, and that time is meant to be enjoyed. Enjoy every minute.
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